Minnesota Freshman Showcase Vol. 1: Standouts and Why

<!-- 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:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dear College Coaches,</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After attending three showcases this past weekend, one thing is crystal clear—the future of volleyball is in incredible hands. I was blown away by what I saw, especially knowing that every single one of these athletes was a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These young players are coming in with hunger, drive, and a deep understanding that nothing in this sport is handed to you. They're not just showing up—they're showing out. From relentless hustle to high-level volleyball IQ, they're already playing with maturity beyond their years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me most is that it didn't matter what level you coach—D1, D2, D3, NAIA—these are players you want on your radar. Every one of them has the potential to compete at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll be sharing many names in the days ahead, but I want to start with a few that made an immediate impact—players who brought energy, grit, and smart play the moment they stepped on the court. So, who are they? Let's dive in—because this 2029 class is one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["781427"],"_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-689004c0e7966"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='781427' first='Jenna' last='Henningfield'] is already turning heads as part of the 2029 class, and it's easy to see why. At the MN Freshman Showcase, she proved exactly why coaches are already watching and taking notice. She's a high-IQ player who plays well beyond her age, showing a complete game that includes sharp attacks, clean serve receive, and confident backcourt defense. Her ability to read the game, stay composed under pressure, and execute with precision makes her a standout. Whether she's terminating in transition or tracking balls in coverage, Jenna brings a steady presence that's rare to see this early. She's not just holding her own—she's setting the tone.</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":["763882"],"_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-689004c0e7a2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='763882' first='Olivia' last='Krebs'], 2029 Middle Blocker, was one of the most impressive attackers at the MN Freshman Showcase on Saturday. She brought undeniable presence at the net, with quick transitions and a fast arm that punished overpasses and poor block setups. Her timing on slides and ability to find seams made her tough to defend, and she stayed aggressive in every rotation. Olivia also showed sharp net instincts with blocks that shut down momentum. She's a middle with big upside—and she made sure coaches saw it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["783057"],"_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-689004c0e7a97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='783057' first='Jayde' last='Aday'], DS/L from the class of 2029, came into the MN Freshman Showcase and instantly made her presence known. One of the top passers in the gym, Jayde showcased platform consistency, fast feet, and elite court awareness. Her serve receive was clean and repeatable, even under pressure, and she wasn't afraid to take charge in the backcourt. Jayde's ability to read hitters and cover deep angles stood out this weekend. She's a defensive anchor in the making—and many took notice.</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":["762209"],"_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-689004c0e7af2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='762209' first='Avery' last='Lane'], 2029 Outside Hitter, made a powerful statement at the MN Freshman Showcase. Her attacks came with serious heat—she was unloading from the pin with the kind of pace and control you expect from upperclassmen. Avery's ability to elevate and hammer through the seam or rip deep corners made her a go-to threat every time she touched the ball. Her presence on the court was undeniable, and the way she swings, it's hard to believe she's just a freshman. Coaches were definitely taking notes—Avery is a name to circle.</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":["763880"],"_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-689004c0e7b4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='763880' first='Sidney' last='Koester'], 2029 Outside Hitter, showed why she's already earning a reputation as a workhorse on the court. Her nonstop motor and consistent high-level effort made her stand out all day. Sidney's ability to find the deep corners with pace and precision kept defenders guessing and off balance. She brings grit, smart shot selection, and a strong court presence—exactly the kind of athlete coaches love to build around early.</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 -->