Ranking News: New Players That Made The List

<!-- 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>They dive. They dig. They deliver. The newest names on the South Dakota Class of 2026 rankings aren't just holding down the backrow—they're owning it. These players are the ones you trust when the ball is screaming your way and the match is on the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From laser-sharp serve receives to fearless layout digs, they keep the offense alive and the momentum swinging. They're the spark plugs, the vocal leaders, the heartbeat every team needs. Game after game, they've proven they can turn defense into instant offense—and they're just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, these rising stars are ready to make even more noise. And trust us—you'll hear them before you see them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["799996"],"_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-689f2c65d5a62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='799996' first='Zoey' last='Helkenn'] is a defensive anchor who thrives under pressure. Her ability to read hitters and anticipate attacks makes her a nightmare for opposing offenses. She's lightning-quick off the line, sliding into perfect position to take away sharp angles and keep rallies alive. Her serve receive is rock solid, and she's the kind of libero who makes the first pass feel automatic. With her energy fueling every point, Zoey is primed to be a difference-maker all season long. <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":["804792"],"_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-689f2c65d5b0b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When [player_tooltip player_id='804792' first='Avery' last='Kraus'] steps on the court, the backrow gets an instant upgrade. Her platform control is elite, turning even the nastiest serves into hittable balls for her setters. She's fearless chasing down tips and cross-court rockets, and she's just as dangerous from the service line with her ability to target weak zones. Avery brings leadership through her communication—constantly calling seams, directing traffic, and keeping her teammates locked in from first whistle to match point.<em><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["804801"],"_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-689f2c65d5b7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='804801' first='Avery' last='Rodgers'] plays defense with an edge—every dig feels like she's daring the other team to try again. She closes gaps like a pro, sealing off deep corners and reading setters to jump on short balls before they hit the floor. Her quick reaction time allows her to turn defense into offense instantly, transitioning passes that set her hitters up for kills. Expect Rodgers to be the spark that ignites her team when the momentum starts to shift.<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":["792014"],"_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-689f2c65d5bfe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='792014' first='Autumn' last='Ask'] is the definition of hustle. She's all-out, all the time—diving into bleachers, sprawling across the floor, and never letting a ball drop without a fight. Her footwork is crisp, giving her the ability to cover huge amounts of court and still deliver precise passes to target. Autumn's presence in the backrow is a game-changer, and her infectious energy keeps the team fired up. This season, she's ready to turn every defensive stand into a highlight reel moment.<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":["861099"],"_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-689f2c65d5c78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='861099' first='Kathryn' last='Larson'] brings a technician's touch to the libero role. Her angles are clean, her hand positioning flawless, and her ability to adjust mid-rally is next level. She thrives in reading the court—tracking hitters' tendencies and putting herself exactly where the ball will be. Kathryn's calm under fire gives her team confidence in chaotic moments, and her consistent serve receive keeps the offense running smoothly. She's ready to turn solid defense into match-winning momentum.<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 -->