2028 Watch List Party: Rising Stars to Keep an Eye On! Part 1

By: Theresa Hickman   It's time to kick off the 2028 watch list, and I couldn't be more excited. This is no ordinary list—it's a watch party packed with incredible young talent ready to make waves. From varsity freshmen liberos who've already left their mark in the high school season to power-hitting freshmen with pinpoint accuracy, the future of volleyball is in good hands. We've got setters who command the court and hitters who execute plays with precision and power beyond their years.   These freshmen, paired with the leadership of upperclassmen, are poised to dominate the club season. North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota—get ready, because this is a group you'll want to follow closely. Let's dive into the rising stars of 2028!    College coaches, take note: [player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger'], a freshman libero, is a name you'll want to remember. This defensive powerhouse is the complete package. Watching her perform at State this year, it was clear from the first whistle that she's a leader. What sets Baylor apart? Her unmatched energy on the court, combined with an unshakable calmness under pressure.   Facing off against some of the best hitters in the state, Baylor consistently delivered, digging balls with pinpoint accuracy and remarkable speed. Her court awareness, agility, and leadership qualities are far beyond her years. [player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger'] isn't just a rising star—she's on track to be one of the greats.     I first watched Masiella last club season, and it was immediately clear she's a player to remember. What stood out most was her understanding of the game—Masiella has been taught the importance of correct footwork and timing, and it shows. These are skills often developed later in a career, but she already has them mastered. This solid foundation positions her for even greater success in the years ahead.   As an outside hitter, Masiella is already showcasing impressive precision, consistently targeting her opponents' weaknesses with deadly accuracy. She has the power, the finesse, and the game sense to dominate. Coaches, take notice—this athlete is poised to become a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to watch her continue to shine this club season!     [player_tooltip player_id='727985' first='Taylor' last='Sanders'] is an outside hitter with a powerful approach and an undeniable presence on the court. Her height, paired with her early understanding of the game, sets her apart from the competition. Taylor's strong arm swing delivers consistent, impactful hits that challenge even the best defenders. With her skill set and natural athleticism, she's a player who demands attention. Keep an eye on Taylor—she's destined to make waves in the volleyball world.     Adding another player to your watchlist! Brooklyn is a versatile player who can excel in any position on the court. At state, I had the chance to witness her playing as a libero, and she immediately caught my attention. As a freshman, her defensive IQ is off the charts. She was quick to read the opponent's plays, always in the right position, and made crucial digs in high-pressure moments. What truly stood out was her ability to rise to the occasion—her poise and focus in intense situations were beyond her years. Brooklyn's court awareness, combined with her maturity under pressure, makes her a player to keep an eye on. I can't wait to see her play this club season! She's certainly one to watch as she continues to develop and dominate.     Josalyn is a player that college coaches need to take note of—make sure you write this name down and watch her play in person. At just 6'0" and only a freshman, she is already making waves as a setter. Her ability to execute sets with precision and confidence is impressive for someone so young. She plays like a veteran setter, showcasing an incredible court IQ and a strong understanding of the game. What truly stands out is her ability to use her height as an advantage, delivering dynamic sets and providing her team with a powerful weapon. Not only is she a threat as a setter, but she's also a force at the net. Josalyn can attack with power, making her a versatile option on offense. Whether it's a quick set or an aggressive attack, she reads the defense and takes advantage of every opportunity to score. Josalyn is a player with limitless potential, and as she continues to develop, she will undoubtedly become a major force on the court. College coaches, don't miss the chance to see her in action.     Logan is a setter that every coach should have on their radar. As a freshman, she already shows remarkable maturity and court awareness that sets her apart. Logan's ability to run an offense with precision and confidence is impressive, but what truly stands out are her dumps. At such a young age, her decision-making and execution on those plays are already some of the best you'll see. She has the vision to recognize the right moment to surprise the defense, and she does it with such finesse and control. Logan is a player with a bright future, and as she continues to develop, she will only become more dangerous on the court. Coaches, if you're looking for someone who has the tools to build around, Logan is a name you need to keep an eye on.    The class of 2028 has been putting in the work during the off-season, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. It's not just about their incredible talent—these athletes are displaying a level of maturity and volleyball IQ that is rare for their age. They're not just participating; they're dominating in ways that have college coaches already taking notice. From their advanced skills to their natural leadership on the court, this group is setting the bar higher than ever. If I were building a team, I'd want every single one of these athletes on my roster.   And this is just the beginning! We've only scratched the surface of what players of 2028 are capable of. With more to come, you'll want to stay tuned as we continue to spotlight future stars in this class. The energy, the passion, and the skills on display are electrifying, and I can't wait to see how they evolve this season. Trust me, this watch party is just heating up, and you won't want to miss a single moment. The future of volleyball is in incredible hands, and the 2028 class is leading the way!

By: Theresa Hickman