Makenna Barnes Makenna Barnes 6'3" | OH Marymount | 2027 State #38 Nation CA (2027), Outside Hitter from Marymount High School committed to Northwestern, has been named to the 2025 AVCA Girls High School All-Region Team.

Makenna Barnes Makenna Barnes 6'3" | OH Marymount | 2027 State #38 Nation CA – Clutch Outside Who Delivers in Key Moments
Makenna Barnes Makenna Barnes 6'3" | OH Marymount | 2027 State #38 Nation CA , committed outside for Northwestern, played with intensity and delivered when Marymount needed it most. Her late aces in set three tied the game, and she stayed aggressive as both a server and attacker throughout the match. Barnes’ top-spin serve has become a weapon that can swing momentum in an instant, adding another layer to her all-around impact at the next level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Congratulations Makenna Barnes Makenna Barnes 6'3" | OH Marymount | 2027 State #38 Nation CA , Northwestern University commit, on being named to the All-Tournament Team at the Durango Fall Classic in Nevada.

Makenna Barnes Makenna Barnes 6'3" | OH Marymount | 2027 State #38 Nation CA brought energy and personality to the college camp, using the environment to show who she is beyond just skill execution. I first saw Makenna play in this gym during a previous showcase, and the athlete I saw today wowed me. Her speed, arm swing, and development have been tremendous. She stays engaged, expressive, and competitive, bringing a dynamic presence that adds depth to her game.

For Makenna, the biggest takeaway was getting to know college coaches outside the structure of a tournament. “Being able to see them in a more casual and relaxed atmosphere was eye-opening,” she said. “I really got to see what their coaching styles are and how they interact with the athletes.” The experience helped her realize she thrives in a competitive program built on strong relationships and team energy. Her advice: “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Everyone gets nervous, so be the person who is loud and cheering everyone on. Ask questions and chat with the coaches, get a feel for who you connect with.” ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Miss Barnes has shot up the State Rankings in this update.  She is now currently ranked as the 13^th best overall player according to our Prep Dig California State Rankings.  She plays volleyball for Marymount High School and also plays for the Mizuno Long Beach volleyball club.  If you want a powerful attacker, look no further than Makenna.  This young lady can obliterate the ball with the best of them from any location on the court.  She has always had that power, but this season I have noticed that she is getting off of the ground a lot faster and up in the air a lot higher than years past.  If you are watching her attack, do not blink, because if you do, you will likely not even see the ball come off of her hand.  Her arm swing is that lightning quick.  What gives her even more power is how she crunches her abs at the point of attack.  She is also a very formidable scorer from the pins with how she can tool the block at the last second with a strong swipe if she notices that she has the advantage at the net.  This kind of court vision and awareness is why we have moved her up amongst the state’s best players.  She is the kind of player that you can put on the left side to be a “go-to” hitter or you can also put her on the right side to be a shut down blocker and solid opposite scorer.  Please help us congratulate her on moving up in our prestigious State Rankings. 

Makenna Barnes Makenna Barnes 6'3" | OH Marymount | 2027 State #38 Nation CA is eager to showcase her serving and attacking at the NTDP Spring Training Series. She’s focused on using this opportunity to raise her volleyball IQ and play with greater intention and intensity. For Makenna, the honor, pride, and humility she feels representing California are deeply meaningful, and she’s thrilled to see her hard work paying off. She’s especially excited to be surrounded by her best friends, the coaches, and the incredible learning environment, recalling how much she gained from the winter session and eager to apply even more heading into nationals.

When asked who she would bring along, Makenna says she can’t pick just one, she believes every player on her team deserves this opportunity, as they give their all in practice every day and inspire her with their effort and commitment. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Makenna is a strong, steady presence on the pin with the ability to drive the ball through the block with speed and authority. She has a natural feel for attacking and can adjust her shot selection to keep defenders guessing. On the defensive side, she is just as impactful, using her high volleyball IQ and strong blocking presence to shut down opposing hitters and swing momentum in her team’s favor. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247