Gia Bella Ellis Gia Bella Ellis 5'8" | RS/OH Viewpoint | 2030 CA described a player whose confidence is growing alongside her physical development.

After three years with CPA, she talked about becoming stronger, more explosive, and more complete as an athlete, improvements that became very real for her during the event while competing in multiple challenge finals and consistently reaching the 9-foot line.

What makes Gia especially interesting is how balanced her growth appears to be. She credited Coach Chris for helping her become more confident offensively while also improving defensively, while strength training with Coach Lynn has continued elevating her jumping ability and explosiveness.

The long-term approach to her development is very clear.

So are her goals.

This summer she plans to continue building strength, improving conditioning, competing in beach volleyball, attending camps, and pushing her approach jump from 9.1 to 10 feet.

Beyond volleyball, Gia also shared how leadership opportunities away from the court are helping shape who she is becoming. Serving as a student council senator and leading discussions during World Ready Week about the pressures student-athletes face reflects a level of maturity that coaches value quickly.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Gia Bella Ellis Gia Bella Ellis 5'8" | RS/OH Viewpoint | 2030 CA applies steady offensive pressure from the right side, using her attacking strength to score consistently and demand defensive adjustments. Recognizing the importance of complete skill balance, she is dedicating focused sessions to improve serve receive technique and confidence, expanding her value beyond scoring. Her season goals combine competitive ambition with a desire to earn recognition through performance, signaling internal standards rather than external validation. Her involvement in competitive debate sharpens quick thinking and composure, qualities that translate into smarter in-system and out-of-system decisions.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Gia Bella Ellis Gia Bella Ellis 5'8" | RS/OH Viewpoint | 2030 CA | Pin Hitter (Either Side)

Ellis brings swagger and intensity to the antenna. Her approach is explosive, and she attacks with a high-contact point that gives her a clear edge in transition. What stood out most was her relentless competitiveness — she wants the ball, especially in pressure points. She thrives on big swings and plays with a fearless edge. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Expect this club season: continued growth as a six-rotation threat and a more refined serve-receive presence.

Gia is building a stronger, faster, and more accurate swing, timing her jumps to catch sets just in front of the block. She’s been intentional about refining her power and placement. The showcase gave her the competitive environment she wanted, one that allowed her to test her progress, measure herself against top competition, and learn from new coaches. She said. “It’s a great opportunity to challenge myself and see how I stack up.”

A personal goal for Gia this season is to increase her vertical and use that explosiveness to elevate her offense. She wants coaches to remember her as a player who’s “really coachable,” who gives her best effort in every drill, and who brings energy and focus to every rep.

Fun fact: Gia was inducted into her school’s French Honor Society in sixth grade, something she’s proud of because it reflects her love for learning and her drive to challenge herself on and off the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Congratulations to Gia Bella Ellis Gia Bella Ellis 5'8" | RS/OH Viewpoint | 2030 CA , Class of 2030, for being named a Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase!

Click here to view her highlights