Dina Fa’alogo points to her communication with hitters as one of her steadiest strengths on the court, the kind of connective skill that keeps an offense running smoothly no matter who’s setting up the play. But the biggest shift in her game this season is confidence, and she’s refreshingly direct about where it came from. Her mom told her plainly that her confidence needed work, and rather than take it personally, Dina decided to prove it wrong. She’s not scared to compete now, and she credits that one honest conversation with pushing her to become more herself on the court rather than less.

That willingness to adapt on the fly is exactly what UA Next asked of her, competing alongside new players in a new environment and adjusting quickly enough to keep up. Looking ahead, she’s zeroed in on volleyball IQ and consistency as the two pieces she believes will elevate her game the most, a clear, self aware plan from an athlete who already knows how to turn a hard truth into forward motion.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Dina Faalogo Dina Faalogo 5'8" | S/RS Bonita Vista | 2030 CA named Top Performing Freshman Setter at 7/31/26 SoCal Showcase, Irvine, Ca.

Dina Faalogo Dina Faalogo 5'8" | S/RS Bonita Vista | 2030 CA demonstrated excellent timing on her jump sets, allowing her to maintain offensive tempo and keep her hitters in rhythm.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Dina Faalogo Dina Faalogo 5'8" | S/RS Bonita Vista | 2030 CA , a Class of 2030 setter from Bonita Vista High School in Chula Vista and Storm Volleyball Club, is the kind of young player that makes you stop and take notice because the natural feel for the setter position is simply already there. She distributes the ball very well to all of her hitters evenly and doesn’t allow the opposing defense to cheat to one side or the other. Her footwork showed a clean pattern throughout the showcase and she consistently got to her spot before the ball arrived, which is a technical detail that separates developing setters from ones who are truly ahead of the curve. There is also a competitive personality to her game that stands out at this age. She wants to be in charge of the point and she commands the court the way you want your setter to command it. Dina is one of the younger prospects in this article series and one of the more compelling ones. Please help us congratulate her on earning Top Performer honors at this showcase event. 

As one of the youngest setters in the gym, Dina Faalogo Dina Faalogo 5'8" | S/RS Bonita Vista | 2030 CA played with a level of poise and control well beyond her years. She ran the offense with effortless tempo and consistent accuracy, never looking rushed or overwhelmed in big moments. You wouldn’t have known she was one of the youngest on the floor.

What really stood out was her ability to deliver to the right side—clean, precise, and on time every single rep. She maintains a neutral body position through contact, disguising her intentions and keeping blockers guessing. A polished, composed setter with a very high ceiling. We also noticed that she was one of the first ones in the gym, ready to ball out from the beginning.

Dina Faalogo Dina Faalogo 5'8" | S/RS Bonita Vista | 2030 CA brings versatility across multiple positions, with a focus on setting and overall competitiveness. Her willingness to contribute in different roles suggests an early understanding of team needs, while her interest in incorporating setter dumps shows an awareness of how to apply pressure offensively and stay unpredictable. There is a developing sense of decision-making within her role as she looks to expand how she impacts the game.

Her response reflects a player who values team connection and consistent encouragement, with an emphasis on supporting teammates throughout play. There is a clear team-first mindset, along with an understanding of how energy and communication contribute to overall performance.

She has been working on developing her setter dumps to become a more aggressive and dynamic option within the offense. That focus on adding layers to her game suggests a willingness to step outside of predictable patterns and continue expanding her skill set.

Her decision to attend this showcase comes from a desire to gain exposure, compete against players from different areas, and challenge herself outside of her comfort zone.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Dina Faalogo Dina Faalogo 5'8" | S/RS Bonita Vista | 2030 CA | 2030 Setter

Faalogo played with a maturity well beyond her class year, showing natural leadership and court vision. Despite being one of the youngest, her hustle level matched — and often exceeded — older competition. She consistently sprinted to her target, kept her body square, and delivered controlled, balanced sets even under pressure. What stood out most was her persistence — she refused to let a broken play die. Dina showed the foundations of a future high-level setter with her work ethic, anticipation, and drive. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Dina plays with an upbeat, calm energy that steadies everyone around her. She’s been working on her mindset, focusing on resetting quickly after every point so she can stay present and play her best. “I’ve been focused on improving my mindset and moving on to the next point,” she said. At the showcase, she embraced new rhythms and teammates with a smile, learning from every rally while keeping her energy positive.

For Dina, growth is about attitude as much as skill. “I want coaches and other players to remember that I’m a positive person,” she said. That simple message sums up her entire approach to the game. She’s coachable, composed, and willing to learn from every situation that comes her way. Fun fact: She was born in American Samoa and moved to the United States when she was two. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247