As a libero, Keola Napoleon-Alvarez believes one of the biggest responsibilities on the court is helping the people around her play with confidence. This season, Keola has embraced a larger leadership role by communicating more consistently and creating an environment where teammates know they can rely on their libero to do the job. That trust allows everyone else to play more freely because they know someone is behind them.

Keola shared that confidence starts with staying present. When matches become faster and pressure begins to build, the focus shifts to positive self-talk, communicating with teammates, and staying connected to every point. Keola also credits the coaching staff for creating an environment where athletes are encouraged to play aggressively instead of fearing mistakes. Knowing the coaches trust the team to compete with confidence has helped shape that approach during big moments.

One of the biggest challenges this season was taking greater control of the court as the libero. Keola responded by becoming more vocal and intentional with communication. As that trust has grown, so has the confidence to make more aggressive reads in serve receive and defense while helping teammates stay connected throughout the match.

Keola plans to continue training, competing against high-level competition, and pursuing opportunities to earn invitations to NTDP and UA training events. College camps are also part of the plan, providing another opportunity to learn from college coaches while continuing to identify programs that may be a good fit in the future.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Keola Napoleon Alvarez stands out as a player who embodies versatility and growth, as highlighted in this reel. Featuring serve receive, out-of-system setting, covering, and individual defense, Keola demonstrates a well-rounded skill set and a clear commitment to personal improvement. The growth in reading defensive plays and tracking better in serve receive since the last tournament is a testament to the hard work and dedication Keola brings to the game.

A key strength showcased is the ability to apply foundational volleyball principles effectively. In serve receive, Keola excels at tracking early, picking a side, and delivering precise passes to target. On defense, maintaining balance and a neutral position enables wide court coverage and quick reactions. Additionally, Keola’s leadership in covering plays is evident, offering valuable communication to hitters about blockers and targets, and setting high, out-of-system balls to allow for termination opportunities.

Keola’s recent focus on adapting to the faster pace of playing up at 15u highlights a proactive approach to growth, especially in serve receive positioning and communication. As a back-row leader, Keola prioritizes instilling confidence in teammates while leading by example with positivity and adaptability.

College coaches will find Keola to be a hardworking and team-oriented athlete with an unwavering commitment to improvement. Keola’s ability to support teammates, maintain a positive team environment, and rise to new challenges makes for an exceptional teammate and promising recruit. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

@keolavb.2029

Weekend highlights! I had so much fun this weekend playing with my team! We are division winners!!! Im so excited for whats to come!

For more on Keola, visit her PrepDig profile.

Keola covers a ton of ground on the court with her quick reaction skills and hustle. She’s always moving – whether it’s diving to the floor or leaping for a tough dig. What’s even more impressive is that she’s only in eighth grade, yet she already has such a strong volleyball IQ and strong passing skills. Her understanding of the game and ability to read the court left a lasting impression on scouts. –Kantessa @lasvegasvbanalyst @prepdignv