Day 2 Warriors: Hardworking Standouts at AAU Nationals

Day 2 at AAU Nationals did not disappoint. If you thought yesterday was packed with energy, today cranked it up another level—and to top it off, it was Pink Theme Day. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a gym full of athletes rocking pink with pride?   From sunrise to sunset, I was courtside—hustling from game to game, watching plays unfold, rewinding standout moments, and soaking in every ounce of action. One thing was clear: the athletes from Wisconsin came to compete. There's something about the way they play—gritty, relentless, and fearless. Whether the points were falling or not, these players kept pushing, kept working, and never backed down. That's the kind of mindset that defines a true warrior on the court.   So, who earned a shout-out on Day 2 here in Orlando, Florida? Let's meet the players who showed unmatched hustle, heart, and grit on the big stage.    Samya Hughes is the kind of outside hitter every coach wants on the court—relentless, focused, and never afraid to take a big swing. No matter the score or the block in front of her, she consistently kept attacking. Her high motor and competitive mindset stood out, as she stayed aggressive in transition and made smart decisions at the net. Whether it was a tough out-of-system ball or a fast-paced rally, Samya maintained her intensity and work ethic from start to finish. She's the definition of a player who puts in the work—always ready to take the next swing and fight for the next point.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Natalie Waller brings grit and control to the backcourt. As a libero, she was locked in from the first serve, reading hitters with precision and making quick, aggressive reads in serve-receive. Her platform was steady, and her ability to track down tough balls in coverage kept her team alive during long rallies. Natalie never took a play off—she was constantly communicating, covering her hitters, and laying out for every ball within reach. Her relentless pursuit of the ball and consistent effort on defense reflect a high-level work ethic that sets the tone for her team. She's a floor general with hustle that doesn't quit.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='547197' first='Madalyn' last='Kabat'] made her presence known on the pin with powerful, aggressive swings that demanded attention. As an outside hitter, she brought consistent heat, attacking with confidence and high contact. Whether it was a clean in-system ball or a tough set out of system, Madalyn stayed fearless—always swinging with intent. Her ability to generate pace and find seams in the block showed advanced court awareness. She didn't shy away from pressure moments and worked hard to stay active in transition. Madalyn is a competitor who plays with purpose and isn't afraid to take big swings to shift momentum.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Jaxcyn Berntgen runs the offense with precision and confidence. What sets her apart is her ability to disguise the setter dump—executing quick, deceptive dumps that consistently catch blockers and defenders off guard. Her hands are clean, her tempo is sharp, and she makes smart decisions in tight moments. Jaxcyn keeps defenses honest by mixing in aggressive second-contact attacks while still delivering hittable balls across the net. She shows strong situational awareness, reading the block and flowing with the rhythm of the game. A creative and fearless floor leader, Jaxcyn knows when to take over and when to set up her hitters for success.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='504408' first='Emily' last='Kitowski'] is a relentless defender with sharp instincts and a high volleyball IQ. As a libero, she anchors the backcourt with composure and quick reactions, consistently getting a quality first touch on serve receive. Her pursuit and range in the back row stood out—she's not afraid to lay out for the ball, and she covers the court with intensity. Emily's communication and court awareness keep her team organized, and she's constantly reading hitters to position herself in the right spot. Her energy, hustle, and commitment to every play make her a difference-maker on the defensive end.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='249660' first='Kaylee' last='Roman'] brings a powerful and dependable presence to the outside. She plays with purpose—attacking with a fast arm swing and making aggressive choices at the net. Whether in-system or scrambling out-of-system, Kaylee stays composed and finds ways to score. What stands out most is her work ethic; she stays active in transition, is always available for the ball, and never stops competing. She also contributes in all six rotations, showing strong ball control and discipline in serve receive. Kaylee is the type of player who does the dirty work and still finds the big moments to shine.~Theresa @prepdigdakota    <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>

Day 2 at AAU Nationals did not disappoint. If you thought yesterday was packed with energy, today cranked it up another level—and to top it off, it was Pink Theme Day. And let's be honest, who doesn't love a gym full of athletes rocking pink with pride?