Champions. Culture. Kairos.

In this article:
‼️Subscribe to Prep Dig using code: digdakotas30
As I sit back and watch the final points drop on the last day of competition, I can’t help but reflect on just how much these athletes truly pour into this sport. The long hours in the gym, the early mornings in the weight room, the weekend after weekend of competition—all sacrificed for the love of the game and the pursuit of greatness.
Today was especially sweet for the Dakotas. Kairos 17 Beta were crowned champions at USAV Nationals in Dallas, Texas, and what a moment it was.
I’ve followed this group all season long, and what Kairos brings to the table as a program is nothing short of extraordinary. The culture they’ve built—the grit, unity, and drive—is rare. This isn’t just a team that plays to win. This is a team that shows up for each other, that holds a standard, and that plays the game the right way. Watching their journey unfold has been an absolute privilege.
In fact, Lily Van Hal Lily Van Hal 5'8" | S Chester | 2026 State SD was the very first athlete I interviewed for our “Dakota’s Player Impact” series (if you haven’t read that yet—go check it out). She’s a workhorse, plain and simple. If you’re looking for a player to model hustle, leadership, and consistency after—Lily is the blueprint.
And she’s not alone. This roster is full of athletes who stepped up when it mattered most…

Siri Bach
Siri
Bach
5'11" | RS/MB
Watertown | 2026
State
SD
came out on fire at USAV Nationals and never let up. From the first whistle, she made her presence known with explosive quick attacks and sharp one-steps through the middle. Her timing with the setter was locked in, allowing her to terminate balls in transition and off serve receive. Siri’s energy was contagious—she brought momentum to her side with every kill and block touch. Whether she was closing the block or running a slide, Siri demanded attention. She’s an uncommitted middle who brings both firepower and floor leadership—definitely one to keep on the radar.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Hannah Baron Hannah Baron RS SF Lincoln | 2026 State SD made her mark at USAV with her standout serve and sharp defensive reads. A lefty DS with a fast arm, Hannah rattled off multiple serve runs that completely shifted momentum. Her serve placement and pace consistently put teams out of system. Defensively, she tracked balls with confidence and held down her lanes with clean platform angles and quick reactions. Whether she was covering tips or chasing down deep balls, Hannah brought grit and poise to the backcourt. Uncommitted and rising—Hannah is a back row asset with a clutch serve that coaches should take note of.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Ellianna Hoefert
Ellianna
Hoefert
6'1" | MB
Central Lyon | 2027
State
IA
brought a commanding presence to the net at USAV. As a middle blocker and attacker, she was explosive off the floor with a quick first step and fast arm through the seam. Running quicks in front and crashing hard in transition, Ellianna found ways to score and keep blockers off-balance. Her timing on the block was dialed in—closing to pin and sealing the net with authority. She brought energy, urgency, and relentless effort every play. Uncommitted and rising, Ellianna is a dynamic middle who impacts both sides of the ball.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Ali Jones Ali Jones OH/DS/L O'Gorman | 2026 State SD delivered the final blow at USAV Nationals—and what a finish it was. Her game-winning attack sealed the championship, and it was a perfect example of the power she brings every time she swings. Ali stepped in as an outside for a rotation and made every touch count, but she also made her impact felt in the back row with steady defense and controlled passing. Explosive, confident, and fearless under pressure, Ali gave us the perfect ending to an unforgettable run. Someone better grab her—she’s a special one with next-level potential.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Kya Keegan
Kya
Keegan
6'4" | MB
Harrisburg | 2026
State
SD
was a force on the right side at the USAV Championship. Standing at 6’3″, she brought a powerhouse swing that punished the line and kept blockers guessing. Her ability to terminate out-of-system balls and bring heat from the pin made her a go-to option in high-pressure moments. But it wasn’t just her offense—Kya’s presence at the net as a blocker was dominant. She closed seams, sealed antenna, and read opposing setters like a veteran. With her size, athleticism, and court awareness, Kya is a high-ceiling right side that’s still on the board.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Emma Masselink Emma Masselink 5'11" | OH Harrisburg | 2026 State SD was dominant at USAV Nationals, earning her spot on the All-Tournament Team with explosive swings and next-level athleticism. A true terminal outside, Emma attacked with range and power—hammering sharp angles, tooling high hands, and elevating over blocks with ease thanks to her impressive vertical. She was a reliable six-rotation presence, steady in serve receive and fearless in transition. When the game got tight, the ball went to Emma—and she delivered. A killer hitter with game-changing ability, Emma’s performance left no doubt she’s one of the top outsides on the floor.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Sienna Sabers
Sienna
Sabers
5'9" | OH/RS
Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2026
State
SD
was electric at USAV Nationals, earning her spot on the All-Tournament Team with a clutch, high-impact performance from the outside. She brought heat from the left pin, consistently finding the deep corner, swinging through seams, and scoring out-of-system. Her ability to stay aggressive while being smart with shot selection made her a go-to option throughout the tournament. Sienna also held her own in serve receive and played with noticeable confidence in every rotation. A high-IQ attacker with grit and range—Sienna was a difference-maker all week long.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Alaina Wolff
Alaina
Wolff
5'5" | DS/L
Dell Rapids | 2027
State
SD
was a backcourt anchor at USAV, showing off the kind of poise and precision every team needs in high-level play. Her platform work was clean, and she handled high-velocity serves and tough-driven balls with calm control. Alaina’s ability to read hitters and anticipate the play kept rallies alive, and her pursuit coverage was relentless. She led with her voice, directed serve receive with confidence, and consistently got her team in-system. Uncommitted and competitive, Alaina brings the total libero package—IQ, hustle, and consistency.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights
Lily Van Hal Lily Van Hal 5'8" | S Chester | 2026 State SD showed exactly why she took home MVP honors at USAV Nationals. The lefty setter and University of Denver commit ran the offense like a seasoned general—calm, composed, and completely in control. Her ability to read the defense, distribute tempo balls, and keep blockers off balance was elite. But what set her apart was her sneaky, killer left-handed attack—catching defenders off guard with her ability to turn and swing with precision. Lily’s leadership, court presence, and competitive edge made her the heartbeat of her team’s championship run. A true floor general with a fierce touch.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas
Highlights

But let’s not forget the backbone behind it all: the parents. This journey isn’t just about financial commitment—it’s about time, sacrifice, and love. From missed work days to endless hours sitting in gyms filled with whistles and adrenaline, your presence matters. So go ahead, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. We see you, and we appreciate you.