Makala Baker’s game is built on adjusting to whoever is around her, which made her a natural fit for the shuffled rosters of UA Next. Setting for teammates she’d never played with before, she focused on putting each hitter in her best position and controlling the tempo of the game, and she describes that responsibility as central to competing confidently throughout the camp.

Her biggest growth this season has been consistency, specifically the ability to deliver the same accurate set and tempo no matter what kind of pass she’s working with. Whether the ball comes in perfect, off target, or as a freeball, she can now put it in the same spot for her hitters, the kind of reliability offenses are built around. She walked away from UA Next with a clear sense of what competing at a higher level requires: constant communication, the ability to adjust to new teammates, and enough trust in her hitters to strategically move a defense out of position. From here, she’s chasing something more advanced, using deception to hold middle blockers and varying her tempo enough to make opposing blockers late, the kind of setter play that creates versatility for every hitter she works with.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA named Top Performing Freshman Setter at 7/31/26 SoCal Showcase, Irvine, Ca.

Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA was one of the standout freshman setters of the showcase. She communicated well throughout every rally, transitioned early to the ball, and consistently put herself in position to run the offense. Her back sets were effective, and she attacked with confidence when opportunities arose, using well-placed setter dumps to keep defenses off balance. Combining aggressive decision-making with leadership and pinpoint location, she controlled the offense at a high level.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA ‘s return to Forza 1 North comes down to fit, and she’s specific about what that means to her. It’s the coaching and the players together, with a hands-on coaching style she credits as the deciding factor in staying put rather than testing a new environment.

Her excitement for the season is layered in a way that’s worth noting. She’s not just looking forward to competition for its own sake, she’s naming the bond among her teammates in the same breath as the level of play she expects the team to reach, a level she says they haven’t hit before. That combination, chemistry paired with a real expectation of growth, suggests an athlete who sees team culture and competitive ceiling as connected rather than separate goals.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA , a Class of 2030 setter from Rancho Cucamonga High School and Forza1 North Volleyball Club, caught your eye immediately with her left-handed delivery and natural athleticism, which was a combination that is genuinely rare at any level. Left-handed setters create a different look for hitters and can be disorienting for opposing defenses and Makala already seems to understand how to use that advantage. Her ball-handling showed touch and intent, and she moved well in both directions, which tells you her footwork fundamentals are being developed the right way. What was most encouraging was her feel for the game at this young age. She was scanning the court and making reads rather than just running a predictable pattern. For a player this young, her athletic ceiling is the headline, but her processing speed is what will keep her ahead of the curve as the game speeds up around her. Forza1 North is a program that has consistently developed setters, and she looks like someone who is going to benefit from that environment. Makala is a very intriguing young prospects in her class and coaches should put her on their board now. Please help us congratulate her on earning Top Performer honors at this showcase event. 

Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA | Setter / Right Side Attacker

Baker is a rare dual-threat who seamlessly controls tempo as a setter and terminates plays as a right-side attacker. Her hands are clean, her decision-making is sharp, and she runs a fast, balanced offense that keeps blockers guessing. When she rotates to the right pin, her swing becomes a momentum-shifter with heavy pace and confidence. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Expect this club season: expanded offensive versatility and a bigger role as a go-to option in clutch moments.

I am a HUGE fan of lefty setters, especially ones that can attack at the net. Thus, it was no surprise that lefty Baker caught my eye. Baker has “game” with a huge presence on the court. She runs the net confidently, showcasing smart movements and exceptional court awareness, while delivering well-placed sets that position her hitters for success. However, opponents need to wary of her. This lefty will take a big swing on second balls and opponents will pay for each time if they aren’t careful. Only an 8th grader, Baker is a fun and impactful player to watch. She is only going to get better and better and as she continues to grow and develop her game, she is going to make quite the name for herself.

Congratulations to Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA , Class of 2030, on being named MVP at the SoCal UpNext Showcase.

Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA , a Setter and Right Side from Day Creek Intermediate, was selected by coach Rachel Smith for her relentless energy and competitive drive at the SoCal UpNext Showcase. Rachel described her as a force on the court, bringing aggression and high-intensity play that elevated everyone around her. Whether running the offense, making a play, or motivating teammates, Makala showed that she could impact the game in more ways than one. Her jump setting stood out as she worked with tempo, sped up the offense, and delivered accurate balls to her hitters.

Makala approached the showcase eager to compete against strong talent while gaining insight from experienced coaches. Her personal goal for the season is to improve her ability to read opposing defenses and put her hitters in the best position to score, and she used this event as a chance to sharpen that skill. Beyond her on-court execution, she wanted others to see her as a great teammate, coachable and supportive, always helping those around her succeed. Having played volleyball since she was six years old, Makala brought a blend of experience, leadership, and passion that made her one of the most memorable players in the gym. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Makala disguises her sets well and looks comfortable running the offense. While she showed she can contribute in multiple positions, her setting ability clearly stood out as her natural role. At 5’10” she has the size and skill to run a 5-1 and be a real presence at the net as a blocker. — Kantessa Bryant-Miller

Congratulations to Makala Baker Makala Baker 5'11" | S/RS Rancho Cucamonga | 2030 CA , Class of 2030, for being named a Top Performer at the SoCal UpNext Showcase!

Click here to view her highlights