Gia Bella Ellis plays with power, and she makes it clear that power is backed by real physical development. Her vertical jump has been the standout improvement of her season, and she connects it directly to nearly every other part of her offensive game, getting on top of the ball, creating sharper angles, and scoring against bigger blockers she wouldn’t have beaten a year ago. She specifically points to her ability to reach and finish line shots consistently as a recent area of growth, a shot that requires both the elevation and the touch she’s been building.

Her read on the UA Next competition was direct: with that much talent in one gym, effort and confidence were what actually separated players from each other. That’s already shaping her offseason. She’s treating this summer as strength and conditioning time, building her body so she can handle a demanding high school season at full power, while continuing to sharpen her defense and overall quickness. It’s a plan built by an athlete who already understands that talent gets you into the gym, but preparation is what lets you dominate once you’re there.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Gia Bella Ellis Gia Bella Ellis 5'8" | OH/RS Viewpoint | 2030 CA is stepping onto varsity as a freshman at Viewpoint School, and she’s doing it with her sights already set on 2030, when she wants to look back and know she helped build the program into something special. She wants coaches to notice her energy, athleticism, and power in transition, but just as much, her defensive read, tracking the ball and working relentlessly to keep plays alive. A coaching mentality shift changed how she attacks entirely, she was taught to swing with purpose and confidence instead of holding back, and that adjustment made her a more powerful, more effective hitter. Ellis is targeting a competitive Division I program long term, one built around a winning culture that pushes her to grow as a player, teammate, and person. She brings positive energy and a never-give-up mentality for her teammates, especially in tough moments, and she wanted to be part of the Freshman Showcase again after strong past experiences, hoping to keep growing and stay visible to college coaches.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Gia Bella Ellis Gia Bella Ellis 5'8" | OH/RS Viewpoint | 2030 CA Coleman is making a move with a clear purpose behind it. After building her foundation at her previous club, she is joining Sunshine Volleyball Club ‘s 15 LA team, a jump that puts her in the open division and in front of a coaching staff she specifically sought out for the level of challenge it offers.

The way she talks about the move says as much as the decision itself. This isn’t a break from what came before, it’s a continuation of it. She describes her prior club as the place that built her foundation, and Sunshine as where she intends to build on it. That kind of framing points to an athlete who sees her development as a through-line rather than a series of restarts, and who is actively seeking out competition that will accelerate her rather than settling for comfort.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

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

Click here to view her highlights