Not every setter needs height to run a room. Jessi proved that at the Prep Dig Up Next SoCal Showcase by making decisions that were a beat ahead of what the defense was prepared for on almost every possession throughout the day. She found angles in the offense that taller setters with less court awareness would have missed and she acted on them with a quickness and confidence that made her side of the net feel like it had a real point guard running it. The ball came off her hands cleanly and the location was consistent enough that her hitters trusted her early and never stopped. She kept the energy of the group positive throughout every segment of the event and competed with a spirit that was visible to everyone on the floor.

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA , a setter, called UpNext “an incredible opportunity to compete against talented athletes, challenge myself, and continue developing my skills.” She is looking for growth through competition, gaining experience, learning from strong opponents, and using the pressure of the moment to get better rather than just to be seen.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA demonstrated growth in both decision-making and execution, showing increased confidence in reading defenses and creating scoring opportunities, highlighted by an early dump kill that reflected intentional play design. Her defensive improvements and ability to generate consistent back set connections contributed to a more efficient and balanced offensive system.

Her development focus is centered on defensive consistency, transition reads, and refining set location under pressure, with coaching feedback reinforcing discipline in positioning and intentional decision-making throughout rallies.

Off the court, Duran maintains balance and personal expression, recently becoming a TIY ambassador while continuing to prioritize relationships and enjoyment outside of the game.

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA will compete next at Red Rock Rave from April 4th to April 6th.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA : Social Media Star of the Week

💡 Game You’re Proud Of

📲 Why This Post Mattered

🧠 What Coaches Should Know

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Competing at SCSN #2 in Ladera Ranch, Jessi contributed across all phases of the game, recording assists to every hitter while taking particular pride in her digging and passing. She is focused on developing quicker releases, continuing to deliver consistent sets to all attacking positions, and learning to better read the game to identify dumping opportunities. Turning 13 during the tournament, Jessi celebrated both her birthday and her team’s undefeated 3-0 (6-0) performance, describing the experience as a memorable and meaningful milestone.

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA will next compete at Coastal Combine #1.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Jessi Duran Jessi Duran 5'4" | S/DS/L Marymount | 2031 CA , a setter from Porter Ranch Community School, showed strong awareness and consistency at the SoCal UpNext Showcase. She explained that she had been focused on her passing as much as her setting, working to improve her serve receive and out-of-rotation touches. Competing alongside new teammates gave her the chance to test her skills in a faster environment while also reconnecting with friends.

Her goal was to learn how to run a smooth offense and build confidence in both her hitters and her liberos, noting that she wanted them to trust she could “get to any pass.” Jessi emphasized that she hoped coaches and players would remember her as both a dependable teammate and a good friend. She also brought her personality to the event, sharing that she has three older siblings and three dogs. With her sharp ball awareness and ability to keep her eyes locked in on the ball, she consistently put herself in position to make clean plays. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247