Each month, junior volleyball teams nationwide nominate players for the LOVB Athlete of the Month, where one LOVB Pro is also nominated and selected by fellow teammates and staff. These athletes are chosen based on our monthly Whole Athlete Training theme.
April’s theme, “Be Where Your Feet Are,” is all about presence and control in the moment. In a sport that moves fast and demands constant adjustment, the best athletes are not the ones thinking ahead or replaying what just happened. Instead, they are fully locked into the now.
Throughout the month, athletes trained to do their best one play at a time, to stay grounded in effort instead of outcome, and bring intention into every action, no matter how small. They also worked with anchor words to reset focus and return to their center when pressure builds, and practiced resetting quickly after mistakes so one moment never becomes two.
Congratulations to the April Athletes of the Month, presented by YETI. Read through their club nominations and see them in action on @lovbclubs on Instagram and TikTok.
Anna Dumas - Houston Skyline The Woodlands
Nominated by Kristi Crawford - Head Coach, Ignite Director
I would like to nominate Anna Dumas for April’s Whole Athlete Training theme, “Be Where Your Feet Are.” Anna consistently demonstrates the ability to stay present, focused, and positive regardless of the situation. Her teammates often comment that no matter the point in a match or the intensity of practice, Anna maintains a positive attitude and steady focus.
Even during challenging moments, such as team consequences or difficult drills, Anna remains encouraging and engaged. She does not dwell on mistakes or allow outside distractions to affect her performance. Instead, she approaches each play with determination and gives her full effort whether her team is ahead or behind.
Anna also exemplifies team-first leadership. She willingly takes on any role that is asked of her based on the team’s needs, embracing each challenge with a positive mindset and strong work ethic. Her ability to stay present, support her teammates, and give consistent effort makes her a great example of what it means to “Be Where Your Feet Are.”
Anna’s attitude, focus, and commitment make her highly deserving of this recognition.
Baylee Hoon - Evansville United Volleyball Club
Nominated by Michelle Nogueras - Club Director
Baylee Hoon is a strong nominee for this month’s LOVB Player of the Month because of her exceptional ability to stay present in the moment. She competes with a clear, focused mindset, concentrating on the play in front of her rather than dwelling on past mistakes, the scoreboard, or future outcomes. That mental discipline allows her to reset quickly, maintain consistency, and bring steady leadership to her team during critical moments. Baylee’s composure and focus help elevate the performance of those around her, making her a reliable and impactful presence on the court.
Ella Hughes - Evansville United Volleyball Club
Nominated by Michelle Nogueras - Club Director
Ella has been an outstanding role model for our 17’s group. She consistently comes to practice with a mindset focused on growth and improvement, never allowing challenges to phase her.
Ella is an exceptional teammate, especially during difficult situations, as she continually lifts others up through her actions and leadership. She does not let mistakes define her; instead, she uses them as opportunities to learn and improve. This mindset not only strengthens her own performance but also inspires her teammates to keep working hard for the success of the team.
She brings a positive attitude to every practice and approaches each day as a new opportunity to get better. Evansville United is truly fortunate to have someone like Ella in our program.
Isla Gaines - Platform Elite
Nominated by Abbie Kludt - Coach of Platform Elite
Several years in a row, Isla has been "stuck" at the same level and she has never quit, transferred clubs or given anything but her 100% every practice and day. After watching her at the first few practices and scrimmages, I realized she was lacking confidence and leadership to push her past the physical barrier. She easily could've worked within a 6-2 and split the time with the other setter but every day, she proved to me that she should be running a 5-1. She came to practice ready to take on every challenge and focused on the practice goal everyday. She pushed the hitters to run slides, 3-1s, 3-2 and other trick plays to help us side out with a FBK. She is always taking and accepting feedback from every coach that passes by and began coming to me and asking ways to help our team. She ended up being my team captain and running a very effective offense. She learned different ways to score as a 5-1 setter, creative ways to dig the ball out of the net, jump set and when to and has one of best defensive passing on the team - which is crucial as a setter. Isla loved to win but she loved to see the team's growth and her growth. She constantly examined how to maximize each hitter's potential and gave them hitting assignments as needed. She never worried about how many games we won or lost, but she was worried on how WE could get the team to the next level, which is my favorite athlete to coach.
Jaselle Manning - AJV Sand
Nominated by Paige Panter Mierl - Lead Coach / Senior Sand Manager
Jaselle is one of our most present and upbeat athletes! From the second she shows up to the court, she is always encouraging, hyping others up, and creating positive energy for our team. She leads by example and is a pivotal part of our team's success. No matter what is happening, she will always have a smile on her face and is happy playing the sport she loves! As a coach, I can always depend on her to show up and be present at practice. She uplifts those around her and pushes them to be their best.
Rebekah Bootz - Evansville United Volleyball Club
Nominated by Michelle Nogueras - Club Director
Rebekah exemplifies what it means to “be where your feet are,” as she takes full advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. She has worked hard to build herself into the player she is today, and much of that comes from her ability to stay composed and focused.
Rebekah does not dwell on previous plays. Instead, she takes the time to understand what needs to be improved, makes the adjustment, and moves forward with confidence. She does not allow frustration to control her, and when challenges arise, she maintains her composure and keeps her focus on the next opportunity.
Her poise, resilience, and mindset are what set her apart and make her truly deserving of this nomination.
Riley Kim - Houston Skyline The Woodlands
Nominated by Kristi Crawford - Head Coach, Ignite Director
Riley Kim is an outstanding example of what it means to "Be Where Your Feet Are." As the setter for TW Skyline 12 Royal, Riley consistently demonstrates focus, composure, and leadership regardless of the situation. Whether her team is winning or facing adversity, Riley remains calm, steady, and fully present in each moment.
In high-pressure matches, Riley’s ability to stay composed helps ground her teammates and keep them focused one point at a time. She does not dwell on mistakes, the scoreboard, or outside distractions. Instead, she competes for every point and leads with confidence, helping her team maintain momentum and resilience.
Riley also embodies this mindset in practice. She works hard, stays engaged, and continually looks for ways to improve. She puts in extra work outside of team practices through additional reps and strength training, demonstrating her commitment to growth and her team. Her consistent effort and positive attitude set the tone for those around her.
Riley’s calm presence, strong leadership, and dedication to improvement make her a deserving nominee for Junior Athlete of the Month. She truly embodies the April theme by staying focused, competing with purpose, and being fully present wherever her feet are.
