2028 Game Changers: Who Can Make the Difference?

<!-- 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>Every season, new names rise to the surface — players who don't just fill a role, but <em>change the way their teams compete.</em> For the Class of 2028, that story is starting to take shape. These athletes are still early in their high school careers, yet they're already flashing traits that coaches, teammates, and fans can't ignore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes them “game changers” isn't just the stat line. It's the energy they bring, the plays they make in crunch time, and the confidence to step into moments that many underclassmen shy away from. Whether it's a middle who can close a block and instantly flip momentum, a pin who thrives under pressure, or a libero who reads hitters like a veteran, these players are building a reputation for being difference-makers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, we're shining the spotlight on the 2028s who are proving that age is just a number — and that the future of high school volleyball is in very good hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522787"],"_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-68cc563d4f675"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='522787' first='Chloe' last='Christensen'] – Outside Hitter</strong><br>Christensen brings consistency and firepower on the pin. She's the type of outside who can steady a rotation with a smart shot when needed but also has the athleticism to terminate in transition. Her ability to read the block and find court space already gives her the feel of a seasoned scorer. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/bGSY8kEOQzQ?si=NMKVkMT3wRwnUFZK">https://youtu.be/bGSY8kEOQzQ?si=NMKVkMT3wRwnUFZK</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746005"],"_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-68cc563d4f6e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746005' first='Ella' last='Fluth'] – Outside/Middle</strong><br>Fluth's versatility makes her a valuable asset. Whether she's working the middle on a quick tempo or attacking from the outside, she adjusts seamlessly. She's especially dangerous when running the slide, using her length to attack at sharp angles that force defenses out of system. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/25714934/6862fa1dad18670f89117ce6">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/25714934/6862fa1dad18670f89117ce6</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758371"],"_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-68cc563d4f732"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='758371' first='Olivia' last='Wachal'] – Setter/Defensive Specialist</strong><br>Few players wear two hats as smoothly as Wachal. As a setter, she delivers clean tempo and keeps hitters involved; as a defender, she reads the floor with discipline and anticipation. That dual skillset makes her the type of player who can impact every rally, no matter her role. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23900657/68b87ed9db30fb43c1b22316">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23900657/68b87ed9db30fb43c1b22316</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["760667"],"_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-68cc563d4f7a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='760667' first='Dylann' last='King'] – Middle/Outside</strong><br>King is an athlete who thrives on energy plays — whether it's sealing the block in the middle or attacking in transition on the pin. Her quick jump and aggressive swings give her momentum-shifting ability, and she has the upside to grow into a matchup problem for opponents. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753591"],"_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-68cc563d4f7eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Briley Laber – Defensive Specialist</strong><br>Laber has all the traits you want in a young back-row anchor: quick reaction time, solid footwork, and a fearless mindset against heavy arms. She's constantly putting her platform in the right place, and her ability to keep the ball alive extends rallies that turn into points for her team. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Shtdj">http://www.hudl.com/v/2Shtdj</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754758"],"_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-68cc563d4f832"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754758' first='Norah' last='Tideman'] – Setter</strong><br>Tideman plays with calm confidence at the helm of the offense. She makes smart reads at the net, connecting her middles in rhythm while also distributing to her pins to keep defenses off balance. Her decision-making is advanced for her age, and she already shows the presence of a floor general. <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 -->