Which Hitters Are Starting to Change Matches Right Now

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" id="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">This article was shared with 150+ college coaches. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: Coachable247</a>   The hitter position is built on solving the game when it is not perfect.   Out-of-system swings, off-tempo sets, unpredictable blocks, these are the moments where outsides are expected to find a way to score or keep the rally alive. The margin is small, and the decisions happen fast.   What stands out with this group is how they are starting to adjust in real time. Not forcing the same swing, not guessing, but recognizing what the defense is giving them and responding with purpose. Changing tempo, using different shots, creating angles, and finding ways to stay efficient even when the play breaks down.   This is where hitters begin to separate. Not just through power, but through how they think, adapt, and finish points.    [player_tooltip player_id='949973' first='Natalia' last='Gerber'] is learning how to stay efficient when the set doesn't give her a perfect swing. Instead of forcing power, she is recognizing when to adjust and use a more controlled shot to keep the rally in her team's favor and still find points.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I didn't stay on a heavy swing… I changed into a roll shot over the block and scored. </blockquote>   That ability to shift from power to control is a key step for an outside hitter, especially in out-of-system situations where decision-making matters more than speed.   She also brings a steady presence when her team needs to reset, helping maintain composure and keeping her group connected through momentum swings.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='841531' first='Nana' last='Hagan'] is stepping into the responsibility of creating points, not just waiting for perfect sets. She is learning how to trust her swing and stay aggressive even when the play is not clean, which is a defining trait for outsides at higher levels.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> No tip, no roll shot, just swing. </blockquote>   What stands out is the shift in mindset. She is no longer reacting to the defense, she is committing to her decision and applying pressure. That confidence is what allows outsides to take over stretches of a match.   As she continues adapting to the right side, her focus on blocking discipline and timing is adding another layer to her ability to impact both sides of the ball.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='943226' first='Alexandra' last='Schenkelberg'] is showing how outsides can impact the game even when they are not swinging. Her ability to read the play from the back row and commit to defensive actions is helping her team stay in rallies that could easily end.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I made the right move quickly and dove aggressively to get the ball… and we won the point. </blockquote>   That second-contact mindset is critical for outside hitters, especially in long rallies where transitions create scoring opportunities. She is not waiting for the next swing, she is helping create it.   She continues to build her serve receive and defensive movement, which will only increase her ability to stay involved and influence points from multiple positions on the court.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='846554' first='Ellyana' last='Padilla'] is starting to expand her scoring range by creating better space before contact, giving herself more options to see and attack the court. That adjustment is allowing her to swing with more control and place the ball more intentionally rather than relying on a single approach.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Getting outside of the court when getting ready to hit… made me hit a great ball and win my team a point. </blockquote>   What stands out is her willingness to add new scoring options. By continuing to develop her line shot, she is becoming less predictable and more difficult to defend, especially against teams that are giving that space.   She also contributes through communication in serve receive, helping organize seams and create better first contacts, which gives her more opportunities to stay involved offensively.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Oaklee Yeager brings a strong sense of awareness in the backcourt, recognizing positioning and staying engaged in plays that require range and effort. Her ability to read the ball and stay disciplined allows her to extend rallies and create second opportunities.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> If I'm in the backrow, I need to talk to my hitters… and when I'm in the front row, I need to talk to my backrow. </blockquote>   That mindset translated into a shift in team communication, helping her group reconnect and build momentum through consistent energy and voice.   She is currently focused on maintaining a more relaxed and positive approach, which is allowing her to play with greater confidence and consistency.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='848974' first='Olivia' last='Eastburn'] is showing growth in how she reads attackers at the net, recognizing tendencies and adjusting her block positioning to take away key scoring angles. That anticipation is allowing her to create stops that shift momentum.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I figured the hitter was going to hit line… and I ended up being right. </blockquote>   She also contributes through communication, helping her team stay composed and focused during key stretches.   Her continued work on expanding her offensive range, especially with sharper cross-court swings, is adding another dimension to her game.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='745424' first='Kamryn' last='Vargas'] is developing a more strategic offensive approach, recognizing when placement and control can be more effective than power. That decision-making is allowing her to create scoring opportunities against stronger blocks.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Making the smarter move… resulted in me scoring my team a point. </blockquote>   Her leadership shows in how she brings perspective and energy to her team, reinforcing a mindset that allows them to play more freely and confidently.   She is continuing to expand her defensive range, focusing on covering more court and staying active throughout rallies, which is increasing her overall impact.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='556914' first='Rylee' last='Welcome'] shows a strong team-first instinct, stepping into plays to create better opportunities for her hitters and keep the offense flowing. Her awareness in transition allows her to support the play even in unpredictable situations.   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> I made sure to step in and chase down the ball and get a good high set for my outside. </blockquote>   Her communication at the net also stands out, identifying open areas and helping guide her hitters toward high-percentage options.   She is continuing to develop her court awareness, improving her ability to read both blockers and defenders to make more informed decisions as an attacker.   ~ 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 one trait from this group, whether it's communication, composure, or decision-making, and apply it to your game this week. 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. 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