Nine California High Schools Ranked in MaxPreps Top 50

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>California volleyball continues to raise the bar on the national stage. According to <strong>Aaron Williams of MaxPreps</strong>, nine programs from the Golden State landed in this week's <em>Top 50 National Rankings</em> after making early-season statements. From perennial powerhouses in Southern California to NorCal programs pushing into the national conversation, California volleyball isn't just competing with the country's best, it's shaping the standard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For families, players, and fans, it's another reminder of just how strong the game is in California right now. For college coaches, it's a spotlight on programs producing not only high-level committed talent but also a deep pool of uncommitted players ready to make their mark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#2 Mater Dei</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Monarchs remain firmly at No. 2 in the MaxPreps Top 50, and their sweep of Los Alamitos is another reminder of why they sit among the national elite. [player_tooltip player_id='482047' first='Westley' last='Matavao'] (UCLA commit) continues to prove why she's one of the nation's premier pins, combining a powerful arm with the ability to finish rallies at the highest level. [player_tooltip player_id='772595' first='Kaia' last='Ciszewski'] (UC Irvine commit) adds steadiness as a six-rotation outside, blending ball control with a competitive edge that translates seamlessly to the college game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Mater Dei truly dangerous is its depth across every position. Committed standouts include [player_tooltip player_id='391915' first='Tiani' last='Shaw'] (Boston College commit), [player_tooltip player_id='850183' first='Lizzy' last='Robinson'] (Oregon commit), [player_tooltip player_id='451716' first='Kate' last='Scherlacher'] (NYU commit), [player_tooltip player_id='455792' first='Emma' last='Kingston'] (Cal commit), [player_tooltip player_id='228678' first='Layli' last='Ostovar'] (USC commit), [player_tooltip player_id='391082' first='Addison' last='Coady'] (USC commit), and Sam Capinpin (Cal State Bakersfield commit). Surrounding them is a deep group of uncommitted talent with big upside: [player_tooltip player_id='533581' first='Kalea' last='Lee'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='546559' first='Savanah' last='Capinpin'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='227273' first='Soraya' last='Dennis'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='482014' first='Ahnika' last='Smith'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='747484' first='Malu' last='Rodrigues'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='511139' first='Sierra' last='Robinson'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='540826' first='Paige' last='Linden'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='775543' first='Shewa' last='Adefemiwa'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='747547' first='Syriana' last='Messy'] (2027), and Madi Dolsophon (2027). Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='748210' first='Jael' last='Smith'] (2029) is already gaining valuable experience, showing that even the youngest players are being prepared for the demands of one of California's most competitive gyms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 2-0 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Trinity League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 6:00pm at Trinity Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#3 Sierra Canyon</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trailblazers hold steady at No. 3 in the MaxPreps Top 50, proving why they're one of the most dangerous programs in the country. [player_tooltip player_id='545313' first='Hanna' last='McGinest'] (2026) and Eva Jeffries (2027) have already combined for more than 150 kills in their first 10 matches, giving Sierra Canyon a dynamic one-two punch at the net. Their only two setbacks came against top-ranked Byron Nelson at Ann Kang, showing they can trade points with the very best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This roster is loaded from top to bottom. The front line features Kendall Omoruyi (Nebraska commit), [player_tooltip player_id='338908' first='Lucky' last='Fasavalu'] (Mizzou commit), and [player_tooltip player_id='475609' first='McKenna' last='McIntosh'] (USC commit). Around them are athletes who add balance and depth: Madeleine Zaragoza (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='725857' first='Arpi' last='Saryan'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='782106' first='Olive' last='Shum'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='480605' first='Kalyani' last='Olive'] (2026), and [player_tooltip player_id='713477' first='Zion' last='“Ziggy” Rex'] (2026). In the backcourt, Denise Barakat (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='489859' first='Charlie' last='Bronson'] (2026), and Leah Madriaga (2026) provide steady defensive presence. Younger players [player_tooltip player_id='474505' first='Raneighla' last='Gonzalez'] (2028), [player_tooltip player_id='778947' first='Daisy' last='Brown'] (2029), and Cassie Smith (2029) are already gaining varsity experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 9-2 <strong>League Standing: </strong>3rd in Mission League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 5:30pm vs Santa Margarita</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#4 Marymount</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sailors are off to a 5–0 start and now head to the Hawaii Island Labor Day Classic, another chance to showcase their depth before taking on the gauntlet of the Durango Fall Classic later this fall. With a tradition of excellence and a roster stacked with talent, Marymount continues to be a fixture near the top of the MaxPreps Top 50.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors bring proven leadership: [player_tooltip player_id='482026' first='Grace' last='Jamison'] (Lafayette College commit), Samantha Destler (Washington commit), [player_tooltip player_id='828308' first='Frankie' last='Jones'] (Brown commit), [player_tooltip player_id='809410' first='Declan' last='Eastman'] (Rice commit), [player_tooltip player_id='482032' first='Makenna' last='Barnes'] (Northwestern commit), [player_tooltip player_id='807693' first='Presley' last='Jones'] (Amherst commit), [player_tooltip player_id='482022' first='Elle' last='Vandeweghe'] (SMU commit), [player_tooltip player_id='391119' first='Olivia' last='Penske'] (2026), and [player_tooltip player_id='757307' first='Gabriella' last='Bartle'] (2026).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior class is deep and talented, with Morgan McCormack (2027), Brooke Salo (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='828104' first='Katelyn' last='Oerlemans'] (Stanford Beach commit), [player_tooltip player_id='511345' first='Karys' last='Campos'] (2027), Khloe Wiggins (2027), Liza Lowe (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='482030' first='Leighton' last='Devereux'] (2027), and [player_tooltip player_id='742925' first='Samantha' last='Nugent'] (2027). Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='542274' first='Avery' last='Bennett'] (2028), [player_tooltip player_id='768761' first='Esme' last='Althouse'] (2028), and Aston Santos (2028) are already gaining meaningful varsity experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 5-0 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Mission League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 3:00pm vs Ironwood Ridge at Hawaii Island Labor Day Classic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#9 Redondo Union</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sea Hawks jumped into the top 10 this week after continuing their hot start. At 9–1, Redondo has leaned on depth and balance. Securing the win against Long Beach Poly, they will face Bishop Montgomery next. Redondo's ability to develop complete players continues to translate to success at the highest levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior class features [player_tooltip player_id='391411' first='Marlo' last='Libbey'] (2026), Rhea Khindri (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='772585' first='Kaelyn' last='Hamm'] (2026), Ashley Resendez (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='712189' first='Avery' last='Junk'] (Florida State Beach commit), Addy Choi (Oregon Beach commit), [player_tooltip player_id='391083' first='Taylor' last='Boice'] (UC Irvine commit), Rowan DeVore (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='391080' first='Abby' last='Zimmerman'] (Cal commit), Ava Rumminger (2026), Emmi Ravenscroft (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='800369' first='Addi' last='Junk'] (Florida State Beach commit), Lauren Medrano (2026), and Paloma Sullivan (2026). Juniors include Linnaea Nielsen (Cal Poly Beach commit), [player_tooltip player_id='780729' first='Leah' last='Blair'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='536929' first='Abbie' last='Hairrell'] (Oregon State commit), and Gabriela Kumagai (2027). The underclass core features Makaela Munzon (2028), Ellie Smith (2028), and [player_tooltip player_id='771479' first='Braunwyn' last='Brown'] (2028).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 9-1 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Bay League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 5:00pm at Bishop Montgomery</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#11 Mira Costa</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs made one of the biggest moves of the week, climbing five spots after a gritty five-set win over Torrey Pines. They swept Harvard-Westlake on Tuesday, who put up a great defensive game against Costa. [player_tooltip player_id='391077' first='Audrey' last='Flanagan'] (Wisconsin commit), fresh off international duty with the U21 U.S. National Team, led the charge with 18 kills. [player_tooltip player_id='401372' first='Simone' last='Roslon'] (Stanford commit) added another 17, while setter [player_tooltip player_id='391092' first='Milly' last='McGee'] (USC commit) kept the offense humming with 43 assists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors include [player_tooltip player_id='807648' first='Cayenne' last='Ceman'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='394276' first='Bridget' last='Blu'] (Cal Poly commit), Reese Stinger (Penn commit), [player_tooltip player_id='809314' first='Jordan' last='Shelor'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='339983' first='Sage' last='Meidroth'] (DePaul commit), and Landry Tucker (2026). The juniors are deep and talented, with [player_tooltip player_id='545293' first='Liliana' last='Swanson'] (2027), Sai Gbajabiamila (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='780567' first='Brynn' last='Barry'] (San Diego commit), [player_tooltip player_id='839791' first='Madison' last='Young'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='777202' first='Jayden' last='Meyer'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='807993' first='Allyn' last='Hilt'] (Washington Beach commit), Izzy Basilio (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='482044' first='Sofia' last='Sala'] (2027), Lerin Roslon (Florida State Beach commit), [player_tooltip player_id='482018' first='Brooke' last='Jadon'] (2027), and Dempsey Clancy (2027).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 6-3 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Bay League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 9/4 6:00pm at Marymount</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#12 Torrey Pines</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the setback to Mira Costa, the Falcons hold a strong top-15 position in the MaxPreps Top 50 and now head to Texas for the always-tough Volleypalooza. The defending Open Division finalist program is no stranger to big stages, and this early road test will be another chance to sharpen their competitive edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors lead the way: [player_tooltip player_id='467596' first='Jaycee' last='Mack'] (Baylor commit), [player_tooltip player_id='828351' first='Marina' last='Vosloo'] (Arizona commit), [player_tooltip player_id='710193' first='Danica' last='Nordlicht'] (Columbia commit), [player_tooltip player_id='391095' first='Samantha' last='Krystkowiak'] (Stanford Beach commit), [player_tooltip player_id='391079' first='Finley' last='Krystkowiak'] (Penn commit), and Sienna Barry (WPI commit). Juniors add balance: [player_tooltip player_id='545288' first='Sophia' last='Wu'] (2027), [player_tooltip player_id='493205' first='Emery' last='Gonzales'] (Santa Clara commit), [player_tooltip player_id='534502' first='Lila' last='Green'] (Kansas commit), [player_tooltip player_id='617115' first='Lilia' last='Decker'] (Loyola Chicago commit), and [player_tooltip player_id='545226' first='Stella' last='Delgadillo'] (2027). Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='616624' first='Parker' last='Herrin'] (2028), Ari Robinson (2028), [player_tooltip player_id='759009' first='Dylan' last='Kupiec'] (2028), [player_tooltip player_id='787902' first='Shayla' last='Barry'] (2028), Isabella Brown (2028), and Kenna Wilkinson (2028) are part of a strong core, while freshman Sophie Gallardo (2029) is gaining varsity experience.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 1-1 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Coastal League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 4:15pm vs Rockwall at Volleypalooza in Texas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#13 Cathedral Catholic</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending CIF Open Division champions check in at No. 13 in the MaxPreps Top 50 and will soon test themselves at the Volleypalooza in Texas. With a young but talented roster and a program built on tradition, the Dons are poised to find their rhythm as the season progresses and should be a dangerous matchup by the time postseason play arrives.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seniors include [player_tooltip player_id='535011' first='Nora' last='Bono'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='502070' first='Bryce' last='Buchner'] (Tufts commit), [player_tooltip player_id='712220' first='Allison' last='Dzieciuch'] (2026), Lauren Hanson (Lubbock Christian commit), [player_tooltip player_id='809637' first='Kensley' last='Hennessy'] (Colorado commit), [player_tooltip player_id='828568' first='Sophia' last='Johnson'] (2026), [player_tooltip player_id='391089' first='Madyson' last='McCarthy'] (Lipscomb commit), [player_tooltip player_id='555171' first='Jaiden' last='Pierson'] (Cal State Dominguez Hills commit), Kathryn Schneider (2026), and [player_tooltip player_id='818613' first='Bianca' last='Slone'] (2026). Juniors feature Joi [player_tooltip player_id='545272' first='Olivia' last='Greenwood'] (2027), JoJo Wilson (Stanford Beach commit), and [player_tooltip player_id='545226' first='Stella' last='Delgadillo'] (2027). Sophomores [player_tooltip player_id='778944' first='Samantha' last='Saba'] (2028), [player_tooltip player_id='694132' first='Harper' last='Goff'] (2028), [player_tooltip