Coach Kiy Landed in North Dakota

Shoulders. Feet. Hips. Three simple words echoed through the gym—but under the direction of The Coach Kiy, they became the foundation of something bigger.   This weekend, I had the privilege of watching one of the most dynamic minds in volleyball at work. And if you haven't heard the name Coach Kiy yet—consider this your official introduction. Because once you've seen her coach, you'll never forget it.   Coach Kiy doesn't just run drills—she elevates athletes. Her presence on the court is commanding. Her attention to detail is unmatched. From footwork to body mechanics, she breaks down the game into teachable, powerful moments that push players to a new level. Every rep had a purpose. Every correction raised the bar. The energy? Electric.   This wasn't just a camp—it was a masterclass.   Freeze Director Annie made a bold move, bringing Coach Kiy all the way from California to the Dakotas—and the impact was immediate.   Over the course of five high-intensity sessions, starting Friday and wrapping up Sunday with a private, invite-only finale, athletes were challenged in ways they hadn't experienced before. Around 30 athletes per session—ranging from middle schoolers to top high school talent—got hands-on instruction that demanded focus, grit, and excellence.   Coach Annie built a powerhouse coaching team around Kiy, including Minnesota Select's Victoria Schaepe, bringing even more credibility and intensity to the floor. The expectations were high, but the rewards were higher.   So what were the three most important keys to defense? Get in the right position. Stop. And you gotta GO.   In the private session, Coach Kiy broke the court into skill-specific training—working with hitters, setters, and passers.   Coach Sam Jackman worked closely with the hitters, and the talent was next-level. <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/alayna-foster-devold-3/">[player_tooltip player_id='723329' first='Alayna' last='Foster-DeVold']</a> was putting on an absolute show—ripping deep corner shots and attacking inside the 10-foot line with authority. [player_tooltip player_id='727811' first='Karsyn' last='Grube'] shifted seamlessly from a crisp line shot to a deep corner bomb. Lexie Ogundolani had a standout showing, showcasing control and presence at the net. These hitters were just a few who executed everything—cross, line, roll, tip, and seam—with purpose.   The setters were just as impressive. [player_tooltip player_id='740077' first='Sydney' last='Zeis'], [player_tooltip player_id='744867' first='Taya' last='Ressler'], [player_tooltip player_id='733165' first='Finley' last='Horken'], and Caroline Nelsen put in serious work. Coach Kiy stopped often to fine-tune mechanics—adjusting shoulder positioning, footwork, and hand tempo. These athletes weren't just delivering clean balls—they were learning to run an offense with poise, vision, and command.   And then came the liberos and defenders—and let me tell you, the attacks flying their way were no easy reads. These weren't soft reps—they were full-speed, full-power shots coming from Coach Kiy, Coach Sam, and others. But here's the thing: it wasn't about perfection. It was about being held to a higher standard—and never letting that standard slip.   Coach Kiy said it best: "Defense is creative." And every one of these athletes showed exactly what that means.   [player_tooltip player_id='532491' first='Delaney' last='Spaulding'] brought undeniable energy to the floor, setting the tone with her hustle. [player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden'] put on a show, making her presence known with range, grit, and confidence—absolutely a name to move onto your radar. [player_tooltip player_id='713483' first='Sheyanne' last='Blackcloud'], [player_tooltip player_id='724933' first='Aaliyah' last='Hjelmstad'], and [player_tooltip player_id='753403' first='Emersyn' last='Cichy'] were working middle back like seasoned pros, reading the game and reacting with precision. Alexis Lee, Kitana Middagh, Payton Douglas, and Rei Yang were strong, sharp, and so much fun to watch—each one bringing their own flavor and fire to the backcourt.   To have Coach Kiy come to North Dakota wasn't just exciting—it was the kind of experience most players dream about. Her presence brought a level of energy, knowledge, and intensity that left a lasting impression on every athlete who stepped on the court.   It didn't matter what session you were in—Coach Kiy held every player to the same high standard. And that's exactly what we love to see. She demanded effort, focus, and growth, regardless of age or level, pushing each athlete to rise to the occasion.   From middle schoolers to high school standouts, players walked away sharper, more confident, and inspired to keep grinding. This weekend wasn't just about volleyball—it was about raising expectations, building belief, and showing what's possible when greatness walks into the gym.   Thank you, Freeze Volleyball, for allowing me to observe and witness the impact of a weekend we won't forget. Coach Kiy didn't just visit the Dakotas—she lit a fire that's just getting started.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please 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> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   <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>

Shoulders. Feet. Hips.
Three simple words echoed through the gym—but under the direction of The Coach Kiy, they became the foundation of something bigger.