Kaitlin Nguyen wants a college coach to notice two things first, her leadership and her volleyball IQ, specifically her ability to control the tempo of a match and keep her team steady when things speed up. She has built her game around consistency and quick decision-making, and she credits one piece of coaching feedback with rounding out her game completely. Told to play defense first, even as a setter, she learned to stay disciplined in the back row before worrying about getting to her setting spot, and that discipline has made her a more complete player who reads hitters better and holds up under pressure. Nguyen is entering her freshman season at South Pasadena ready to compete at a higher level with older teammates, and what motivates her is simple, she loves the game and wants to keep improving. She is targeting a high academic program down the road, somewhere she can be challenged in the classroom as much as on the court, surrounded by driven, competitive teammates. She came into the Freshman Showcase wanting exposure and the chance to compete against high-level players, the kind of environment she says pushes her to get better.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Kaitlin Nguyen Kaitlin Nguyen 5'4" | S South Pasadena | 2030 CA named Top Performing Freshman Setter at 7/31/26 SoCal Showcase, Irvine, Ca.

Kaitlin Nguyen Kaitlin Nguyen 5'4" | S South Pasadena | 2030 CA contributed both offensively and from the service line. She served a quality deep float serve while also displaying solid setting hands and excellent timing on her jump sets.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Kaitlin Nguyen Kaitlin Nguyen 5'4" | S South Pasadena | 2030 CA ‘s jump setting, consistency, and ability to control tempo were all on display throughout SG Elite ‘s championship run in Hawaiʻi.

Watching her play, it becomes clear that she takes pride in reading defenses, making adjustments, and creating the best possible opportunities for her hitters.

One of her favorite moments from Hawaiʻi came when she recognized a one-on-one opportunity and delivered a set that put her hitter in position to score. While the point mattered, the decision behind it may have been even more important. It reflected the court awareness and processing speed that allow setters to influence matches long before the ball reaches the floor.

Winning the championship and earning MVP honors served as validation for the work she continues to put into her game.

Beyond volleyball, Kaitlin carries a 4.0 GPA and participates in Girl Scouts and community service. She described herself as someone teammates can rely on for communication, energy, and composure, qualities that often become just as important as technical skill.

This summer, Kaitlin’s focus shifts toward strength training while continuing to develop her defense and blocking. Already one of the more polished young setters in her class, she is working toward becoming an even more complete six-rotation player.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Kaitlin is intentional in how she studies the game. She’s been refining her jump setting and quick decision-making to keep defenders off balance. “I want the coaches and other players to remember me as the quick and aggressive setter who runs good offense,” she said. The showcase challenged her to lead confidently and apply feedback right away, which she embraced with focus and adaptability.

She takes pride in understanding every position and how each piece contributes to success. “Even though I’m a setter, I enjoy playing all positions because it helps me understand the game from all perspectives,” she shared. Kaitlin’s awareness and curiosity are traits that will continue to shape her into a dependable floor leader.

Fun fact: She studies each position to understand the full court view. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247