Aurora Ridgeley-Mones has been playing volleyball for two years, and every part of her game reflects someone still discovering how much she’s capable of. Her hitting has taken off this season, and she can point to the exact signal that tells her coaches trust it: when her setter starts feeding her one sets in big moments, she knows the growth everyone has been talking about is actually showing up on the court.

The proudest she felt at camp wasn’t tied to a kill. It came from a hard dig she hustled to and turned into a point, the kind of play middles don’t always get credit for chasing down. That willingness to go get a ball outside her usual role says as much about her as any hitting stat could. She left camp holding onto a distinction she’s still working to live by: a good player believes she did everything right, while a great player keeps asking what else there is to improve. For an athlete only two years into the sport, that’s exactly the mindset that turns raw growth into a real career, and she’s carrying it into her final middle school season focused on sharpening her volleyball IQ and stepping into more of a leadership role.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Aurora Ridgeley-Mones Aurora Ridgeley-Mones 5'8" | RS/MB Portola | 2031 CA , a middle blocker and outside hitter from Cadence Park, brought steady hustle and energy to the SoCal UpNext Showcase. She focused on refining her arm swing, chasing down balls with purpose, and backing her teammates with consistent support. Her effort to stay engaged on every play highlighted both her competitiveness and her willingness to do the small things that lift her team.

Aurora shared that she is learning how to respond positively to feedback in turning instruction into improvement. She wants coaches to remember her as a great friend and teammate, someone who builds connections easily and looks forward to tournaments not just for the competition but also for the chance to meet new people. Away from volleyball, Aurora loves surfing and playing a variety of sports, showing the same adventurous spirit that she brings to the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Congratulations to Aurora Ridgeley-Mones Aurora Ridgeley-Mones 5'8" | RS/MB Portola | 2031 CA , Class of 2031, for being named a Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase!

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