Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA transitions quickly and attacks with confidence. She shows the ability to adjust around the block and contributes defensively with solid blocking mechanics. Her movement across the court helps her stay involved in every phase of the rally. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA ‘s growth shows in her route versatility and offensive creativity. She references running an inside slide and adjusting approach lines to disrupt blockers. The willingness to expand beyond traditional middle routes increases unpredictability and offensive stress on opposing systems.

She is also intentionally broadening her positional range by training at opposite, adding defensive reps and expanding her backcourt responsibilities. The move toward being a more complete athlete rather than a single-role middle reflects long-term thinking.

When asked what she wants coaches to understand beyond the stat sheet, she said:

The key phrase is apply in real time. Coachability paired with immediate adjustment is a strong indicator of processing speed at this stage.

Off the court, Yemaya maintains a 4.0 GPA and serves as a school ambassador. Her academic consistency and administrative involvement reinforce responsibility and communication skills beyond sport.

Irene Choe Irene Choe 5'5" | DS/L Bishop Montgomery | 2029 CA is a player who has impacted Yemaya this season. She highlights Irene’s consistency and defensive reliability in high-pressure moments. Yemaya’s respect for steadiness under stress mirrors what she is building within her own game.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA embraced the challenge of playing up, holding her own physically and emotionally while bringing contagious energy. She scored efficiently off developed slide attacks and delivered a pivotal block that reversed match momentum. Her next development target centers on lateral quickness to match increasing pace and elevate blocking range. Participation in NTDP training prior to the event signals initiative, and competing for a top ranked regional team reflects her competitive environment.

Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA will compete next at Red Rock Rave from March 14 to 16, 2026.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Click to view Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA

Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA named Top Performer at PrepDig’s Exposure Tour in Gardena, CA.

Yemaya continues to trend upward every time she steps on the court, and this showcase was no exception. Her footwork and timing were sharp, and her arm swing continues to develop into a real weapon. She shared that her volleyball IQ allows her to read attackers and identify open space early, giving her an edge both offensively and defensively.

She is focused on improving her slide attack speed and making in air blocking adjustments based on hitter cues. Yemaya also has goals to increase her vertical and continue refining her net discipline. Her steady growth and smart play made her one to watch throughout the day.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

“Being invited to the Phenom Program has renewed my drive to work harder every day. I’m excited to compete alongside the best athletes in the nation and elevate my level of play.”

Yemaya later reflected on how her game shows up on the court, pointing to anticipation as a strength that consistently impacts play. “I am most proud of my ability to read setters and anticipate plays before they happen. This has allowed me to create more opportunities to get blocks and make positive touches that help my team.”

Looking ahead, her focus shifted to the mental and communicative demands of the game. “Because volleyball is such a mental sport, being able to have tools to help me not get stuck in my head will help set me apart. Being a strong communicator is important both on and off the court.”

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

When thinking about a “Starting 7,” I knew very quickly that Yemaya would be one of the middles I picked. At 6’3″, she dominates the net on both sides of the ball, bringing a physical presence that changes the momentum of rallies. She’s not only a force offensively and defensively, but she also brings an energy that lifts her teammates and raises the team’s intensity. With Yemaya holding down the middle, any coach can feel confident in the strength and consistency of their block.

Chappell is a huge presence on the court. Not only because she is 6’3″, but because she combines her big, powerful swing with quick reactions that allows her to take command on both offense and defense. At such a young age, she already has the ability to read the court effectively and adjust to quick plays. With her combination of power, height, and speed, she is a highly effective middle who is going to impact every play and challenge opposing team’s hitters. This girl is going places and I can’t wait to watch it all unfold.

Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA – Earned the 10FT Recruitable Credential at Actyve Volleyball on July 14, 2024, with a verified 10-foot approach touch measured by Actyve Volleyball staff. Yemaya is a Class of 2029 athlete at Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences and competes with Actyve Volleyball.

Touching 10 feet was both a physical and mental battle for Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA . Inspired by watching her older brother practice dunks with their dad, she eventually made her own full-circle breakthrough at Actyve Volleyball. “When I first started vertical practice I was stuck in my head because I didn’t believe I could do it,” she said. “But once I started thinking I could, it became easier and easier to reach my goal.” Yemaya remembers finally hitting 10 feet at the YMCA with her dad, after long stretches of frustration. Now, she uses that confidence to dominate above the net. “I am able to hit more angles, get on top of the ball, hit above blocks and not just around them, as well as reaching more over the net which makes my block more effective,” she explained, proving how her vertical directly impacts her game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Yemaya’s Jump

Yemaya Chappell Yemaya Chappell 6'3" | MB/RS Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences | 2029 CA , Class of 2029, Middle Blocker/Right Side
Earned the College Camp Award of Purdue’s Best Attacker – Gold Division at Purdue University, Volleyball Elite Camp, held July 12–July 13, 2025. This award was issued by Head Coach Dave Shondell, and this achievement is recognized as a Recruitable Credential.

In Yemaya’s Words:

What moment or skill do you think helped you earn the award? “My gap attacks, especially the 3’s, were a big factor. They’re my favorite set, and I loved improving my connection with my setter while running them. Learning from Purdue players Bianka Lulic and Raven Colvin, who were so welcoming, made the experience even better.”

What did receiving this award mean to you? “I was really proud and grateful to receive the Best Attacker award, especially with the high level of play and the challenge of competing against such strong athletes.”

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247