Day One State Recap: Dakota Volleyball Hits the Court Running

By: Theresa Hickman   Settle in and get ready, because this Day 1 recap of North and South Dakota state volleyball is nothing short of epic! From the intensity at the Fargo Dome, where I witnessed the action in both Class A and Class B for North Dakota, to keeping up with all three classes in South Dakota on my phone, one thing is clear: volleyball in the Dakotas is thriving.   These athletes have put in the work—hours in the weight room, competing in club seasons, attending private lessons, and grinding through team camps. Their dedication has paid off, with teams and players earning national recognition and catching the eyes of college programs from D1 to NAIA. Let's dive into the standout players who made waves on Day 1!    Makayla immediately caught my attention with her remarkable court awareness and precision. Her placement was impeccable, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game and her teammates' strengths. She knows exactly when to use her hitters as weapons, timing each set to perfection. Watching her connect with Cora was a masterclass in teamwork; the two created a dynamic duo that was virtually unstoppable throughout the match.   Setters like Makayla are a rare find, displaying both technical skill and an innate feel for the game. What's even more impressive is that she's only a sophomore. Her talent and maturity on the court are beyond her years, and there's no doubt her game will continue to evolve and excel. Keep an eye on her—she's a future star in the making!     Carly was an absolute force on the court, grabbing my attention from her very first play. As a middle hitter, her aggressive style at the net made her a constant threat. What truly set her apart was her incredible slide attack—one of the best I've seen this season. Her timing, footwork, and explosive power made it nearly impossible for defenders to react in time. Beyond her offensive skills, Carly's blocking presence was equally impressive, shutting down hitters and forcing opponents to adjust their strategies. She also displayed great court awareness, always positioning herself to be an asset on both offense and defense. Carly's energy, combined with her skillset, makes her a standout player and a true weapon for her team. Keep your eyes on her—she's destined for big things!     Alexis made her presence known before the game even started—during warm-ups, she was absolutely commanding attention. She hammered the 10-foot line with jaw-dropping precision, then seamlessly switched to drilling deep corners, and let me tell you—these weren't just your average hits. These were thunderous, dominating swings that showcased her power and control. Once the game began, Alexis took it to another level. She was pure explosiveness on the court, combining raw athleticism with a high volleyball IQ that made her nearly unstoppable. Her court awareness was exceptional; she seemed to always know exactly where to place the ball to maximize her team's advantage. Alexis isn't just a middle hitter—she's a game-changer. Write her name down, because this is a player you won't want to forget!     Alayna instantly grabbed my attention on the Class B side with her commanding presence at the net. Her attacks were nothing short of relentless—powerful enough to cut through even the toughest blockers. What stood out most was her ability to consistently generate momentum for her team with those decisive swings. Whether she was positioned outside, Alayna showcased impressive versatility and strength. Her combination of power and precision made her a standout player, and I can't wait to see how she continues to dominate in the future!     Jacy Wolf wasted no time making an impression on the first day of Class B action in South Dakota. Standing at just 5'4", she may not have the height of a typical outside hitter, but she more than makes up for it with her determination and skill. Jacy is a relentless hustler, always in motion, chasing down balls, and making her presence impossible to ignore. Her ability to adjust to any set is remarkable, turning challenging plays into perfectly placed attacks. She's a dynamic force on the court, proving that heart and hustle can outshine size every time. Keep an eye on this firecracker—she's just getting started!     Sophi Randall is undeniably one of the top 2025 setters in the Dakotas. With an impressive career total of over 3,280 assists and counting, she continues to elevate her game and lead her team with unmatched skill and poise. As a team captain, Sophi's leadership on and off the court is evident—her ability to set up her teammates for success and make game-changing plays is second to none. This season, she has been instrumental in guiding her team to the championship for South Dakota Class A. It comes as no surprise that she has committed to the University of Illinois, where she is set to take her exceptional talent and fierce work ethic to the next level. Sophi's resume and impact on the game are a testament to her dedication, vision, and passion—college coaches, get ready, because she's one to watch!     [player_tooltip player_id='536783' first='Gabi' last='Zachariasen'] is a true showstopper and a standout talent in South Dakota volleyball. Already committed to the University of South Dakota as a junior, her skills speak volumes about her strength and potential. In her most recent game, Gabi racked up an impressive 16 kills, showcasing her incredible power and precision at the net. When she steps onto the court, she is a force to be reckoned with, relentlessly attacking with both strength and finesse. What truly sets her apart is her volleyball IQ—she plays with a maturity beyond her years, reading the game and making smart, impactful decisions. Gabi's ability to dominate in high-pressure moments makes her an invaluable asset to her team, and it's clear that her future in college volleyball will be nothing short of spectacular. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='536783' first='Gabi' last='Zachariasen']—she's just getting started!    As we head into the semi-finals, if you haven't already, now is the perfect time to catch these incredible athletes in action—whether you're attending a game, streaming it online, or tuning in on the radio. These players have poured their hearts into this season, pushing themselves to new heights with every set and every point. The intensity and passion they bring to the court is unmatched, and we're witnessing some of the best volleyball the Dakotas have ever seen. The level of competition is fierce, but it's also a testament to the incredible talent emerging from our region.   The future of volleyball in the Dakotas is incredibly bright, and I'm beyond excited to see how these athletes continue to evolve. They've put in the work, and the payoff is undeniable. As the post-season continues to unfold, one thing is clear—these young athletes are setting the stage for a volleyball dynasty that will make waves for years to come. Don't miss the chance to watch these stars shine—they are the future of the sport, and the best is still yet to come!

By: Theresa Hickman