It all starts with a pass and Barnes was steady and reliable in it. She established an early platform in serve receive, read the ball well, and consistently passed off her midline. Her ability to get behind the ball and deliver quality passes allowed her team to stay in system and keep the offense flowing. Overall, solid, reliable job by her at the showcase.

Jada Barnes is knows that playing faster doesn’t always require moving faster. This season, one of her biggest breakthroughs has come from simplifying her footwork, trusting her positioning, and allowing disciplined movement to replace unnecessary urgency. The result has been a calmer, more controlled presence in serve receive and defense, giving her the confidence to stay balanced against stronger attacks while continuing to improve her ball control.

That composure extends well beyond her defensive technique. Barnes wants teammates to trust that every ball will be pursued with maximum effort, but she also understands the importance of resetting mentally after mistakes. A deep breath, relaxed shoulders, and a clear focus on the next point help her evaluate both sides of the court before communicating solutions to her teammates. It’s a mature approach that reflects a libero learning how to control the pace of the game instead of allowing the game to control her.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247