Defensive and Setting Talent Shines at MN Sophomore ID Camp

<!-- 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>The connection between a great back row and a high-performing setter is the heartbeat of any successful team—and at the Minnesota Sophomore ID Camp, that rhythm was on full display. From platform control to tempo setting, these 2028 athletes showed just how critical the spine of the court truly is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defenders were relentless—reading hitters early, tracking tips, closing seams, and keeping plays alive with clean, controlled first contact. Meanwhile, the setters ran the offense with confidence and pace, delivering tempo balls to both pins and staying composed under pressure. It was clear: these players aren't just filling roles—they're already leading with presence and volleyball IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at the defensive anchors and floor generals who stood out and earned attention at PrepDig Sophomore ID Camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522694"],"_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-6892a258c7293"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='522694' first='Autumn' last='Drennan'], Class of 2028, showed exactly why she's a setter to watch coming out of the showcase. She ran a clean, efficient offense with strong tempo and confident decision-making, delivering hittable balls across all zones. Whether setting in transition or off a tough first contact, Autumn stayed composed and consistent. What makes her stand out even more is her defensive presence—she covers tips, reads hitters early, and isn't afraid to throw her body on the floor to keep rallies alive. A true floor general with a relentless motor, [player_tooltip player_id='522694' first='Autumn' last='Drennan'] is the kind of setter who lifts the level of everyone around her.</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":["747233"],"_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-6892a258c72f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='747233' first='Stephanie' last='Mergens'], Class of 2028 DS/Libero, made her mark at the showcase with elite court awareness and non-stop hustle. She showed advanced defensive IQ, reading hitters early and positioning herself to be in the right place before the ball even crossed the net. Whether it was covering tips, closing seams, or chasing down out-of-system balls, Stephanie was everywhere. Her platform was clean, and she consistently delivered quality first contacts to target. She's the kind of back-row leader every team needs—reliable, fearless, and always in control of the play.</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":["579548"],"_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-6892a258c734b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='579548' first='Veda' last='Weber'], Class of 2028, left no doubt at the showcase as to why she's already considered one of the top setters in the state. Standing at 6'0", she brings a rare combination of size, touch, and court command to the position. Veda ran a fast, well-balanced offense—delivering in-system balls with tempo and locating her hitters with precision. She sees the block well, makes smart reads in transition, and isn't afraid to get creative in tight moments. Her height allows her to be a threat at the net, both as a blocker and attacker in a setter dump. Veda's poise, presence, and skillset make her a standout floor leader with a bright future ahead.</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":["848055"],"_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-6892a258c7395"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='848055' first='Payton' last='Douglas'], Class of 2028 DS/Libero, was a relentless force in the backcourt and quickly established herself as one of the top defensive standouts at the showcase. Her motor never stopped—she was flying across the floor, covering every seam, and refusing to let a ball hit the ground. Payton's first contact was consistently on target, proving just how vital a high-level passer is to triggering a clean, fast-paced offense. Her ability to read hitters, adjust in real time, and lead the back row with confidence made her one of the most reliable and dynamic defenders in the gym. She doesn't just hustle—she <em>commands</em> the backcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='848055' first='Payton' last='Douglas'] is the kind of libero every team wants anchoring their floor.</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":["848360"],"_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-6892a258c73de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='848360' first='Sydney' last='Benson'], Class of 2028 Setter, impressed with her advanced decision-making and high volleyball IQ. She consistently read the defense in real time and adjusted her set choices to exploit gaps in the block. Whether it was feeding the hot hand, running the middle in transition, or disguising her tempo to throw off defenders, Sydney stayed one step ahead. Her location was clean, her tempo consistent, and her leadership on the floor stood out. [player_tooltip player_id='848360' first='Sydney' last='Benson'] isn't just running the offense—she's controlling the game with precision and poise.</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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->