EXCLUSIVE: Dear Incoming Freshman-Advice from the 2028's

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using the discount code digdakotas30   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dear Class of 2029 Volleyball Freshmen,</h2>   High school is a whole new world—and stepping into it can feel overwhelming. Bigger schools, more faces, new routines. You're no longer the oldest in the hallways—you're the ones starting over, figuring out how to balance school, friends, and sports while people remind you that “in four years, you need to be ready for what's next.”   And then there's volleyball. You're stepping onto the court as the youngest, competing with upperclassmen who already know the pace and expectations. Some of you will face tryouts, some of you will walk in with a roster spot, but every single one of you will face a new level of challenge.   Here's the thing: you've worked hard to get here, and this moment doesn't define you—it's just the start of your story.   To help ease the transition, I asked a few players from the Class of 2028 to share advice they wish someone had told them before their freshman year. These are athletes who have been where you are, who've learned how to grow into the game and the high school experience. They're leaders on the court and, more importantly, off it—teammates who build others up, celebrate every win, and put the team first.   Below, you'll find their words of advice, along with their Instagram handles so you can follow their journeys. Take it in, because high school will fly by faster than you think. Cherish the moments, lean on your teammates, and remember—you've got this.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Now, from the Class of 2028.</h2>    Insta Handle: tenleywitzel_vb2028   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   I would say just to always be confident in your athletic ability and that you can do anything with a great mindset!   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   A big thing for me was to focus on being the best version of myself that I could be once I stepped on the court. I always tried to be a great teammate and to always uplift my team when it was needed.     Insta Handle: Brooklyn.bogenreif   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   Be yourself and don't be intimidated by others because of their age or grade. Work hard and don't worry about what other people are doing/thinking!   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   Be loud and talk to everyone, don't be shy!     Insta Handle: gretchen.snowden   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   Train your hardest and get so many extra reps in.   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   Be the loudest person on the court! Don't be afraid of upperclassmen trust me they will become your best friends and don't be scared to go for a ball, you don't know if you don't go!     Insta Handle: josalyn.samuels   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   Don't be afraid to make mistakes! It's how you react to them and how you make the adjustments that allow you to get better and learn. Also, make sure to communicate and connect with other girls so that you feel more comfortable on the court!   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   Make sure to hustle everywhere and be engaged in what coaches and other players have to say. Also, showing different roles of leadership can help you stand out!     Insta Handle: @adleymatter   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   Volleyball is supposed to be fun, don't stress about the little mistakes and just focus on what's in your control. You play because you love it so don't put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect because the whole point is to enjoy your sport.   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   You will never be a good teammate to other people if you are not good to your body and your mind. Bringing the positive energy doesn't only make you a standout athlete but also attracts the right people that will help you become a better version of yourself.     Insta Handle: loganmcguirevb   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   As a freshman preparing for school tryouts I think it's important to be eager and excited to just learn from your coaches. Being at all of the camps during the summer really helped me connect with the some of the players before tryouts.   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   Advice I would give incoming freshman is to just have fun and be your self. Showing your coaches that you are determined and very competitive is very important because it shows how much you want to win. A leader is something that every team needs, so just emphasizing way's you can lead and help your team is crucial.     Insta Handle: oliviabratton14   What advice would you give to incoming freshmen as they prepare for their first high school volleyball tryouts and season?   Work hard over the summer and train to stay sharp before tryouts. Be super coachable and listen and apply the feedback you receive. Being confident in how you play is very important as well.   As incoming freshmen get ready for high school tryouts, what's the biggest piece of advice you'd share with them to help them succeed and stand out?   Be the hardest worker and focus on your own improvement. Being a team player and hustling will make the game more fun and competitive. Come in with a positive mindset no matter what team your placed on because your attitude will stand out over everything.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <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 <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @prepdigdakotas</h4>   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/Dark-Black-Beige-Grunge-Motivational-Quote-Instagram-Post1.png?w=819" alt="" class="wp-image-846398" style="width:469px;height:auto" /></figure>

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