Class of 2029 Back Row Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 is stepping into high school gyms for the first time, and a new wave of defensive specialists and liberos is ready to make their mark. While they're still developing their game, this group is already showing the tools coaches look for—clean platforms, solid footwork, and the willingness to read and react to keep plays alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For many of these freshmen, it's about learning to control first contact, staying composed under pressure, and turning defensive touches into chances for their teams to score. They bring energy to the court and are quickly adjusting to the speed and physicality of the high school game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As they continue to grow and gain experience, these Class of 2029 back row players are names to keep an eye on in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769410"],"_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-68867553ed8b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='769410' first='Cara' last='McLagan'] is an incoming freshman already showing the tools to make an impact in the back row for Central Minnesota Christian. She brings a steady platform and clean ball control in serve-receive, along with good court awareness to read hitters and cover tips. McLagan moves well laterally, stays low through contact, and shows the ability to keep plays alive with controlled digs. As she adjusts to the speed of the high school game, her foundation as a defender gives her plenty of upside to grow into a reliable backcourt presence.</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":["783057"],"_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-68867553ed913"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='783057' first='Jayde' last='Aday'] enters her freshman season as a promising back row defender for Fergus Falls. She shows strong court awareness, reading the game well and adjusting to hitters to keep plays alive. Aday maintains a stable platform in serve-receive and moves efficiently through the backcourt, allowing her to cover seams and handle tough balls. With continued development and experience at the high school level, she has the tools to grow into a dependable libero or defensive specialist in the coming years.</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":["785630"],"_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-68867553ed967"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='785630' first='Lily' last='Schardin'] steps into her freshman season ready to contribute in the back row for Southwest Christian. She shows a calm platform in serve-receive, along with solid footwork that allows her to adjust to tough serves and attacks. Schardin reads hitters well, positions herself effectively, and keeps rallies alive with consistent, controlled digs. As she continues to develop, her steady presence and growing confidence give her the tools to become a reliable defensive asset for her team.</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":["757202"],"_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-68867553ed9ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='757202' first='Paislee' last='Akervik'] begins her high school career at Duluth East as a developing but promising back row defender. She brings solid movement and a steady platform, showing good control on first contact and the ability to handle tough serves. Akervik reads the game well for her age, adjusting to hitters and covering tips and rolls to keep rallies alive. With continued reps and experience, she has the foundation to grow into a dependable defensive piece in the coming seasons.</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 -->