Orlando, FL: 16 Open is Loaded with Talent and Big-Time Matchups

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're diving straight in—because the <strong>16 Open Division</strong> at AAU Nationals is absolutely stacked and promises some can't-miss volleyball. Powerhouse programs like <strong>A5, Nebraska ONE, OK Charge, Shockwave, Sky High</strong>, and <strong>Legacy</strong> are ready to battle, and every match will bring intensity, grit, and next-level talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>‼️<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using code: digdakotas30 </strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But what I'm really excited about? Three <strong>Midwest giants</strong> that are about to shake things up—<strong>Northern Lights, Minnesota Select, and Kokoro</strong>. Each of these clubs has a squad in the 16 Open, and they have some D1 commits. College coaches will be flocking to these courts—and if you're not watching this division closely, you're missing some of the best volleyball in Orlando.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you've been on TikTok, Instagram, or even X lately, you've definitely seen the names <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453085' first='Kaelyn' last='Bjorklund']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='453086' first='Ellery' last='DeBoer']</strong> blowing up. Kaelyn is heading to <strong>Clemson</strong>, and Ellery (playing on the 17-1's in open division) just committed to <strong>Michigan State</strong>—and the volleyball world <em>noticed</em>. The excitement was electric, and just like that, the shift in momentum was clear: these programs are producing high-level athletes, and they're becoming regulars in recruiting conversations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What matters isn't where you're from—it's the <strong>talent, grit, hustle, leadership, and coachability</strong>. These are the full-circle athletes every college coach dreams of. The Class of 2027 is officially on the board, and things are just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are 6 players I'm putting at the <em>top of the list</em>—<strong>circle them now</strong>, because you don't want to miss out this weekend at the AAU Championship 16's Open division!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["396872"],"_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-68558085072eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='396872' first='Elleora' last='Utecht'] is the kind of outside hitter that makes coaches lean in and take notice. She can attack from anywhere on the court—whether it's the pin, back row, or out-of-system balls, she finds a way to score. Her arm is live, her approach is smooth, and she plays with a calm intensity that never fades. Elleora is a true six-rotation threat with the ability to change momentum in a single swing. Do NOT miss out in watching her! <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455610"],"_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-685580850734b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aurianna Benshoof-Dallas is a force at the net. With a quick first step, a fast approach, and long, explosive arms, she gets up early and makes her presence known. She closes blocks with confidence and follows it with sharp, powerful attacks that are hard to defend. Aurianna brings both size and speed—an athletic middle who can dominate both sides of the ball. Standing at 6'0" Aurianna will get picked up quickly. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535686"],"_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-6855808507395"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='535686' first='Josie' last='Hellyer'] is a floor general with next-level feel for the game. She runs a clean, fast-paced offense, stays poised under pressure, and knows exactly how to get the most out of her hitters. Her decision-making, court vision, and leadership set her apart, and she brings great tempo and creativity to every set. Josie is the kind of setter that elevates everyone around her—and the kind coaches love to build around.<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='785418' first='Evangeline' last='VangSoua']","_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":"5'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"St. Paul","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Kokoro","_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-685580850742e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='785418' first='Evangeline' last='VangSoua'] may be new on the radar, but she plays with the poise of a veteran. Her ability to read hitters and react with control is next-level—she doesn't guess, she reads, stops, and moves with purpose. Her back row IQ is sharp, and her calm presence keeps plays alive under pressure. Evangeline is a rising defensive specialist with the kind of vision and discipline that translates at the next level.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["509926"],"_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-685585ea1e35b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='509926' first='Tess' last='Schuler'] brings consistency, communication, and strong court movement every time she steps on the floor. She covers ground effortlessly and tracks the ball with precision, making tough digs look routine. Tess stays low, stays ready, and shows leadership through her voice and hustle. She's a reliable defensive presence and a great teammate—exactly what college coaches want anchoring their back row.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["770898"],"_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-685585ea1e3b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At <strong>6'1"</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='770898' first='Katherine' last='Anderson'] is a middle blocker with size and the tools to dominate at the college level. She closes blocks with authority, uses her length well, and transitions quickly to offense. Her presence at the net is disruptive, and her timing is clean on both quicks and slides. Katherine has the physical build and skill set to be a serious impact player in the middle—one coaches should be watching closely.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>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.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>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/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></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 -->