player_id='515418' first='Emilie' last='LaSala'] (2028), and [player_tooltip player_id='787194' first='Ana' last='Laverty'] (2028) are gaining meaningful reps. Freshmen [player_tooltip player_id='765941' first='Sierra' last='Aswad'] (2029), [player_tooltip player_id='770227' first='Zoe' last='Merz'] (2029), and [player_tooltip player_id='700675' first='Baylee' last='Wilson'] (2029) round out a strong pipeline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 0-0 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in City - Western League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 10:00am vs Brandeis at Volleypalooza in Texas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mitty and Saint Francis Round Out the Top 50</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#26 Archbishop Mitty</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Monarchs open the season at No. 26 in the MaxPreps Top 50, carrying the weight of one of Northern California's richest volleyball traditions. Year after year, Mitty reloads with new talent, and this fall should be no different as the program looks to climb back into the national top tier. Even without an official roster released on MaxPreps, one thing is clear. Mitty continues to develop high-IQ setters and dynamic pins who step into meaningful roles early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 0-0 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Western Catholic League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/28 6:30pm vs Menlo-Atherton </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#43 Saint Francis (Mountain View)</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lancers open in the Next 25 at No. 43, giving Northern California another national presence in the MaxPreps Top 50. Known for their disciplined, team-first culture, Saint Francis is built on consistency and fundamentals, and they will be a factor as league play heats up with room to climb higher in the weeks ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 0-0 <strong>League Standing: </strong>1st in Western Catholic League <strong>Next Match</strong>: 8/29 4:30pm vs Los Gatos </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">California's National Impact</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With nine programs in the latest MaxPreps Top 50, California's dominance is once again on full display. The state not only boasts perennial powerhouses like Mater Dei, Sierra Canyon, and Marymount, it also showcases incredible depth through programs such as Redondo, Mira Costa, Torrey Pines, Cathedral Catholic, Mitty, and Saint Francis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For college coaches, the message is clear. The Golden State continues to produce talent across every position, and the uncommitted athletes within these nationally ranked programs are proving themselves against the country's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the full MaxPreps Top 50 National Rankings and complete analysis, check out <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/news/rgkwUn-CP0qmqY0nTpU89w/mira-costa%2c-allen-and-alpharetta-make-big-jumps-in-this-weeks-maxpreps-top-25-high-school-volleyball-rankings.htm">Aaron Williams' original article on MaxPreps.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📸 For schools or organizations that may be interested in booking Charlie Kaine Photography services: 🛜 https://www.charliekainephotography.com/ 📧 studio@charliekaine.com 📞 424-274-1239</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":770392,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_b3bd7c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770392" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>✨ <strong>Help a player get discovered </strong>— share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770394,"width":"98px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong>prospect index</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Throughout August, as tryouts, preseason training, and early matches unfold, high school players enter a critical stretch of growth, leadership, and visibility. It's the perfect time to read, share, and support their journey.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🔥 <strong>Players</strong> — Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to go further? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>📣 <strong>Club Coaches &amp; Directors</strong> — Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them loudly. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility is everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🎯 <strong>College Coaches</strong> — Tag these athletes in your University Athlete app and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. We're tracking their performance, growth, and impact through <em><strong>Recruitable Credentials</strong></em> — earned indicators college coaches recognize. Follow their journey with us and connect with athletes built for the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🙏 <strong>Parents &amp; Supporters</strong> — Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->