Blake Gurney Blake Gurney 5'9" | DS/L/S Mira Costa | 2028 CA is growing through two big changes at once.

Gurney is a junior libero. In May, she told us she was transitioning from setter to libero and described herself as a gamer who plays with drive and grit. In June, she said leadership and staying present when the game sped up translated best at a college showcase.

Blake’s Voice
“The most important thing in these matches is to stay present and be able to move on from mistakes and stay consistent and confident, especially in the back. Moving schools and switching from setter to libero at the same time has pushed me to grow so much as a player. I’m playing with and against some of the best players in the country, and our coaches expect the best from us every day, so I’ve put in extra work all season to make sure I’m ready for whatever my team needs from me in the back. I think the big advantage we have over the other teams is how close we all are, we are genuinely playing for each other and that’s why I am so confident in our ability to win it all.”

Staying present is the same trait she named at a showcase in June, and it fits the job. She has made two big changes in one year and talks about both without excuses. Coaches evaluating liberos should note how often she brings it back to what her team needs from her in the back.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Blake Gurney named Top Performing Middle Blocker at 7/31/26 SoCal StockUp Showcase, Irvine, Ca.

Blake Gurney was an effective middle who excelled in transition offense. She attacked slides and quick three sets with confidence while consistently finding open areas of the court to score.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

One of the benefits of attending a college camp is hearing different voices.

For Blake Gurney, that became one of the most valuable parts of the experience.

Athletes spend most of the season working with the same coaches, hearing the same terminology, and viewing the game through a familiar lens. This camp offered a chance to hear how different college coaches evaluate players and what details stand out to them.

That perspective reinforced something Blake already seems to embrace.

Growth requires ownership.

Whether it was communication, body language, or defensive decision-making, she recognized that development does not happen by accident. Athletes have to be willing to absorb information, apply it, and continue building their game.

As the day progressed, she found herself leaning into leadership and communication, two qualities that naturally fit the libero position.

With Nationals, beach tournaments, camps, and training all ahead, Blake’s summer schedule is full. The willingness to continue learning from different coaches may end up being one of her greatest assets.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Blake Gurney effort level is difficult to ignore. She covers ground well, competes for every ball, and consistently brings an aggressive defensive mindset that allows her to impact rallies beyond the initial contact.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Blake Gurney enters this stage of development as a versatile athlete transitioning from setter to libero, and her responses reflected a player embracing adaptability and coachability. She spoke about wanting to showcase her passing, energy, and court presence, while also emphasizing the importance of body language and emotional consistency.

Gurney repeatedly referenced staying positive, composed, and confident during competition. Those details matter because coaches consistently evaluate how athletes stabilize environments when matches become stressful. Her ability to combine grit, competitiveness, and emotional steadiness gives her a strong developmental foundation moving forward.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247