Alyssa Parran was a 13 year old competing on a 15s team heading into UA Next, and that gap shows up in the most useful way in her game. Offensively, she trusted her swing and stayed aggressive, but the real growth this season has been learning that scoring isn’t only about hitting the ball as hard as she can. Placing it in the right spot, reading the block, and making the smarter play have become just as important to her as power, and that shift has made her a more complete attacker.

The feedback she received from the camp director stuck with her for a reason. He told her that her communication, enthusiasm, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership were the qualities that would carry her to higher levels, and specifically told her not to change the energy she brings to the court. He also gave her something concrete to work on: getting her left arm up during her approach to maximize her jump and hitting power. She’s already back in the gym on that correction, which says as much about her coachability as the original feedback says about her ceiling. Her plan from here is broad and specific at once, developing into a true six rotation outside who can pass, defend, and attack at a high level, while continuing to grow as a leader her teammates can count on.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247