Riley Van Pelt Riley Van Pelt 5'6" | DS/L Vacaville | 2026 CA – The Serving Threat

Riley Van Pelt Riley Van Pelt 5'6" | DS/L Vacaville | 2026 CA , a 5’6” senior libero for Vacaville High School, is showing why she’s one of the most reliable defenders in Northern California. In 52 sets this season, she has already racked up 196 digs, averaging 3.8 per set. That consistency reflects her quick reads, disciplined platform, and ability to extend rallies against tough opponents. Van Pelt’s left-handed versatility also gives her team a unique weapon, both in serve receive and in transition play.

Beyond her numbers, Van Pelt brings the mentality every coach looks for in a libero. She will be competing for OMNI 18 Elite and the Sand Devils Beach Volleyball Club, honing her defensive range across both indoor and beach. A 4.5 GPA student, she blends academic excellence with on-court competitiveness, earning trust as a steadying presence in the backcourt. Her combination of discipline, leadership, and relentless defense makes her a prospect college coaches should watch closely.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Riley Van Pelt Riley Van Pelt 5'6" | DS/L Vacaville | 2026 CA plays with the kind of edge you want in your libero, aggressive, vocal, and always on the hunt to keep the ball off the floor. Her mindset is to treat every point like it’s the last, and that sense of urgency shows in how she reads the game, pursues balls, and stays locked in from start to finish. In high-pressure moments, Riley doesn’t get stuck on the last play. Instead, she zooms out, stays aggressive, and keeps her team focused on the big picture. This season, she’s worked to sharpen her out-of-system hand setting, recognizing how important it is to provide realistic, tempo-driven options for her hitters, even when plays break down.

Coaches describe Riley as coachable, confident, and fearless, and it tracks. She brings consistent energy and encourages everyone around her, creating a team-first environment that’s both competitive and supportive. Her love for serve receive shines through in how she anchors the first contact and keeps her team in system. Riley is the kind of libero who never stops working, never shies away from the tough balls, and shows up in the moments that matter most. She’s steady, reliable, and relentless, the kind of defender every team needs in the backcourt. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247