Fargo’s 2026 Standouts:Future College Stars in the Making! Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By: Theresa Hickman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches are already keeping a close watch on this talented group of young athletes, and it's easy to see why. These players bring an unmatched combination of skill, strength, and determination every time they step on the court. From powerful hitters to strategic setters and relentless defenders, they're showcasing their potential to rise to the top. Join us as we shine a spotlight on these standout athletes who are already making waves and proving they have what it takes to compete at the next level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='722411' first='Megan' last='Dietz']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Shanley High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67239e0660100"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">First on the list is [player_tooltip player_id='722411' first='Megan' last='Dietz'], a 6'1” powerhouse middle hitter for Shanley High School. Known for her fierce competitiveness on the basketball court, Megan brings that same intensity to volleyball—only amplified. Her blocking is precise, and going one-on-one with her at the net is no easy feat. Megan has also showcased her versatility by playing on the right side, where her talent shines just as brightly. She's been instrumental in Shanley's impressive 9-0 record this season, making her a standout player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["203420"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67239e0660188"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Next up is [player_tooltip player_id='203420' first='Raina' last='Chwialkowski'], a 5'8” junior libero who has already committed to the University of Maryland. Her resume speaks for itself: USA NTDP, EDC All-Conference, two-time North Dakota All-State selection, USA Volleyball Girls National Team, 1,000 career digs, Rookie of the Year, MVP, and captain for the West Fargo Packers. And she's still not done with her junior season! Raina's calm presence on the court and her exceptional ability to read opponents make her a defensive powerhouse. In her latest game against Davies, she recorded an impressive 25 digs. Already committed to Maryland, Raina remains a must-watch talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lilia Donnelly","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Horace High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67239e066024f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lilia Donnelly, a 5'5” setter for Horace, may be small in stature, but don't let her size fool you—she's incredibly quick and versatile. What truly sets Lilia apart is her defensive mindset; even as a setter, she prioritizes defense, making her a dual threat. Her dig count rivals her impressive assist stats each game, highlighting her all-around impact on the court. Recently, Lilia reached a major milestone, recording her 1,000th career assist. She's a force to be reckoned with and a player to keep an eye on!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32925","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"West Fargo Sheyenne ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Volt-Open","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67239e066030f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Meet [player_tooltip player_id='722410' first='Cora' last='Metcalf'], a towering 6'4” right-side hitter from West Fargo Sheyenne, who is nothing short of a powerhouse. I first watched her during club season with Volt Open, and she was a standout then, too—outside hitters struggled to get past her blocking. Cora's approach from the right side is explosive, making her a formidable opponent to defend against. Beyond her skill, she brings infectious energy to the court, lifting her teammates' spirits with every play. Now a junior, she's already committed to the D1 University of Nebraska Omaha. If you get a chance go watch Cora and her teammates play!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["504561"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67239e06603aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Finally, we have [player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell'], a 6'1” middle hitter from Fargo North with a sharp court IQ. Audrey knows exactly when to bring the heat and when to finesse her opponents, keeping them guessing with well-placed tips just when they think they've read her power game. With her height and strong vertical, she's a formidable presence at the net. Last season, she earned spots on both the EDC Award list and the State Tournament Team. Watching her dominate with Summit Volleyball, Audrey made her presence known immediately. She's a powerhouse talent who demands attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In just a few short seasons, these 2026 volleyball standouts have already captured the spotlight, showcasing the skills, intensity, and game intelligence of seasoned players. As they continue to develop, they're setting the stage for exciting futures in the sport and proving they're forces to be reckoned with. Each player has already made a lasting impact on their teams and caught the eyes of college coaches, all while still in the early years of their high school careers. With such talent and drive, the journey ahead promises to be thrilling—both for them and for volleyball fans everywhere. Stay tuned; this is just the beginning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->