One lesson stood above everything else for Tessa Kim Tessa Kim 5'9" | S St. Margaret's Episcopal | 2029 CA .

The little things matter.

As the pace increased throughout the camp, Tessa felt her decision-making, tempo, and ability to create opportunities for hitters remained some of the strongest parts of her game. Even when passes drifted off the net, she focused on delivering hittable balls and helping her offense stay organized.

What stayed with her most, however, was how closely college coaches watched the details that rarely show up in a stat sheet.

Communication. Body language. Effort. Coachability.

The experience reinforced something many young athletes eventually discover: perfection is not the expectation. Consistency and response are.

One moment especially captured how Tessa views the setter position. After delivering a set to a former teammate who terminated the ball in front of a college coach she admired, Tessa found herself celebrating just as much as if she had earned the point herself.

The moment was a reminder that setters often create success long before they receive credit for it.

As she heads into a summer filled with camps, training, and recruiting opportunities, Tessa remains focused on becoming a more complete offensive leader while continuing to improve her defense and ability to create opportunities when plays break down.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Tessa Kim Tessa Kim 5'9" | S St. Margaret's Episcopal | 2029 CA : Social Media Star of the Week

💡 Game You’re Proud Of
Right now, as a setter, the part of my game I’m most proud of is my ball control and soft, consistent touch, which allow me to set clean, controlled balls. I’m especially proud of my quick release because it helps me stay deceptive at the net, keep blockers guessing, and push balls out effectively to the pins. Because of that, I’m able to put up hittable balls in precise locations, whether I’m pushing tempo to the outside, running a quick in the middle, or setting out of system. I take pride in giving my hitters the best possible opportunity to score, and knowing I can consistently deliver a ball they can trust means a lot to me.

📲 Why This Post Mattered
Being featured on PrepDig California meant a lot to me, especially because it was so unexpected at first. I was surprised when PrepDig first wrote an article about me during my 14’s year at Red Rock Rave. I remember seeing the “Game Changing Setters and Playmakers” feature and feeling proud that my hard work was being noticed. It gave me confidence and motivation to keep improving, knowing that people were paying attention to the details of my game.

I’ve been really grateful for the coverage ever since. PrepDig has continuously supported my posts, which has helped expand my reach and visibility. That kind of exposure is huge in the recruiting process because it allows more coaches to see not just highlights, but consistency over time.

Most recently, PrepDig gave me very insightful advice on how to create posts specifically for recruiting and not just for social media attention. That really stood out to me. They emphasized the importance of details, even things like music choice, which I had never given much thought to before. That perspective helped me become more intentional and strategic about how I present myself online. Overall, their support and guidance have meant a lot to me, both as a player and as someone navigating the recruiting process.

🧠 What Coaches Should Know
One thing I want college coaches to know about me is that I’m completely committed to doing whatever it takes to make my team better. As a setter, I understand that my role is about more than just putting up the ball. It’s about leadership, communication, poise, and creating rhythm for the entire offense.

I’m very coachable and constantly looking for feedback because I truly want to grow. Whether it’s improving my defense or court vision, I’m always working to elevate my game. I value team culture and bring energy, positivity, and accountability every day in the gym. I want college coaches to know that they’re not just getting a setter with good hands, but someone who will lead, work hard, and represent their program the right way on and off the court.

Tessa Kim Tessa Kim 5'9" | S St. Margaret's Episcopal | 2029 CA

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Tessa Kim Tessa Kim 5'9" | S St. Margaret's Episcopal | 2029 CA | 2029 Setter

Kim impressed with her composure and efficiency as a floor general. Her hands were soft, her location precise, and her decision-making quick. What truly made her stand out was her hustle between plays — immediate movement, vocal communication, and consistent effort to reset the offense even after tough passes. She showed a promising ability to vary tempos, mixing high outside sets with sharp pushes to the middle. Tessa’s effort level never dipped, and her attention to detail elevated everyone around her. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Tessa Kim Tessa Kim 5'9" | S St. Margaret's Episcopal | 2029 CA ‘s fast footwork and sharp decision-making allow her to consistently deliver balls at the right tempo. She reads the game well and knows when to slow it down and when to speed it up, a rare skill for her age. Her court awareness and technical precision make her a setter who not only delivers the ball but orchestrates the entire rhythm of play. Her confidence and work ethic make her a standout. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Tessa Kim Tessa Kim 5'9" | S St. Margaret's Episcopal | 2029 CA #16

Tstreet 14-Tara

First Match: vs. Tstreet IE 14-Randi

Saturday, 8:00am | Court 33, North Hall