Hidden Gems No More: 2026 Dakotas Talent Turning Heads

The Class of 2026 is heating up — and the Dakotas are making noise. As players across the country start locking in commitments, our eyes are locked on a fierce group of athletes who are ready to compete at the next level. The Dakotas are no longer flying under the radar — these girls are showing up, showing out, and proving they belong in every conversation. With 2025s nearly wrapped, now is the time to focus on the next wave of elite talent. This list is packed with versatile, driven, and high-IQ players ready to impact. College coaches — don't miss your chance. Let's dive in.    [player_tooltip player_id='751379' first='Alexis' last='VanderHam'] is a 2026 athlete that has consistently impressed throughout the club season. Coaches in need of a high-IQ, versatile player should have her on their radar. Defensively, Alexis excels in reading hitters and staying composed under pressure. She tracks the ball well through the seams and positions herself early, showing excellent anticipation and court awareness.   At the net, Alexis is dynamic from both the outside and right side. She has a fast arm swing and shows a knack for tooling blocks and finding deep corner shots. Whether in transition or on serve receive, she times her approach well, generates solid pace, and can hit sharp angles or go high off hands when needed. Her ability to adapt mid-rally and deliver smart, effective swings makes her a valuable six-rotation asset.   Alexis brings grit, focus, and a team-first mindset — traits that translate to success at the next level.~@prepdigdakotas   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2S5M22">http://www.hudl.com/v/2S5M22</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='763783' first='Jada' last='Cameron'] is a high-motor front row player who brings energy, toughness, and athleticism to every touch. Whether she's playing outside or sliding into the middle, Jada doesn't shy away from going head-to-head with big hitters. Her competitive drive and physicality allow her to challenge swings and close blocks with purpose.   One of Jada's standout traits is her ability to transition quickly off the net, keeping herself in rhythm for a fast, explosive approach. She attacks with intent and keeps defenders guessing, often catching them off guard with her quick tempo and well-timed swings. Her versatility across front row positions makes her a reliable option in any offensive system.   Jada's presence at the net is relentless — she's not just filling a spot, she's making plays.~@prepdigdakotas     Don't let size fool you — [player_tooltip player_id='765214' first='Hannah' last='Adney'] is a setter who commands the court with grit, speed, and high-level IQ. She's a relentless hustler, never taking a play off, and constantly positioning herself to deliver clean, consistent sets no matter the situation.   Hannah has a natural feel for tempo and location, reading her hitters with precision and adjusting on the fly to create scoring opportunities. Whether she's running a fast-paced offense or making smart decisions in out-of-system plays, Hannah makes things happen. Her energy is contagious, and her leadership as a floor general sets the tone for her team.~@prepdigdakotas   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2RxJ1U">http://www.hudl.com/v/2RxJ1U</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='748619' first='Nicci' last='Zeis'] has been putting in the work this club season, and it's clearly paying off. A true presence at the net, Nicci brings strength, speed, and smart timing to her role as a middle blocker. She closes blocks quickly, reads opposing hitters well, and consistently puts up a disciplined, sealed block that frustrates attackers.   Offensively, Nicci is aggressive in transition and runs a quick tempo ball with confidence. Whether it's a quick one, slide, or a second-tempo set, she gets up fast and finds the open floor — often targeting seams or deep corners with powerful, controlled swings.   Nicci's work ethic shows in every rep, and her growth trajectory makes her a standout middle to keep on your radar. Coaches looking for a high-ceiling middle with both grit and athleticism should be watching her closely.~@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='724900' first='Cadence' last='Kostelecky'] is a player I'm thrilled to watch for another year — and for good reason. Her hustle is unmatched. She brings relentless energy to the floor, making game-changing plays in transition, defense, and attack. You can feel her presence every point she's on the court.   What sets Cadence apart is her versatility. She could be a six-rotation athlete who thrives in both the front and back row. Whether she's putting up a solid block, attacking with precision from the outside, or digging out tough balls in the backcourt, she plays with heart and consistency.   Cadence isn't just a spark — she's reliable! Every college coach looking for a glue player with grit, versatility, and leadership potential should keep a close eye on Cadence.~@prepdigdakotas   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2QzUUJ">http://www.hudl.com/v/2QzUUJ</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='752395' first='Aubrey' last='Middlestead'] owns the back row — plain and simple. She plays with a confidence and court IQ that is well beyond her years. Her ability to read hitters, anticipate plays, and stay composed under pressure makes her a cornerstone on defense.   But what truly makes Aubrey stand out is her serve. It's aggressive, controlled, and absolutely punishing. Her serves consistently disrupt opposing offenses and generate momentum-changing runs. Combine that with her fearless mentality and vocal leadership, and you've got a defensive anchor that elevates everyone around her.   She's the type of player hitters hate to face and coaches love to build around. If you're a college coach looking for a defensive specialist or libero who brings energy, skill, and elite serve pressure — Aubrey needs to be on your radar.~@prepdigdakotas   <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2S6zZe">http://www.hudl.com/v/2S6zZe</a>    These athletes are showing exactly why the Dakotas are not to be overlooked. From high-IQ setters to powerhouse hitters and fearless defenders, these players are grinding, growing, and grabbing attention with every rep.   College coaches — if you're looking for competitors with grit, versatility, and the drive to elevate your program, this is your reminder: the next wave of top talent is right here.   <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.   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The Class of 2026 is heating up — and the Dakotas are making noise. As players across the country start locking in commitments, our eyes are locked on a fierce group of athletes who are ready to compete at the next level. The Dakotas are no longer flying under the radar — these girls are showing up, showing out, and proving they belong in every conversation. With 2025s nearly wrapped, now is the time to focus on the next wave of elite talent. This list is packed with versatile, driven, and high-IQ players ready to impact. College coaches — don't miss your chance. Let's dive in.