Top Dakota Talent at Northern Lights Qualifier~Liberty Division

Did you know the 17's Liberty Division at the Northern Lights Qualifier boasts a staggering 40 teams, with nearly 360 athletes battling it out for a coveted bid to Nationals this summer? And this is just one division out of four for the 17's! Among them, three standout teams hail from the Dakotas, bringing serious talent to the court. These players aren't just competing—they're turning heads. Let's dive into the clubs and the top athletes who are sure to make a big impression!   First up, we have Volt 17's, a talented squad hailing from the Fargo area. This team is a unique blend of 2026 and 2027 players, bringing youthful energy and skill to the court. Here are some of the standout athletes to watch:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='725053' first='Katelyn' last='Posl'] is one of the smartest players at the net. As a middle, she'll have her work cut out for her covering all three blocks, but her high volleyball IQ will set her apart. Katelyn has an exceptional ability to read the court and knows exactly when to attack deep corners with a well-placed push. Watch for her to make smart, impactful plays throughout the tournament.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='730662' first='Kinley' last='Gross'] is a versatile athlete capable of excelling in multiple roles, but she truly stands out as a setter. Her leadership, relentless work ethic, and ability to make smart decisions under pressure make her a key player to watch. Paired with veteran Addison Bogenreif, this team is primed for success. Addison brings a wealth of experience and impact to the court, and we can expect big things from her in this tournament.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Another player to watch closely is [player_tooltip player_id='731517' first='Nora' last='Schumacher']. Whether she's playing outside or right-side, she brings serious power to the net. Nora is explosive off the block and drives through her approach with impressive force, making her a formidable hitter and a key asset to her team.</li> </ul>   Next up is Sanford 17's, another powerhouse team from the Fargo area. This squad is stacked with some of the state's top talent, including several players already committed to competing at the collegiate level. Sanford 17's is a must-see team, bringing intensity and skill to every match. Here are a few standout athletes you'll want to keep an eye on and take notes about:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>One player you absolutely can't miss is [player_tooltip player_id='724921' first='Reilly' last='Bryant']. Currently ranked as the No. 3 overall player and the No. 1 middle for North Dakota in the 2027 class, Reilly is a force on the court. While her position for this weekend's matches isn't confirmed, one thing is certain—she'll excel wherever she plays. Her versatility and talent make her a standout at every level. </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>You won't want to miss [player_tooltip player_id='203420' first='Raina' last='Chwialkowski'], who is already committed to the University of Maryland. Currently ranked No. 2 for the 2026 class in North Dakota, I see her contending for the top spot overall. Raina is ranked No. 1 in the state as a libero, and her exceptional skills in the back row make her a player to watch as she solidifies her place among the best.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Another power player to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell']. Standing at 6'2", Audrey is currently ranked No. 4 overall for the 2026 class in North Dakota and No. 2 as a middle blocker, for Prep Dig. At the top of her game, she continues to improve and elevate her play. Audrey is a player who consistently delivers, and her growth makes her one to watch closely this weekend. </li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='722412' first='Ellee' last='McIntosh'] is another standout player already committed to the University of North Dakota. Ellee brings both high volleyball IQ and impressive power at the net. She's a true workhorse whenever she steps on the court, and her competitive drive makes her a force to be reckoned with. I'm looking forward to watching her in action this weekend—UND definitely picked a great one!</li> </ul>   Rounding out our list of Dakota teams is a powerhouse from South Dakota—17's Kairos Beta. If you ever get the chance, make sure to watch any of the Kairos teams in action. This squad has already been competing in some high-level tournaments, and they're known for running a lightning-fast offense that's incredibly difficult to defend against. Be ready for an exciting, high-energy performance when they hit the court!   There isn't a single player on this roster that I can point to as the standout because they're all exceptional in their own right. The talent on this team is among the best South Dakota has to offer. Here are a few players I'm especially excited to watch this weekend:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>First on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='725181' first='Lily' last='Van Hal'], a 2026 setter who is already committed to the University of Denver. Her name might sound familiar as she was featured in our Player to College Journey article. If you read about her, you'll understand why she's the type of player you want on your team. Lily brings more than just skill—she's a natural leader and an incredibly hard worker. If you're a young, aspiring setter, I highly recommend heading to her court to watch her in action. You'll learn a lot from seeing her play!</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Another player to watch is [player_tooltip player_id='725186' first='Emma' last='Masselink']. Expect to see her in multiple spots on the court, as she can deliver some of the most powerful hits, even against the best blockers. But she's also quick on her feet in the back row, showcasing her versatility. Wherever she plays, one thing is for certain—Emma is a true standout and a force to be reckoned with.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='725187' first='Kya' last='Keegan'] is currently ranked as the No. 2 middle blocker in South Dakota, and for good reason. Don't be surprised if she drills the 10ft line multiple times over the course of the three-day tournament. Her power and precision make her a constant threat at the net, and she'll be one to watch closely this weekend.</li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Ali Jones is definitely a player to watch. She has a knack for pushing the ball to the deep corners, then will mix it up with a perfectly timed tip in the middle. But just when you think you've figured her out, she hits you with the raw power behind her approach and swing. Defenders struggle to get a read on her, making her an outside hitter you'll want to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.</li> </ul>   It's clear that the Dakotas are producing players who are already catching the attention of college coaches thanks to their power and skills. No wonder we're seeing more and more athletes from North and South Dakota on the radar of top programs. This weekend, these clubs will be tested against some of the best in the nation, and they'll need to bring their A-game. 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Did you know the 17's Liberty Division at the Northern Lights Qualifier boasts a staggering 40 teams, with nearly 360 athletes battling it out for a coveted bid to Nationals this summer? And this is just one division out of four for the 17's! Among them, three standout teams hail from the Dakotas, bringing serious talent to the court. These players aren't just competing—they're turning heads. Let's dive into the clubs and the top athletes who are sure to make a big impression!