Prep Dig Gauntlet Preview: Rising Stars Coaches Can’t Miss

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><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></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- 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>JUNE15ALREADY</strong>&nbsp;for an exclusive offer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I could talk volleyball all day, but doing tournament previews for college coaches and fans? That's a whole other level of excitement. The Class of 2028 is stacked with top-tier talent—players who already show high-level court IQ, explosive movement, and a relentless work ethic. From dynamic defenders to powerful attackers, this class is loaded with rising stars who are ready to make noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, who should be on your radar? Which players deserve to be circled and watched as soon as the whistle blows? Here are some standout athletes with the grit, skill, and mindset to compete at the next level. Let's dive in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["499195"],"_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-68431f6c5f0f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='499195' first='Mesa' last='Jameson'] is already making waves—and for good reason. Standing at an impressive 6'3”, she brings a dominant presence to the court for Northern Lights 15s. With a high contact point and a strong, explosive approach, Mesa delivers punishing attacks that consistently beat the block. Her ability to drill sharp line shots and terminate out of system makes her a nightmare for defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, she's just as dangerous, using her length and timing to shut down opposing hitters at the net. Mesa's game is advanced beyond her age, and her name is already circulating among college coaches. Expect a crowd around her court this weekend at the PrepDig Gauntlet—she's the kind of high-impact player that recruiters circle early.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[781456],"_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-68431f6c5f17d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='741263' first='Morgan' last='Kooiman'] is a high-flying outside hitter who brings intensity and energy every time she steps on the court. With a quick arm swing and explosive vertical, she attacks with precision and power, consistently finding seams in the block and putting pressure on defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morgan thrives in both serve-receive and transition, making her a reliable six-rotation option when needed. Her court awareness and ability to read the defense allow her to adjust mid-air and hit smart shots, whether tooling the block or finding deep corners. Keep your eyes on Morgan this weekend at the PrepDig Gauntlet—she's a player who can shift momentum in a single rally.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["442666"],"_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-68431f6c5f204"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='442666' first='Brynlee' last='Opland'] is a defensive anchor with the kind of grit and court IQ that every team needs in pressure moments. As a libero/DS, she reads hitters early, anticipates the ball's trajectory, and positions herself to make high-level digs look effortless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her platform is clean, her angles are sharp, and she's fearless when laying out to keep the ball alive. In serve receive, Brynlee delivers consistent, in-system passes that allow setters to run tempo offenses. Add in her vocal leadership, relentless pursuit, and ability to control the backcourt—she's a player you want in your rotation when the match is on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keep Brynlee on your radar at the PrepDig Gauntlet!<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["702737"],"_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-68431f6c5f27d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='702737' first='Alena' last='Schaack'] is a dynamic front-row threat with the versatility to swing from both the middle and outside. She brings a high volleyball IQ, strong court awareness, and explosive vertical that allows her to terminate balls with authority. Whether she's executing quicks out of the middle or unloading on a high ball from the pin, Alena brings heat and efficiency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her blocking presence is just as impressive, reading the setter well and closing blocks with precision. She times her press over the net, shutting down attackers and creating transition opportunities. What sets Alena apart is her ability to adjust mid-play, communicate on the fly, and stay aggressive regardless of the tempo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coaches, if you're looking for a multi-dimensional attacker with raw talent and strong fundamentals, [player_tooltip player_id='702737' first='Alena' last='Schaack'] is one to circle this weekend.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545498"],"_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-68431f6c5f2f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Briell Gunderson is a high-impact athlete who brings versatility, length, and firepower to the front row. Whether she's running a quick tempo out of the middle or flying in from the pin, Briell delivers a fast, controlled approach and consistently terminates with a heavy arm swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her blocking game is just as fierce—she reads hitters well, closes with confidence, and makes smart adjustments at the net. Briell's timing and lateral quickness allow her to be a constant presence in shutting down opposing attackers. What makes her stand out is her ability to transition fast and stay aggressive in both blocking and attacking sequences.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With her ability to swing from multiple positions and her strong net play, college coaches will want to keep their eyes on Briell this weekend at the Prep Dig Gauntlet. She's a rising force ready to make big moves.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 2028 class is stacked with grit, talent, and next-level potential. These athletes aren't just showing up — they're making statements. As the Prep Dig Gauntlet kicks off, keep your eyes on this group. They're the future of the game, and the future is looking fierce.</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 -->