On the Radar: Recruits Who Rose to the Challenge in Chicago

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">PrepDigDakotas</a>&nbsp;for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After following our page, take the next step and&nbsp;<strong>subscribe to PrepDig</strong>! 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Use discount code&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;for an exclusive offer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we recap the action from the Asics National Championship in Chicago, it's clear that some hidden gems left their mark on the court. These athletes didn't just show up—they competed with grit, relentless hustle, and next-level court awareness. What stood out most wasn't just their ability to terminate plays or read hitters—it was their unmatched sportsmanship and composure under pressure. These players elevated the game this weekend, and it's time we spotlight the standouts. Let's dive in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["733918"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68476e711efc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='733918' first='Chloe' last='Preissner'] was a standout in the middle with her high volleyball IQ and ability to read the game in real time. She made smart decisions at the net, closing blocks efficiently, timing her jumps perfectly, and picking spots with her attacks. Chloe wasn't just physical; she was strategic, often outsmarting opposing hitters and adjusting quickly to different offensive tempos. A reliable presence in the middle, she plays with poise and purpose.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741081"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68476e711f050"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='741081' first='Gabrielle' last='Sinkler'] was a force at the net all tournament long. As a middle blocker, she consistently closed blocks, read hitters well, and shut down key plays with her timing and positioning. Her ability to transition quickly and be available as a fast-tempo offensive option added another layer to her game. What stood out even more was her composure—Gabrielle played with poise, encouraged her teammates, and showed exceptional sportsmanship in tight moments. A true team player who leads by example.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522344"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68476e711f0cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='522344' first='Kellan' last='Kaufman'] ran the court with confidence and precision. As a setter, she delivered consistent, clean sets that kept her hitters in rhythm. What stood out most were her well-timed setter dumps that kept defenses on their heels and her aggressive, high-velocity serves that applied constant pressure. Kellan showed strong court awareness and leadership, always communicating and keeping the tempo high. She's a floor general with grit and great feel for the game.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='782332' first='Sara' last='Beth Kiger']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Cincy Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68476e711f1c2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='782332' first='Sara' last='Beth Kiger'] is a six-rotation outside hitter who brought the heat all weekend. She's a hidden gem with powerhouse swings that consistently found the floor. Whether she was terminating out-of-system balls or handling serve and receive with composure, Sara Beth proved she can be trusted in any rotation. Her court vision, aggressive approach, and ability to adjust mid-play made her a key asset. Coaches should definitely have this name circled—Sara Beth is the kind of all-around outside that elevates a lineup.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sydney Hayden","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Cincy Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68476e711f295"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sydney Hayden stood out as a middle blocker with her relentless work at the net. She was a wall on defense, timing her blocks with precision and reading hitters like a seasoned vet. Offensively, Sydney was quick off the transition and delivered clean, efficient swings through the middle. Her energy was contagious, and she constantly communicated with her setter to stay in rhythm. Sydney is a name to keep an eye on—she brings both presence and production at the net.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the final whistles blow at the Asics National Championship, it's clear that this tournament wasn't just about wins and losses—it was about grit, growth, and game-changing moments. These athletes left everything on the court, showing not only high-level volleyball IQ but also leadership, hustle, and sportsmanship that set them apart. From powerful swings to precise sets and game-saving digs, this group proved they're ready for the next level. College coaches, take note—these are the players making waves now and shaping the future of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <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&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/"><strong>PrepDig.com</strong>.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @</em></strong>prepdigdakotas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading -->