Locked In - NorCal Winter Classic 16 Open Elite

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This article is made possible by PrepDig subscribers. Thank you! ~ You can join with 30% off using code: Coachable247</a>   The NorCal Winter Classic 16 Open Elite division brought together some of the most competitive teams in the region, and with it, athletes tested in one of the highest-level environments available for this age group. This division demands composure, decision-making, and the ability to adjust under pressure, and the athletes featured below leaned into that challenge.   After the weekend, these players took the time to reflect not just on what went well, but on how they impacted their teams, where they are growing, and what they are intentionally working toward next. These are athlete-led evaluations, curated for college coaches who value self-awareness, accountability, coachability, and a clear improvement mindset. Each athlete competed in the 16 Open Elite division, shared honest takeaways from the court, and offered insight into who they are beyond volleyball, along with where they'll be playing next.    V'Estheriah reflected on the mental demands of competing in three-set matches and how her team stayed composed through the toughest moments in the division. She felt she helped her team most by playing “more mental than physical,” identifying open spots on the court and using those reads to score in pressure situations. Moving forward, her focus is on sustaining energy from start to finish, both mentally and physically, recognizing how encouragement, cheering, and learning from mistakes directly impact performance. Off the court, V'Estheriah brings that same energy into coaching, serving as a first-year assistant coach for 11-year-olds and finding motivation in helping others grow through the sport.   V'Estheriah will compete next at the NCVA League Qualifiers from January 31 to February 1.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Dylan showed strong in-game adaptability, especially after struggling early with tough serves. With coaching feedback, she adjusted her approach by prioritizing higher, controlled passes instead of trying to be perfect, which led to a noticeable improvement in her serve receive. She also took ownership of defensive organization, studying opponents during warm-ups and communicating adjustments to her team to increase defensive efficiency. Her next area of focus is improving right-side defense, staying more balanced so she can handle both hard-driven balls and short tips over the block. Off the court, Dylan uses her passion for baking to raise money for underprivileged youth by donating proceeds from her baked goods.   Dylan will compete next at the Power League Qualifier at Cal Expo on January 24–25.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Sammie embraced her role as a situational game-changer, coming off the bench in high-pressure moments and delivering when her team needed it most. She recorded key aces and strong serve receive passes in tight sets, approaching her role with the mindset that impact isn't defined by minutes played, but by readiness and execution. Looking ahead, she's focused on improving her ability to read the game, recognizing setter dumps, tips, and serve patterns to elevate her defensive awareness. Off the court, Sammie recently earned a 4.0 GPA in her first semester of high school, reflecting the same discipline she brings to the court.   Sammie will compete next at the NCVA Power League Qualifier on January 24–25.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Taya showcased versatility throughout the weekend, playing middle, opposite, and outside when her team needed her to step into different roles. She contributed across multiple skills, earning kills, aces, and quality passes that helped her team win key sets. Her next focus is on spot serving and fully closing the block, guided by coaching feedback to hit serving seams and press more effectively over the net. Off the court, Taya is coming off a dominant 6–0 tournament performance where her team finished first in gold, and she's currently maintaining straight A's with a 4.0 GPA.   Taya will compete next at the Las Vegas Showdown from February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     As a new addition to her team, Naima prioritized building trust and chemistry, leaning into a leadership role through vocal support and positive communication. Her coaches reinforced that her presence and encouragement were effective, and she took pride in helping teammates stay mentally engaged during tough moments. Skill-wise, she's been working closely with her coach on blocking fundamentals and began applying those technical adjustments in competition. Her main developmental focus is speeding up her transition off the net, eliminating hesitation after landing from blocks so she can become more consistently available offensively. Off the court, Naima serves as a PE helper for students with special needs, a role that's been both challenging and deeply rewarding, and one that has strengthened her sense of responsibility and empathy.   Naima will compete next at the NCVA Power Qualifier from January 31 to February 1.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Sophie's weekend highlighted her emotional leadership and resilience in difficult situations. After a tough first set in her team's opening match, she helped shift momentum by encouraging her teammates, recording a block on a big middle and earning three kills in the second set. Even after rolling her ankle later in the match, she reflected positively on her team's ability to adjust and stay composed. Her next focus is improving serve receive, specifically angling her platform more effectively to make her setter's job easier, while also being more intentional about expressing gratitude toward her family and coaches. Off the court, Sophie is a dedicated Pokémon collector and recently pulled a Gengar VMAX card, one of her top chase cards.   Sophie will compete next at the Las Vegas Classic from February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Alexis contributed through both skill execution and consistent energy, highlighting moments like a one-armed dig down the line, controlled serve receive, and using the block effectively on tool swings. She emphasized her role as an emotional spark, providing constant encouragement and support to her teammates. Her next area of development is expanding her defensive range, particularly attacking deep corners in middle-back and improving short-ball coverage as an off-blocker in the front row. Off the court, Alexis recently completed her high school application process, including interviews and academic submissions, and is now awaiting her decision with excitement.   Alexis will compete next at the NCVA Power League Qualifier on January 24.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Kaylen focused on distributing her offense, spreading the ball to give her hitters consistent opportunities while maintaining vocal leadership in close matches. She highlighted strong defensive moments, including pushing deep balls to the pins, executing a left-handed setter dump, and making quicker decisions by reading plays more effectively. Her next focus is improving ball placement and consistency, with coaching feedback centered on utilizing her middles more and setting with greater patience to establish tempo. Off the court, Kaylen describes herself as a hard worker who takes pride in efficiency across all areas, from school to reffing to personal growth, and she noted major progress in her ability to execute one-handed sets during the tournament.   Kaylen will compete next at the Las Vegas Classic from February 14–16.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2>   🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them. 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