Fresh Faces in the Back Row: Class of 2029 Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every team's success starts with ball control, and for the incoming Class of 2029, a new group of defensive specialists and liberos is already showing signs of being the anchors their programs will rely on. These freshmen are stepping onto the court with the tools coaches look for—clean platforms, quick reads, and the ability to keep plays alive—even as they adjust to the speed of the high school game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While they're still early in their development, this group is already demonstrating the instincts and technique to grow into reliable back row leaders in the coming years. From staying composed on serve-receive to reading hitters and covering tips, they bring energy and consistency to the floor, helping their teams stay in system and in rallies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754908"],"_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-6887c7f52ba26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='800477' first='Lexi' last='Sheffield'] is stepping into her freshman season at Edgewood with the tools to make an early impact in the back row. She brings a steady platform and solid footwork, allowing her to stay balanced on serve-receive and handle tough first contacts. Sheffield reads the game well for her age, adjusting to attackers and covering tips to keep rallies alive. With continued growth and experience, she's a player to watch as she develops into a reliable defensive option for Edgewood this season.</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":["740010"],"_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-6887c7f52ba95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='740010' first='Reese' last='Lillie'] is stepping into her first year of high school volleyball as a defensive player to keep an eye on. She shows quick movement in the back row and a balanced platform, allowing her to handle serve-receive and keep plays alive. Lillie reads the game well for her age, reacting early to hitters and covering seams with confidence. As she begins her high school career, she's a name to watch as she continues to develop her game and make an impact for Hortonville.</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":["746575"],"_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-6887c7f52bafb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746575' first='Joelle' last='Schue'] is an incoming freshman already showing potential as a steady back row presence for Independence Public. She moves well laterally and stays balanced on first contact, helping keep the ball in play on serve-receive and defense. Schue reads the game well for her age, reacting early to tips and swings to keep rallies alive. As she begins her high school career, she's a developing defensive player to keep on the radar in the Class of 2029.</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":["753057"],"_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-6887c7f52bb57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='753057' first='Jeana' last='Petri'] is beginning her high school career at Cedarburg as a defensive player to watch in the Class of 2029. She brings a clean platform and solid movement in the back row, allowing her to handle serve-receive and make controlled digs. Petri reads hitters well for her age, staying ready to cover tips and rolls to keep the play alive. With continued development, she has the foundation to grow into a reliable piece of Cedarburg's defense.</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":["776628"],"_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-6887c7f52bbae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='776628' first='Penelope' last='Chmielewski'] enters her freshman season as a back row player to keep on the radar in the Class of 2029. She shows a calm platform and good footwork, staying balanced in serve-receive and reacting well to balls in her zone. Chmielewski reads hitters early, covering tips and making controlled digs to keep rallies alive. As she grows her game and adjusts to the pace of high school play, she has the tools to become a steady defensive presence for her program.</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 -->