Sophomores that are rising this high school season.

<!-- 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 2028 is making serious noise, and it's time to take notice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This sophomore group isn't waiting to be handed a role—they're earning their way onto the court with skill, confidence, and high volleyball IQ. Some of these athletes already gained varsity experience as freshmen, and after a strong offseason of club play, they're returning with even more speed, power, and polish. Whether it's running a fast tempo offense, delivering clutch digs in out-of-system chaos, or terminating from both pins, this class is showing they can compete with upperclassmen—and win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes the 2028 class stand out is their game-readiness. You'll see middles who close fast and transition into explosive slides, setters who disguise their tempo and distribute with vision, and liberos who control serve receive and lead the floor with poise beyond their years. These athletes are stepping into bigger roles—and they're ready for the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches should be circling names now, because the sophomore class is loaded with talent that's already producing—and still developing fast. The 2028s are here to compete, and they're just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at a few who are ready to break out this season…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["508163"],"_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-687598fa47a9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='508163' first='Avery' last='Minor'] is a bold, high-upside left-handed attacker with a dynamic offensive toolkit. She brings excellent court vision and reads the block well, consistently adjusting her tempo and shot selection mid-rally. What sets her apart is her ability to terminate from multiple zones—whether it's a sharp angle swing from the right pin, a high hand tool from the left, or a quick tempo ball out of the middle. She hits with pace and confidence, using off-speed shots, line rolls, and deep corner placements to keep defenses guessing. Quick-footed and aggressive, Avery is already showing traits of a high-level scoring threat. Definitely one to watch 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":["545493"],"_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-687598fa47afa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='545493' first='Cora' last='Thiemann'] is a rising outside hitter with a smooth arm swing, solid mechanics, and the ability to contribute on both sides of the ball. She's reliable in serve receive, tracks the ball well, and can step into back-row defense when needed. At the net, Cora terminates with confidence—attacking high off hands, swinging cross-court, or finding seams in the block. She transitions quickly, shows strong court awareness, and brings a composed presence in pressure situations. As she continues to develop her all-around game, she's a versatile, high-IQ athlete to keep a close eye on 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":["702576"],"_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-687598fa47b43"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='702576' first='Lillian' last='Ruschoff'], 6'2”, is a physically imposing middle blocker with a high ceiling. She closes blocks with control and covers ground well laterally, taking away angles with her length and timing. Lillian's presence at the net is hard to ignore—she's a natural disruptor and a consistent point-scorer in transition. As she continues to refine her footwork and tempo, she's emerging as one of the top front-row prospects in her class.</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":["744541"],"_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-687598fa47b86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='744541' first='Autumn' last='Kilber'] is a gritty and reliable libero/DS with sharp defensive instincts and relentless hustle. She reads the game well, anticipates hitters, and reacts quickly to cover tips, seams, and deep corners. In serve receive, she delivers clean, on-target passes that keep her team in system. Autumn's ability to stay low, move through the ball, and take control of the backcourt gives her a strong presence beyond her age. She's vocal, steady under pressure, and plays with a competitive edge that makes her a key back-row asset to watch 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":["756875"],"_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-687598fa47bc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Julia Billingtong is a player who will be making a move in our upcoming rankings—and for good reason. Her quick, efficient footwork off the net gives her a clear advantage in transition, keeping her in rhythm and ready to terminate. With an explosive arm swing and fearless approach at the net, she delivers high-impact swings that challenge even disciplined blocks. Julia plays with strength, confidence, and a competitive edge that elevates her team's offense. She's proving she can produce under pressure, and college coaches should have her firmly on their radar now.</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 -->