Pelenani Danielson Pelenani Danielson 5'7" | S/DS/L St. Mary's | 2027 CA named Top Performer at PrepDig’s Exposure Tour in Northern California.

Pelenani showcased terrific hands and ran a well balanced offense, connecting hitters in all three attacking zones. She also defended the backrow with composure, making smooth reads to extend rallies.

She shared that one of her biggest strengths is pushing the ball out against the flow, forcing the opposing middle to arrive late which creates cleaner looks for attackers. She is focused on staying lower in defense and improving connection consistency with her hitters through better communication and footwork.

Her ability to keep the offense moving and keep her teammates relaxed with her humor and positivity helped drive her court’s success.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Pelenani Danielson Pelenani Danielson 5'7" | S/DS/L St. Mary's | 2027 CA

Pelenani ran the floor with a calm, calculated presence that you don’t often see in uncommitted setters. Her hands were clean all day, and she consistently delivered second-touch balls with tight location, even when working off the net. What really separated her today was her defensive engine—she read seams early, slid into coverage effortlessly, and popped up tough swings with a controlled platform. Pelenani’s ability to turn broken plays into legitimate scoring opportunities was one of the most valuable traits on the court. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

What we’ll see this club season: Expect Pelenani to run a faster tempo, expand her transition setting range, and continue her growth as a defensive stabilizer. She’s trending toward becoming a true six-rotation setter who controls both ball flow and floor balance.

Pelenani Danielson Pelenani Danielson 5'7" | S/DS/L St. Mary's | 2027 CA brings tempo, energy, and emotional composure to every point. As a setter, she understands the importance of staying calm and steady for her team, especially in tight situations. She plays with a next-point mentality, never dwelling on mistakes and always focused on moving forward. Lately, she’s been focused on strengthening her wrists and speeding up her tempo to create more one-on-one opportunities for her pins, a strategic adjustment that helps her team score more efficiently. Her ability to stay composed while running a faster-paced offense reflects her growing maturity and tactical understanding of the game.

Off the court, Pelenani is outgoing and brings humor and positivity to every interaction. Her teammates describe her as fun to be around, and she’s intentional about keeping the environment light by hyping them up and reminding them that mistakes are part of the process. That balance between leadership and levity makes her the kind of setter others naturally gravitate toward. She’s also a multi-sport athlete who plays basketball and enjoys expressing her creativity through drawing and painting. Whether through playmaking or personality, Pelenani finds ways to connect, lead, and elevate the group around her. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Pelenani Danielson Pelenani Danielson 5'7" | S/DS/L St. Mary's | 2027 CA Named Top Performer at PrepDig Stock Up Showcase

Pelenani Danielson Pelenani Danielson 5'7" | S/DS/L St. Mary's | 2027 CA used the college camp as an opportunity to learn and adapt in real time. She was especially proud of how she adjusted to unfamiliar hitters, paying close attention to their tempo and set preferences to establish rhythm and consistency. “I’m proud of myself for adjusting to different hitters and learning what tempo or sets they run,” she shared. Her ability to read the game and stay flexible in a new environment reflects a growth-oriented mindset.

What stood out most to Pelenani was the encouragement from college coaches throughout the showcase. Their support helped build confidence and allowed players to compete freely. The experience clarified what she values in a college program: one that is supportive, development-focused, and committed to its athletes. “For me, the division does not matter as long as I’m in a program that is comfortable for me,” she shared.

Her advice for future attendees: “Be open to ask questions and bond with different coaches.”

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Pelenani was one of the few players representing California, but she made a strong impression as a top setter at the showcase. From start to finish, she delivered clean sets to precise spots along the net for hitters. She was a standout throughout the event, showcasing her passing skills as well on the back row. She has a very promising future as a defensive specialist or lib and played at a high level to be only a sophomore.