Who are the back-row bosses on our list for 2028?

Defense wins championships. It's the backbone of every successful team, no matter the sport. On the volleyball court, a strong defense can completely shift the momentum, turning potential points into game-saving plays. It's a tough job—demanding quick reactions, court awareness, and relentless grit—but for those who thrive in the back row, it's nothing short of exhilarating.   I've already introduced you to [player_tooltip player_id='727997' first='Baylor' last='Dinger'] and [player_tooltip player_id='727993' first='Brooklyn' last='Bogenreif'], our undeniable #1 and #2 ranked defensive powerhouses. But who else is catching our attention? Who's stepping up, commanding the backcourt, and shutting down hitters with elite-level play?   Let's dive into the rankings and break down the top 3-7 DS/Liberos who are making waves this season!    [player_tooltip player_id='746416' first='McKinley' last='Honeyman'] claims the #7 spot in our 2028 DS/Libero rankings, standing out with her speed, grit, and court awareness. She's a defensive spark plug, always in the right place at the right time, turning hard-driven attacks into controlled passes. McKinley's quick reactions and relentless pursuit of the ball make her a game-changer in the back row. She plays with heart, determination, and the kind of energy that lifts an entire team.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='744541' first='Autumn' last='Kilber'] earns the #6 spot in our 2028 DS/Libero rankings, and it's well-deserved. Her quickness in the back row is unmatched, allowing her to read the opponent's offense and position herself perfectly for every play. Autumn's court awareness and anticipation give her the edge, turning tough digs into seamless transitions. She plays with poise under pressure, always ready to extend rallies and give her team another chance to score. With her defensive hustle and volleyball IQ, Autumn is a player that any team would want anchoring their back row.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden'] is our number 5 pick for the class of 2028 DS/Libero, and she's defensively rocking the back row. She moves with such ease, seamlessly covering her hitters and reading the offense like a veteran. Her quick reactions and fearless pursuit of every ball show just how locked in she is on the court. Gretchen's energy doesn't just elevate her game—it lifts her entire team. She plays with heart, grit, and the kind of determination that college coaches love to see. Keep your eye on her this club season—she's only getting better.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='728442' first='Shea' last='Olson'] earns the #4 spot in our 2028 DS/Libero rankings, and it's easy to see why. She's quick, aggressive, and fearless in the back row. Olson reads the court with precision, making seamless transitions from defense to coverage. Her hustle never fades, and she consistently turns tough plays into perfect passes. A true competitor, she's the kind of player who elevates her team's performance every time she steps on the court. Keep an eye on this rising defensive standout—her impact is undeniable.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='731040' first='Kennedy' last='Fraase'] earns our #3 spot for DS/Libero in North Dakota's 2028 class and holds the #8 overall ranking in the state. Her work ethic is unmatched—Kennedy is constantly pushing herself to improve, and it shows every time she steps on the court. I've watched her compete multiple times, and each time, she impresses with her consistency and court awareness. She moves so efficiently that diving often isn't necessary—her quick reads and sharp instincts put her in the perfect position to make the play. Kennedy covers the court like a seasoned veteran, making her a must-watch prospect for the future.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    These athletes are setting the standard for back-row dominance. [player_tooltip player_id='731040' first='Kennedy' last='Fraase'], [player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden'], and the rest of this standout group aren't just holding down the defense; they're leading their teams with grit, precision, and unmatched court awareness. They read the game, cover every inch of the floor, and consistently turn defense into offense. These players aren't just keeping the ball alive—they're controlling the pace of play. College coaches, if you're looking for defensive leaders who thrive under pressure, this is the class to watch.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">PrepDigDakotas</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</h2>   After following our page, take the next step and subscribe to PrepDig! By subscribing, you'll not only stay connected to the latest coverage of your favorite events, but you'll also be helping to shine a spotlight on rising volleyball talent.   Use discount code digdakotas30 for an exclusive offer!    Year-Round Coverage: Access all PrepDig articles nationwide.  Player Rankings: See how athletes rank across every state.  FREE Player Profiles: Build and update your recruiting profile.  College Coach Views: Know which coaches are checking out your profile.  Profile Trends: Track your profile views over time.  Recruiting Tips: Get advice for your recruiting journey.  Coach Contacts: Connect with any college program across the country.  Event Perks: Get $25 off every PrepDig Showcase   Help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> Together, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences with your support!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @prepdigdakotas</h4>

Defense wins championships. It's the backbone of every successful team, no matter the sport. On the volleyball court, a strong defense can completely shift the momentum, turning potential points into game-saving plays. It's a tough job—demanding quick reactions, court awareness, and relentless grit—but for those who thrive in the back row, it's nothing short of exhilarating.