2027 Ranking Update: The Process

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are getting into September and the high school season is in full swing. It's time for an update of the rankings. Many players made a final big push at the end of the club season and some are making their presence known in the high school arena. There are some new names and some rising stars. We are putting in the time to evaluate each week and the update will reflect that. But we are always asked "How do you decide?" The ranking process is certainly not easy and there are a lot of variables to consider. We consider their athleticism, specific skill set for their position but also their adaptability, communication, volleyball IQ, effort level, body language. Sometimes it comes down to how big of an impact are they making for their team and are they a game changer. But here are some facts you should know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not a science, and we don't go by specific metrics. Everyone has different opinions and some look at current status vs some look at potential. Some value all around player vs some look at how good are you in that one specific position. Players are first placed on a watchlist the fall of their freshman year. The 2028 Watchlist will be released in the next week or so. Then in the winter we will release the initial rankings for the freshmen. With each ranking we add more to the rankings as we see more athletes in action. Here are some things you should know about the process:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Unlike some lists or services Prep Dig will rank a player whether they have purchased a subscription or not. Our list is done on merit and performance and not whether you have claimed a profile or paid for a subscription. You can't buy your way onto the list. If you claimed your profile and updated the information it is helpful to us but it doesn't determine where you rank.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>We are watching players from all over Minnesota and the availability of online streaming of matches as well as the savvy ways to get highlight videos onto our social media feed has really allowed us to see even more than ever before. This helps us so keep tagging us and sending links to livestreams!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Aside from our writers we do get feedback from coaches and directors but that process is kept anonymous. Those giving feedback provide honest input because they know it is kept private and I'm the only one who will look at it. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It is possible to make it into our rankings without playing club volleyball but we don't see you nearly as much and those players typically slide down the ranks as we see other players continue to improve and player at a higher level than high school ball. Club volleyball is where the exposure is and if you want to play at the next level that is your best bet.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Your clubs affiliation or member status with AAU/JVA vs USAV doesn't matter to us. We have done Showcases in conjunction with USAV Girls Junior National Championships the past few years but we don't snub teams that choose to play AAU Nationals or JVA events over USAV Qualifiers and Nationals or vice versa. We try to cover them all!</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>We watch a LOT of volleyball. I don't even know how many matches I watch each year/season but I know it is a lot. And if I'm not in the gym watching then I am usually at home watching from my computer. Scouts will attend showcases, camps, summer leagues, high school games and tournaments, and club tournaments year round. We even get into practices here and there.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Next Up: 2027</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2027 rankings update is complete and the rankings have expanded as well as the watchlist. There is the setter battle at the top between the elite hands of [player_tooltip player_id='453086' first='Ellery' last='DeBoer'] and the all around game of [player_tooltip player_id='453085' first='Kaelyn' last='Bjorklund']. But don't overlook the defensive prowess of [program_tooltip program_id='428866' first='Vital' last='Volleyball'] product, [player_tooltip player_id='177440' first='Cora' last='Bicknese']. And don't count out Bjorklund's [program_tooltip program_id='430430' first='Lakeville' last='South'] teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='396872' first='Elleora' last='Utecht'], or DeBoer's Willmar teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='413371' first='Nora' last='Mitteness'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->