NCR RTDP-Attackers Delivered Big

This weekend, I had the opportunity to witness the launch of the new NCR Region Team Development Program—and let me tell you, it was an event no serious volleyball fan or coach should miss. Hosted in collaboration with the University of North Dakota coaching staff, this was a high-level, fast-paced, and competitive atmosphere that raised the bar for regional training.   From the first whistle, you could feel the intensity. The court was alive with quick tempo sets, aggressive transitions, and a focus on running a faster offense—something college coaches everywhere are looking for. Ask any athlete who attended, and you'll hear the same thing: this was a game-changing experience.   I was especially fired up to see some of the region's top hitters in action—players like [player_tooltip player_id='722412' first='Ellee' last='McIntosh'], [player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='227878' first='Kaydence' last='White'], and one of my personal favorites from the class of 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle']. These athletes, already committed to playing at the collegiate level, showed exactly why they're being recruited.   But what really turned heads were the underclassmen—swinging with power, reading the block, and showing that they belong in this fast-paced system. With June 15 right around the corner, this weekend's showing only added fuel to the fire. The volleyball scene in the Dakotas is rising fast—and if this program was any indicator, the future is fierce.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🔥 [player_tooltip player_id='724924' first='Anna' last='Strand'] – Right Side Attacker</h3>   Anna is a game-changer on the right pin. She's got the size and strength to seal the block, but what really stood out was her ability to read the opposing setter and close fast. Offensively, she's a smart attacker who knows how to tool the block, swing line, or go deep corner when needed. Her footwork in transition is clean, and she consistently gets up quick for the tempo ball. Anna's not just defending the net—she's owning it.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">⚡ <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/aurey-morris/">[player_tooltip player_id='724985' first='Aurey' last='Morris']</a> – Outside Hitter</h3>   Aurrey brings an undeniable work ethic to the floor. She soaked up every coaching moment and turned it into performance. Her approach was aggressive, and she adjusted well to different set tempos—whether it was high outside or a faster tempo 4, she found a way to get her swing off. She had a heavy arm and delivered cross-court bombs, but what impressed most was her volleyball IQ—knowing when to tip, roll, or take a deep swing under pressure.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">💥 <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/alayna-foster-devold-3/">[player_tooltip player_id='723329' first='Alayna' last='Foster-DeVold']</a> – Outside Hitter</h3>   Alayna was a highlight reel in motion. Her approach mechanics were textbook, and her line shot was surgical. She ran a clean route to the pin, stayed behind the ball, and made smart shot selections. Her ability to adjust mid-air and still find a kill showed maturity in her game. Add to that her court presence and communication, and you have a six-rotation player ready to lead.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🛡️ [player_tooltip player_id='727621' first='Katelyn' last='Deringer'] – Middle Blocker</h3>   Only a freshman? You wouldn't know it watching her go toe-to-toe with upperclassmen. Standing at 6'0", Katelyn was dominant at the net. Her block timing was advanced, and she tracked the setter with precision. On offense, she ran quick 1s, 31s, and even slides, showing range and trust with her setters. What set her apart was her ability to transition fast off the net, stay available, and terminate in front of the 10-foot line. She's raw in the best way—with high ceiling and massive upside.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🔥 [player_tooltip player_id='586570' first='Ginny' last='Gores']– Middle Blocker</h3>   Ginny is a standout middle from the 2027 class with serious upside. She's got explosive airtime and brings power every time she swings. What stood out most was how she held her own battling against top commits—fearless at the net and totally locked in.   She reads the game well, closes blocks with speed, and makes hitters earn every point. Offensively, she gets up quick and brings heat through the seam or deep corner. Her energy is infectious, and she plays with the kind of fire that lifts her whole team.   Ginny's not just making plays—she's making a statement.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🔥 [player_tooltip player_id='727985' first='Taylor' last='Sanders']– Outside Hitter</h3>   Taylor is a powerhouse on the pin with a presence well beyond her age. If you didn't know she was a 2028, you'd swear she was an upperclassman. Her volleyball IQ is elite—she sees the court, adjusts mid-air, and consistently finds ways to score.   Her arm is live, and her power shots from the outside gave defenders serious trouble. Whether going sharp cross or ripping seam, Taylor forces backrows to scramble. She plays with confidence, poise, and purpose—and she's only getting started.   If she chooses to play at the next level, [player_tooltip player_id='727985' first='Taylor' last='Sanders'] will be a name college coaches won't want to miss.   Let's talk about some of the veteran hitters who completely elevated the level of play at the NCR Team Development Program. These athletes brought not only firepower but also leadership, court presence, and sheer competitiveness that left everyone watching in awe.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🎯 [player_tooltip player_id='722412' first='Ellee' last='McIntosh'] – Committed to University of North Dakota (2026)</h3>   Elle's game is defined by composure and consistency. She may seem quiet, but don't be fooled—when the ball is in play, she's lethal. Her attack efficiency is off the charts; she finds the seam, hits with pace, and rarely makes errors. UND saw what we're all seeing—a calm, calculated hitter with next-level decision-making and a swing that punishes defenses.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">💪 [player_tooltip player_id='227878' first='Kaydence' last='White'] – Committed to Concordia-St. Paul (2026)</h3>   Kaydence is a middle who competes like it's match point every play. Her timing on quick sets and 1-balls is nearly flawless, and her ability to read the setter and close blocks makes her a two-way threat. She's not just a physical presence—she's a high-IQ competitor who knows how to shift momentum with one big swing. CSP is getting a game-changer.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🔥 [player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor'] – Committed to Augustana (2026)</h3>   Sylvia is what coaches dream of in a six-rotation outside—versatility, power, and poise. Her swing is tight and intentional, and she knows how to score from anywhere on the court. With an elite vertical and smooth footwork, she's a nightmare for blockers and a rock-solid presence in serve receive. Sylvia has the kind of game that wins big matches.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🚀 [player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle'] – 2026 Standout- Committed to St. Cloud (2026)</h3>   If you haven't heard of [player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle'], you will. Her vertical is jaw-dropping—we're talking above-the-tape presence that makes her a nightmare for defenders and opposing blockers. Whether she's terminating from the pin or putting up a roof, Alexis plays with a ferocity and explosiveness that turns heads. Coaches were watching, and trust me—they took notice.   There's no way around it—this group was special. While there are still plenty of names to highlight, these athletes demanded attention with their elite skill, fierce competitiveness, and game-changing presence on the court. They didn't just show up—they dominated.   To say volleyball is in good hands would be an understatement. These underclassmen are pushing the game forward with advanced IQ, next-level athleticism, and a fire that's impossible to ignore. The pace, the power, the polish—it's all there. The level of volleyball is evolving fast, and these players aren't just keeping up—they're leading the charge.   This is the future of the sport… and it looks unstoppable.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

This weekend, I had the opportunity to witness the launch of the new NCR Region Team Development Program—and let me tell you, it was an event no serious volleyball fan or coach should miss. Hosted in collaboration with the University of North Dakota coaching staff, this was a high-level, fast-paced, and competitive atmosphere that raised the bar for regional training.