Kaeley ‘KJ’ Johnston: Social Media Star of the Week

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📲 Why This Post Mattered

🧠 What Coaches Should Know

Kaeley “KJ” Johnston

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

KJ is one of the youngest athletes in the gym yet her volleyball IQ is already advanced. She is focused on refining quick jump setting and running a faster offense that creates one-on-one opportunities. She wants more chances to run slides and creative patterns with her middles to open up the court.

Her edge comes from “mindset, communication, leadership.” What she hopes coaches notice most is her hustle, perseverance, and the ability to push through tough moments.

KJ loves to compete and never stops moving. She wants to be the setter who changes the energy and gives hitters confidence to swing with freedom. Working with older players has clearly elevated her skill set and each time I see her compete, I know I am watching a star in the making.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

For Kaeley “KJ” Johnston, the SoCal UpNext Showcase was as much about connection as competition. She was excited to invite and play alongside teammates and friends like Kassidy, Meilanie, Gail, and Violet, seeing the event as a chance to strengthen relationships that fuel her journey. She wanted to be remembered for the way she used her voice, explaining, “every touch deserves a conversation and communication kills confusion.” That mindset, paired with her upbeat energy, made her a steady presence who kept her team connected and confident throughout the day. Her performance earned her a MVP at the Showcase. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Kaeley has a beautiful jumpset and an insane vertical, one of the highest in the building, and she’s only 5’2. She was an immediate standout among her peers and kept her team motivated throughout the showcase. In addition to running the offense, her athleticism shines when she attacks — she can really swing. Kaeley’s quickness and vertical are tools that will take her far, and seeing her in person is truly a sight. — Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv

Congratulations to Kaeley “KJ” Johnston, Class of 2032, on being named MVP at the SoCal UpNext Showcase.

Kaeley KJ Johnston Kaeley KJ Johnston 5'5" | S/DS/L TBD | 2032 CA , a Setter from Talega Prep, was selected by coach Tshwjxeeb Vaaj, who described her as a conqueress who controlled the court with presence and precision. He praised her ability to execute the smallest details with the same diligence she brought to the biggest moments, noting the physical quality she displayed that far exceeded her stature. At the showcase, KJ focused on being an aggressive setter in both the front and back row, using a quick jumpsetting release and high extensions to run an efficient, dynamic offense. She competed with confidence while also making it clear that her priority was putting her hitters in the best position to shine.

KJ entered the event with a mindset rooted in growth, explaining that pressure is a privilege because it signals untapped potential. She embraced the showcase like a tryout, arriving with positive energy and a determination to be the most supportive voice on the court. Her goal was to be remembered as a communicator who believed every touch deserved a conversation, and she achieved that by keeping her team connected and composed in every rally. Off the court, KJ brings a creative spirit. She was cast in youth theater productions as Ursula, Matilda, and Anna, and despite nerves and self-doubt, she delivered performances that audiences remembered for her stage presence. That same ability to rise in challenging moments translated seamlessly onto the volleyball court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Congratulations to Kaeley KJ Johnston Kaeley KJ Johnston 5'5" | S/DS/L TBD | 2032 CA , Class of 2032, for being named a Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase!

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Kaeley Johnston earned a MVP at the UA Next Middle School Camp

Kaeley from Mizuno Long Beach brought energy, enthusiasm, and a strong team spirit to the court. She loved the warm-up activities and especially enjoyed the final scrimmage, where she had the chance to apply everything she had learned throughout camp. From passing and setting to covering and hitting, it was a full-circle moment that tied the experience together. When asked to describe her game after camp, Kaeley chose three fitting words: energetic, fun, and competitive.

She expressed gratitude for all the UA Camp coaches, but was especially inspired by the setting coaches who challenged her with fast-paced reps and helped her focus on quick release and strong extension. Being surrounded by other hardworking setters pushed her to raise her game and reminded her how much she enjoys the process of improvement. One of Kaeley’s biggest takeaways was the importance of mindset. She left camp committed to carrying an “attitude of gratitude,” a simple but powerful reminder of how shifting perspective can influence everything, both on and off the court.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247