As June 15th gets closer, Izzie has become a name that continues to gain traction with Division I programs across the country. She has built a reputation as a dependable, high motor defender who consistently stabilizes her team in serve receive while making difficult defensive plays look routine.

Izzie serve receive ability is what immediately stands out. She reads servers early, stays balanced through contact, and consistently delivers clean, accurate passes against high-level pace. Even when teams target her heavily, she remains composed and efficient, showing advanced platform control and the ability to keep her team in system. Defensively, she covers an impressive amount of court with quick reactions and elite anticipation that you don’t see from a ton of liberos.

She already looks capable of competing in high-level national matchups while still having significant room for growth physically and technically. As college coaches begin reaching out on June 15th, expect her to be one of the defensive specialists that programs prioritize early because of her ability to impact winning at a high level.

Another top libero, and in all reality it is 1A and 1B with Izzie and Anabelle, as they are both game changing liberos. Izzie is also elite with her footwork and moves effortlessly from serve receive, to coverage, and transitions to defense. She excels in serve receive with a calm, composed platform and the ability to adjust to difficult serves while still keeping her team in system. Her serving is another major strength, as she consistently delivers aggressive, well-placed balls that create pressure and force opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations. She understands how to target seams and weak rotations and force the other team out of system.

On the flip side she also do a lot for her team on the defensive end. She seems to read the court and game well and gets a great jump on the ball to get elite level touches. Even playing against high level competition at the open level for NQ’s she still is able to read those hitters/teams and get in the best position to pass the ball for her team.

Her game is smooth and flawless, on top of the fact she has a extremely high court IQ. With Izzie, you get a all around player who can help her team in so many ways as a libero. We saw so many great things out of Izzie this year and can’t wait to see her represent AZ at the national level.

Izzie Penrose Izzie Penrose 5'8" | DS/L Casteel | 2028 State AZ brought emotional steadiness and leadership clarity to the tournament. While being named All-Tournament is significant, her emphasis remained on team execution and collective success. That perspective was evident in her play. She maintained what she described as a “calm and collected demeanor,” helping stabilize tempo and reinforce confidence during extended rallies.

“I can elevate my game in the biggest moments,” Penrose noted, and that belief translated against elite early-season competition. Triple Crown provided the stage, and she responded with composure and presence. Her team-first mindset and controlled leadership were defining elements of her weekend.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Izzie Penrose Izzie Penrose 5'8" | DS/L Casteel | 2028 State AZ brings value in both serve receive and out-of-system situations, understanding how those moments directly support setter connection and team flow. Coming off her first full club season as a libero, she is intentional about developing every aspect of the position, with a strong emphasis on aggressive serve receive and serving pressure. Penrose consistently references energy and communication as non-negotiables, and her goals extend beyond individual growth to guiding her team toward a national championship in 16 Open. Her competitive mindset and measurable athletic goals speak to an athlete who sets standards and works with purpose.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Izzie Penrose Izzie Penrose 5'8" | DS/L Casteel | 2028 State AZ named MVP at PrepDig’s Exposure Tour in Mesa, AZ.

Izzie earned MVP recognition for her ability to impact the game from anywhere on the court. Coach Kindle described her as an outstanding athlete who can be plugged into any role and execute when needed. Izzie was a constant presence, pushing teammates to be better through her energy, communication, and competitive consistency.

Izzie shared that her strongest skills are out of system play and serve receive, and she showed confidence in both throughout the showcase. She is focused on being aggressive and intentional in serve receive while continuing to grow in the libero role after completing her first full club season at the position last year. Her personal goals include improving connection with setters, maintaining consistent energy, and helping guide her team toward a National Championship in 16 Open.

Even as a libero, Izzie sets high athletic standards for herself, noting that she has already touched 9’10.5 and aims to reach a 10-foot approach touch by graduation. Her mindset, versatility, and leadership made her the clear MVP of this court.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Izzie Penrose Izzie Penrose 5'8" | DS/L Casteel | 2028 State AZ proved throughout the showcase exactly why she’s ranked as the top libero in her class and the No. 4 overall player. She consistently displayed elite defensive skills and pinpoint accuracy in serve receive, but what truly sets her apart is her complete team-first mentality. When her team found itself short a player and the coach needed someone to step into a front-row role, Izzie didn’t hesitate. She embraced the challenge and performed at a high level, showcasing her athleticism, versatility, and impressive vertical while playing out of position.

While her ability to adapt speaks volumes, the back row is where Izzie truly thrives. She is a setter’s dream, delivering clean, controlled first contacts that consistently keep the offense in system and allow plays to develop at full speed. Even in out-of-system situations, her poise and ball control shine—she rarely misses, placing attackable balls from anywhere on the court. Izzie’s combination of skill, composure, and selflessness makes her a game-changing libero and a player who elevates every team she steps on the court with.

Izzie Penrose Izzie Penrose 5'8" | DS/L Casteel | 2028 State AZ is no stranger to the pressure that comes with being a difference-making libero. Doing it at such a young age — and for one of the top programs in Arizona — makes her impact all the more impressive. She’s the kind of player who sets the standard for what a back-row specialist should be: composed under pressure, relentless on defense, and a leader by example.

This season, Penrose ranks 3rd among sophomores and 12th overall in the state of Arizona with an incredible 428 digs. Her all-around skill set shines beyond defense as well, with 51 aces and 57 assists adding to her stat line.

Penrose’s explosive defensive play makes a statement every time she steps on the court. One of her standout performances came against Hamilton in mid-October, when she recorded 19 digs and helped keep her team in system throughout an intense, down-to-the-wire matchup.

With her consistency, energy, and court presence, Izzie Penrose Izzie Penrose 5'8" | DS/L Casteel | 2028 State AZ continues to prove she’s one of the most exciting defensive players to watch in Arizona — and her best volleyball is still ahead of her.

Recently moving to Arizona, Izzie was a treat to watch at the DFC. She is a 6 rotation player and a very important piece on a talented, young Casteel High School team. Her experience as a “bro” really showed in serve/receive, as she directed traffic and would routinely take extra area of the court. Excellent ball control on passing and digging as she put her beach skills to work. I really liked how she was always ready to hit out of the back row from serve/receive and transitioning from defense to be an offensive option. Izzie also displayed great touch using her hands to take out of system balls and give an attacker a chance to swing. Blocking position was always good and she expertly drove off the net to get into attack position. The approach footwork was smooth and she always had control, staying behind the ball with good hip/shoulder separation. Serving was another great tool for her as she had other teams out of system on a regular basis. One of the most impressive things about her was how composed she was on the court no matter the opponent or the circumstances. A very important piece in Casteel’s fantastic run and 6th place finish.