Diggers at the Minnesota Sophomore ID Camp

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While the spotlight often shines on powerful hitters and explosive offensive plays, the crucial role of defensive specialists—digging, passing, and covering—cannot be underestimated. These athletes are the backbone of their teams, providing the stability and resilience needed to succeed in high-stakes matches. The following players are exemplifying the very best of defensive volleyball, each bringing their unique qualities to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":850869,"width":"163px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/48-Kaylee-Seitz.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-850869" style="width:163px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='739789' first='Kaylee' last='Seitz'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='739789' first='Kaylee' last='Seitz']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seitz is a 5'4" DS/L from Dover-Eyota High School. Seitz's tenacity and quick lateral movement make her a relentless defender. Her hand-eye coordination allows her to react swiftly to opponents' hits, often turning difficult digs into playable balls. Her ability to anticipate plays and her consistency in passing resonate as her standout qualities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":585832,"width":"175px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/08/Sakura-Dicks.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-585832" style="width:175px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sakura Dicks, 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='587085' first='Sakura' last='Dicks']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dicks is a 5'3" defensive specialist from Eau Claire North High School in Wisconsin. A breed of relentless energy, Dicks combines speed with agility, covering a tremendous amount of ground with quick shuffles and explosive dives. Her game sense is advanced for her age; she reads attackers early and positions herself perfectly. Her inspiring drive and fierce competitiveness make her a player opponents find difficult to score against—she truly embodies the “ball hawk” role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":850861,"width":"165px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/57-Willow-Singleton.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-850861" style="width:165px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='754275' first='Willow' last='Singleton'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='754275' first='Willow' last='Singleton']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Singleton is a 5'4" defensive specialist from Martin Luther High School. Singleton's speed and sharp instinct for reading plays make her a key defensive asset. Known for her hustle and athleticism, she often makes spectacular digs deep off her toes. She's also developing into a strong communicator, calling out plays and coordinating with her teammates for seamless coverage. Her dedication to improving her footwork is evident, and she's rapidly becoming a glue player on her team's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":850857,"width":"170px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/61-Keira-McGunnigle.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-850857" style="width:170px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='758599' first='Keira' last='McGunnigle'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='758599' first='Keira' last='McGunnigle']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGunnigle is a 5'6" defensive specialist from Lakeville North High School. A well-rounded defender, McGunnigle combines her quick reflexes with her strategic positioning. Her vertical leap gives her an advantage in digs over taller opponents, and her ability to quickly transition from defense to attack creates scoring opportunities. Offensively, her confidence on the back row makes her a dual threat—fearless in her coverage and reliable in her passing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":850847,"width":"173px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/70-Mylie-Hesse.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-850847" style="width:173px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='720964' first='Mylie' last='Hesse'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='720964' first='Mylie' last='Hesse']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hesse is a 5'6" DS/L from Rocori High School. Hesse stands out for her relentless pace and fearless dives. Her quick hands allow her to dig some of the most challenging shots, and her calm composure under pressure ensures her team maintains stability even during intense rallies. She's a player who fights for every point, and her work ethic is evident in her impressive consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":850833,"width":"171px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/82-Stephanie-Mergens.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-850833" style="width:171px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='747233' first='Stephanie' last='Mergens'], 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='747233' first='Stephanie' last='Mergens']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mergens is a 5'4" defensive specialist from Northfield High School. Mergens exhibits exceptional anticipation and quick reflexes that often get her in position for crucial digs. Her agility and sharp instincts allow her to outmaneuver attackers and keep the ball in play. Her communication skills make her a natural leader on defense, rallying teammates and organizing coverage with confidence and clarity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":850828,"width":"189px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/87-Charlotte-Hommez.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-850828" style="width:189px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='847677' first='Charlotte' last='Hommez'] 2028.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='847677' first='Charlotte' last='Hommez']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hommez is a 5'6" DS/L from Eastridge High School. Hommez is known for her scrappy hustle and relentless energy. Her ability to chase down balls that seem out of reach and her aggressive diving make her a disruptive force for opposing offenses. She's also developing versatility by improving her passing under pressure, making her an invaluable member of her defensive unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='848055' first='Payton' last='Douglas']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Douglas is a 5'6" defensive specialist from Park Christian High School in North Dakota. Douglas's quickness and agility make her a formidable backcourt presence. Her aggressive approach to digging and her ability to read plays set her apart. She thrives in high-pressure situations and excels at transitioning from defense to offense, often igniting her team's attack after a tough save.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The value of elite defensive specialists extends far beyond their digs and passes—they are the backbone of their teams, often turning the tide of a match with their relentless effort and quick reactions. These promising young athletes exemplify the dedication, agility, and mental toughness required to excel at the highest levels of youth volleyball. As they continue to refine their skills, they're destined to be key contributors on championship-winning teams and are exciting players to watch in their development journey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->