Ranking News: 2026 New Names To Know

<!-- 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>Liberos and defensive specialists stepping into the spotlight in North Dakota's Class of 2026, making their debut on the state rankings—and they're bringing serious defensive firepower. Playing in the back row isn't just about keeping the ball off the floor; it's about controlling the tempo of the game. These athletes have the footspeed to read hitters, the reaction time to pick up deflections, and the platform control to put passes right on target, no matter the pace or spin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A true libero has to be fearless, willing to sacrifice their body for a pancake save or dig out a missile from the opposite corner. It's about anticipation—seeing the attack before it happens—and then delivering the perfect first touch to ignite the offense. This new crop of defensive talent isn't just filling a rotation spot; they're anchoring serve-receive, shutting down scoring runs, and bringing that steady presence every coach craves. Watch for these players to make an immediate impact and rise quickly through the ranks as they prove themselves against the state's top attackers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758957"],"_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-689f51d33c1d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='758957' first='Ava' last='Flemmer'] is the kind of libero who makes the impossible look routine. Her ability to read hitters is next-level—she's already moving before the swing even happens. Ava's low, balanced defensive posture allows her to absorb pace on hard-driven balls and still deliver clean, high passes to the setter. She thrives in serve-receive, rarely letting her platform angle drift, which makes her a coach's dream in high-pressure rotations. Expect her to be the steady anchor her team needs in every big match this season.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["778482"],"_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-689f51d33c235"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='843695' first='Makiah' last='Ryckman'] brings grit and hustle in its purest form. She's fearless diving into the seam for a save or chasing down a ball three courts over to keep the rally alive. Her quick first step allows her to close gaps in serve-receive, and her ability to transition from defense to offense is smooth and efficient. Makiah's energy is contagious—she communicates constantly, keeping the back row locked in and ready. When the game tightens, you can bet she's the one flying into the play.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748474"],"_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-689f51d33c282"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='748474' first='BrookLynn' last='Schwab'] plays defense with precision and poise. Her calm demeanor under pressure means she doesn't just get to the ball—she delivers it exactly where it needs to go, even on the toughest digs. She's a master of reading spin on the serve and adjusting on the fly, making her a consistent serve-receive weapon. BrookLynn's controlled movements and technical discipline give her the edge in long rallies, where every touch counts toward flipping the momentum.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758410"],"_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-689f51d33c2cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='758410' first='Kaley' last='Embry'] is a spark plug in the back row—fast, aggressive, and relentless in pursuit. Her reaction time on tip coverage is outstanding, and she's equally dangerous defending the line or the deep cross. Kaley has a knack for finding the right defensive position, taking away a hitter's best angle, and forcing them into errors. She's also a confident server, using her float to put opponents on their heels and set the tone for her team's defense.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752452"],"_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-689f51d33c311"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='800264' first='Addison' last='Weigel'] brings a smooth, all-around defensive game with a touch of flair. She transitions effortlessly from digging heat on the left side to tracking down off-speed shots on the right. Her platform work is crisp, and she has the athleticism to pop up from the floor and immediately be ready for the next touch. Addison's vocal leadership in the back row ensures that seams are closed, cover is set, and no ball drops without a fight. Her consistency will make her one of the most reliable defensive pieces on the court this year.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></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 -->