Across the River Edition: 2027’s Players to watch this season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using the discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Offseason Work, On-Court IMPACT: These Athletes Are Ready to Dominate</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing is crystal clear heading into this high school season: the offseason changed everything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From January through July, we watched athletes grind through intense club seasons, national qualifiers, and elite training blocks—and the payoff is undeniable. Across tournaments, scrimmages, and showcases, these players have made massive gains in their game. Whether it was refining their approach tempo, speeding up their release, sharpening defensive reads, or elevating their serve receive consistency, the improvement is real—and it's going to show this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Their touches are cleaner. Their reads are quicker. Their confidence? Unshakable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've tracked this group from the early stages of club to the final whistles of national events, and one thing stood out—they finished strong. These aren't just athletes maintaining pace. They're surging. And now, with the high school season on deck, they're poised to take over rotations, lead in high-pressure moments, and shift the momentum of matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, who are the names you need to circle?<br><strong>Which players turned heads all summer and are ready to set the tone this fall?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's dive in—because when I say they were on fire at the end of club season, I mean it.<br>🔥 The breakout season starts now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763471"],"_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-6876de982f140"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763471' first='Brooke' last='Hecht']</strong> is a versatile front-row threat, excelling as both a middle blocker and right-side. At the net, she's a disciplined blocker who reads the hitter well and closes blocks with strong hands and timing. Brooke is effective in transition, running quick balls, slides, and second-tempo routes with confidence. On the right pin, she brings a heavy arm and uses smart shot selection to find seams, tool the block, or go high off hands. Her ability to move fluidly across the net and contribute in multiple roles makes her a valuable asset. With her size, work ethic, and growing court presence, Brooke is a rising prospect coaches should be tracking this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728958"],"_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-6876de982f1b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728958' first='Coco' last='Williams']</strong> is a high-level right-side attacker with the tools, tenacity, and upside to thrive at the next level. Ranked among the top 10 in Minnesota at her position, she's a relentless competitor who brings energy and physicality every time she steps on the court. Her transition footwork is clean and explosive, allowing her to stay in system and attack with tempo. Coco's blocking presence is elite—she reads the setter well, closes seams fast, and consistently presses over to disrupt attackers. Offensively, her approach is aggressive and precise, and she terminates with both power and range. She thrives in tight, high-pressure situations and plays with a fire that sets the tone for her team. [player_tooltip player_id='728958' first='Coco' last='Williams'] is a rising star—and college coaches should be watching closely.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748303"],"_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-6876de982f20b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748303' first='Justice' last='Sanders']</strong> enters the high school season riding serious momentum after a standout offseason—and she's ready to dominate the net once again. As a middle blocker, she brings a fast first step, sharp lateral movement, and high-level anticipation that allows her to consistently shut down attackers. Justice reads the setter early, times her press with precision, and rarely gets caught out of position. Offensively, she transitions quickly and connects well on 1s, gaps, and slides, attacking with confidence and court vision. Her ability to terminate in rhythm or tool the block under pressure makes her a dangerous scoring option in any rotation. With her poise, physicality, and competitive motor, Sanders is a player high school opponents will have to plan around—and one college coaches should already have on their radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["731839"],"_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-6876de982f259"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731839' first='Katie' last='Vetter']</strong> wasted no time proving she could dominate at a high level—competing in the 17/18s division as a 2027 outside hitter, she showed she's more than ready. Her explosive first step and fast arm swing make her a terminal threat in both transition and out-of-system situations. Katie attacks with range—ripping cross-court, tooling the block, and going deep corner with confidence. She's a true six-rotation player, consistently clean in serve receive and dependable in back-row defense. Her volleyball IQ is evident in how she reads blockers, adjusts her approach, and stays aggressive under pressure. Coaches, this is an [program_tooltip program_id='431954' first='Impact' last=''] player with size, skill, and maturity—Katie needs to be on your 2027 recruiting radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455602"],"_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-6876de982f2a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='455602' first='Lydia' last='Riskey'] is a physical, high-motor outside hitter who plays with intensity and purpose. She brings a strong, repeatable arm swing and attacks with range—capable of scoring from the pin, off high hands, or with sharp cross-court shots. Lydia transitions quickly and stays available in-system, allowing her setter multiple options. She's also dependable in serve receive and brings solid court awareness in back-row defense. Her ability to contribute in all phases makes her a valuable six-rotation prospect. With her competitive drive and growing offensive toolbox, Lydia is a name college coaches should be tracking closely this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><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 -->