When I evaluated Carolina Delaney at the PNQ in 2025, my takeaway was simple: she knows how to win. When I spoke to her club coach, Katie Pease, she told me, “Carolina is a player you need to have on your radar.” That radar has only gotten louder.

Her biggest jump this year came from the weight room.

“I focused a lot on strength training in the offseason, and I think that’s made the biggest difference in my game. I’m stronger and more powerful, which has helped me hit harder, be more physical at the net, and play with more confidence.”

Strength paired with her skill set is a dangerous combination. She already had the shots. Now she has the power to finish them against bigger blocks. She plays with the mindset of a six-rotation outside, and that is how she sees her role.

“As an outside hitter, I want to be someone my team can rely on in all six rotations. I’m proud of how I’ve stayed focused, supported my teammates, and continued to compete throughout the season.”

After NTDP the summer before her sophomore season, Carolina said the coach who made the biggest impression on her was Pepperdine’s Hillary Hurley, who taught her how to dive on the block. Her connection to Pepperdine goes back even further than that.

“I’ve loved Pepperdine ever since my grandparents took me to a game there when I was in sixth grade. I’ve also attended volleyball camps there and had the opportunity to get to know the program, which made it feel like an even better fit for me. I love the location and beautiful campus, and I really appreciate how invested the coaches are in their players and the relationships they build with them. Pepperdine feels like a great fit for my personality, and I can see myself growing there as both a player and a person.”

Pepperdine is getting a pin who wins with poise and now with power, and who has loved the Waves since she was in sixth grade.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA is the engine of this Marin Catholic attack, and she proved it in both the front-and-back-row against a Marymount team that never let up. She transitions with ease and consistently gets her feet set under the ball before contact, the kind of quiet, repeatable footwork that lets her play tall and finish at the net possession after possession. She continues to be the type of front-and-back-row threat that forces opposing defenses to respect every rotation she’s in.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA Ranked #68 – Prep Dig Class of 2028 National Rankings

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA , a 2028 outside hitter from Absolute 16 Black, valued the opportunity at NTDP to refine her attacking game. “I really enjoyed learning more techniques for swinging off of the block and aiming for high hands,” she said. “I’m excited to implement that in the upcoming season.”

The pillar that resonated most with Carolina was Mind. “We worked a lot on breathing techniques and staying disciplined in high-pressure situations,” she explained, noting how the focus on mental approach will help her stay composed on the court.

She found inspiration in Sofia Simic. “She had been to NTDP before and she was encouraging to everyone around her,” Carolina shared. “She was a hard worker and fought for every point.”

Among the coaches, Hillary Hurley from Pepperdine stood out. “I loved her consistent feedback and she was always there to hype us up,” Carolina said. “One thing she taught me was how to dive on the block.”

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA , Class of 2028, Outside Hitter
Earned an invite to the 2025 NTDP Summer Training Series (U17) in Hamilton, Ohio, held July 29 to August 1, 2025. This achievement is recognized as a Recruitable Credential.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA stays consistent on the outside and brings a calm, composed presence to her position. She uses the block to her advantage, snapping through seams and placing the ball with clear intention. Her shot selection shows maturity. She doesn’t force swings, instead she reads the defense and mixes power with control to keep plays alive and points coming. What stands out most is her growth. She has made huge strides this club season in her development, especially in how she approaches the game mentally and tactically. I truly believe she’s just getting started, and her ceiling is still rising. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA (2028) works hard to create offensive opportunities on the outside and contributes as a steady passer in serve receive. Her effort and court presence add value to every rotation. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Absolute 15 Black, featuring Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA , is scheduled to face TAV 15 Black Jason on June 26 at 9:00 AM on Court 49.

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA continues to be a force on the outside, combining power and shot variety to keep defenders off balance. She attacks the ball at sharp angles and brings just as much heat from the back row as she does in the front. Carolina’s ability to connect on tempo sets, even in out-of-system plays, shows her adaptability and offensive range. She also reads hitters well and controls her block with confidence. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Carolina Delaney Carolina Delaney 6'3" | OH/RS Marin Catholic | 2028 State #68 Nation CA brings consistency across the board, whether it’s her footwork, shot selection, or on-court communication, she executes with poise and purpose. Her blocking presence at the net adds another layer to her already well-rounded game.

While experience will only sharpen her further, she’s already performing at a standout level. With more reps and time on the court, Carolina is poised to take her game even higher.

There’s no better validation than a nod from a college coach, and when Coach Murray from Cal gave his stamp of approval after one of her thunderous hits, it was clear: Carolina was one of the top performers in the gym. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247