PrepDig Dakotas: Top 5 Picks for College Coaches

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>‼️<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using code JUNE15READY for 50% off</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I get asked this question <em>all the time</em>—"If you had to pick your top five players from North and South Dakota, who would they be?" And let me tell you, narrowing it down was no easy task. The talent in these two states is unreal, and honestly, I could have made a list three times this size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But after hours of film, highlights, and reflection, I locked in on five players who check every box. These athletes aren't just standout performers—they're <em>impact players</em>. They bring versatility, dominate both sides of the ball, lead by example, and elevate everyone around them. They're the kind of players who don't just play the game—they influence every point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, coaches—whether you're building your 2027 class or looking for that one recruit to complete your roster—these five are the ones you want on your radar. Let's dive into my final top picks for call day. These girls are ready to make an impact at the next level—and this is only the beginning. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725193"],"_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-684d658db3a04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you're talking about elite-level outside hitters in the 2027 class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725193' first='Madelynn' last='Henry']</strong> is a name that has to be at the top of the list. Her vertical is explosive, giving her the ability to rise above the block and hammer balls with a heavy, high-contact swing. Combine that with a long, powerful approach and she's nearly unstoppable in transition and out of system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madelynn isn't just an offensive weapon—she's the complete package. Her defensive instincts are advanced beyond her years. She reads hitters like a seasoned libero, positions herself early, and isn't afraid to lay out for tough balls. She closes blocks with great timing and is constantly communicating on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hardworking, fiercely coachable, and a leader in every sense—<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725193' first='Madelynn' last='Henry']</strong> is the type of six-rotation outside that top college programs build around. Mark it down now: she's going to make a massive impact at the next level.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2J0f6z">http://www.hudl.com/v/2J0f6z</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722409"],"_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-684d658db3a73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're looking for a high-impact player with the tools to thrive at the next level, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722409' first='Peyton' last='Saxlund']</strong> needs to be on your radar. She brings intensity, consistency, and a competitive edge every time she steps on the court. With her aggressive swing and fast arm speed, Peyton is a threat in both the front and back row—able to score in-system and adjust quickly when plays break down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What sets Peyton apart is her volleyball IQ. She doesn't just play the game—she sees it. Whether she's finding the seam in a block, tooling high hands, or placing a well-timed tip, she's always making smart, efficient choices at the net. Defensively, she reads well, stays disciplined in coverage, and brings that same energy to serve receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton is coachable, vocal, and leads by example—exactly the kind of athlete you want in the gym and in your lineup. A true six-rotation player with next-level upside.<strong>~@prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://youtu.be/1qKTK1X_dso?si=loJ4_AcdyMMcgOSi","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/1qKTK1X_dso?si=loJ4_AcdyMMcgOSi </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["578407"],"_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-684d658db3acb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you're talking about elite-level setters in the 2027 class, [player_tooltip player_id='578407' first='Lila' last='Johnson'] is a name that has to be in the conversation. She's not just running an offense—she's commanding it. With lightning-quick footwork and advanced court vision, Lila delivers tempo sets with precision, keeping blockers guessing and her attackers in rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lila's presence is undeniable. She reads like a seasoned collegiate setter—adjusting mid-play, locating seams, and consistently finding the hot hand. Her dump is deadly when you least expect it, and her ability to make plays on tight passes or in broken systems is what separates her from the rest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But she's not just a setter—she's a true six-rotation floor general. Defensively, Lila is fearless. She tracks down balls in coverage, leads serve receive with confidence, and communicates like a quarterback in crunch time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High-IQ, ultra-coachable, and built for pressure, [player_tooltip player_id='578407' first='Lila' last='Johnson'] is the kind of player college programs build around. She elevates the game of everyone around her—and she's only getting better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mark this name down now: [player_tooltip player_id='578407' first='Lila' last='Johnson'] is a future impact player at the next level.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2R0QgL">http://www.hudl.com/v/2R0QgL</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724922"],"_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-684d658db3b1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you talk about high-level setters built for the college game, [player_tooltip player_id='724922' first='Makayla' last='Amundson'] rises straight to the top. She's not just one of the best in North Dakota—she's one of the best I've seen, period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makayla is the definition of a floor general. She runs a clean, high-IQ offense, with hands that are smooth, consistent, and fast. She controls tempo like a seasoned vet—whether pushing pace or executing perfectly timed dumps, her decision-making is elite. Even in chaotic moments, Makayla brings calm, delivering hittable balls from anywhere on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her leadership is undeniable. She's vocal, confident, and unapologetically competitive. She holds herself and her teammates to a high standard, and her ability to connect with hitters gives her offense a dangerous edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Makayla is also an underrated defender—quick on her feet, reading the play early, and covering the court with grit. She's fiercely coachable, relentless in her effort, and thrives under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're a college coach looking for a setter who can run the show, lead from the front, and elevate your program from day one—[player_tooltip player_id='724922' first='Makayla' last='Amundson'] is that player.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://fan.hudl.com/usa/nd/west-fargo/organization/34372/sheyenne-high-school/team/188342/girls-varsity-volleyball">https://fan.hudl.com/usa/nd/west-fargo/organization/34372/sheyenne-high-school/team/188342/girls-varsity-volleyball</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725196"],"_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-684d658db3b6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When you're evaluating outside hitters who can step into a high-level system and make an immediate impact, [player_tooltip player_id='725196' first='Bergen' last='Stiff'] is a name you need on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bergen brings power, precision, and a high-contact swing that punishes the ball from both pins. Her arm speed is next-level, and she knows how to score—whether it's tooling the block, going high hands, or ripping deep corners. She's a go-to option in clutch moments and thrives in out-of-system play, always finding ways to put pressure on the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But Bergen isn't just a front-row threat—she's a true six-rotation outside. Her serve receive is steady and reliable, and she shows strong court awareness when defending. She tracks the ball early, reads hitters with precision, and isn't afraid to hit the floor to keep plays alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates Bergen is her competitive edge and coachability. She plays with purpose, leads by example, and elevates the intensity of every rotation she's in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're a college coach looking for a versatile, dynamic outside hitter who can develop into a cornerstone of your program—[player_tooltip player_id='725196' first='Bergen' last='Stiff'] checks every box.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2S8jgg">http://www.hudl.com/v/2S8jgg</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There you have it—my top five players. Believe me, this list could have easily been twice as long, and the names are endless. Everyone has their own opinions, but college coaches, take note: these athletes are ready and hungry to make their mark at the next level. Where will they land? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure—they're players you won't want to miss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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 -->