High School News: Players Who Can Change the Game

<!-- 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><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The outside hitter position is one of the most dynamic roles in volleyball, and Minnesota has plenty of juniors and seniors ready to shine this high school season. Outsides are asked to do a little bit of everything—whether it's putting the ball away on the pins, staying steady in serve-receive, or keeping rallies alive with smart shots against tough defenses. They're the players who often carry the biggest load, stepping up in high-pressure moments and finding ways to score even when the set isn't perfect. This year's group of outside hitters brings athleticism, creativity, and consistency that will make them exciting to watch as the season unfolds. For college coaches, these are the athletes who can step onto the court and make an immediate impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["447957"],"_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-68a503b273172"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='839829' first='Jada' last='Mitchell'] can do a six-rotation outside thrives in both the front row and back row. Her ability to terminate consistently against a well-formed block sets her apart, but it's her ball control in serve-receive that gives her team stability in big moments. Mitchell's high contact point and ability to hit sharp cross or go high off hands make her a go-to attacker when the match is on the line. With her combination of efficiency and grit, she's the kind of outside that can anchor a program at the next level.~<strong>Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["459771"],"_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-68a503b273216"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='459771' first='Sage' last='Bergren'] brings a heavy arm swing and a fearless approach at the pins. She excels at creating offense out of system, finding ways to put pressure on defenses even off imperfect sets. Bergren has the ability to adjust mid-air, tooling blockers or rolling into open zones with high volleyball IQ. Defensively, she competes hard in the backcourt, making her a complete player who impacts every touch of the rally. Her aggressive style makes her a high-upside outside to track this season.~<strong>Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764281"],"_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-68a503b27328d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='807499' first='Taylor' last='Tollefson'] is a versatile outside who brings consistency to every phase of the game. She's smooth in serve-receive, has a clean first touch, and can transition quickly to deliver hard-driven swings. Her ability to stay patient on long rallies and use smart shot selection—whether it's tooling the block or placing a controlled tip—shows a level of maturity that stands out. Tollefson is the kind of player who gives a team confidence knowing she'll make the right play at the right time.~<strong>Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["434314"],"_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-68a503b2732ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite being a younger athlete, [player_tooltip player_id='434314' first='Lydia' last='Kimball'] is already making waves as one of the most promising outsides in Minnesota. She combines quick footwork with a fast arm swing, allowing her to beat the block and score in rhythm. Kimball's court vision is impressive, often spotting seams or deep-corner gaps that many attackers miss. Add in her ability to handle pressure in serve-receive, and Kimball is positioning herself as a high-ceiling prospect that coaches should be watching closely.~<strong>Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["755565"],"_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-68a503b273374"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='755565' first='Carlee' last='Hirst'] is an emerging outside hitter with a high upside. She brings length and athleticism to the pin, making her a natural matchup problem at the net. Her ability to elevate and swing over blocks, combined with her growing confidence in back-row defense, makes her a two-way threat. Hirst has the kind of raw power and presence that can change the tone of a match, and as her all-around game continues to develop, she will be a name college coaches circle on their recruiting boards.~<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><em>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!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->