Fall Rankings Update: 2028 North Dakota DS/L

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using the 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><em>The&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/north-dakota-2028-rankings/">2028 fall rankings</a>&nbsp;were updated this week as we enter the fall volleyball season.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Dakota volleyball has been producing a crop of players who not only excel in front-row offense but also dominate in the back row. These athletes combine quick reactions, high court IQ, and relentless hustle to keep their teams in every rally. The class of 2028 is already making a name for itself, with standout defensive specialists and liberos demonstrating versatility while anchoring the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've already seen players like <strong>Baylor, Brooklyn, and Gretchen</strong> make waves with their defensive prowess. But who else is showing elite back-row ability this season? Here's a look at the next wave of defenders commanding attention across North Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='728442' first='Shea' last='Olson']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olson is a complete libero/ds with unmatched instincts in the back row. She anticipates hitters' tendencies before they swing, allowing her to cover extreme angles with speed and precision. Her platform is rock solid, consistently giving setters clean passes to run the offense. Shea's range and quick reads make her nearly impossible to beat in extended rallies, and her presence elevates every teammate around her. She's not just a defensive stopper—she's a playmaker who sets the tone for her team with leadership, energy, and elite court awareness. Add in her ability to handle tough serves, chase down deep tips, and adjust mid-rally based on hitter tendencies, and Olson clearly stands apart as a cornerstone of any back-row system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='744541' first='Autumn' last='Kilber']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kilber combines court awareness with relentless hustle. She excels at digging hard-driven shots and maintaining stability in chaotic back-row scenarios. Her quick reactions allow her to cover seams and anticipate off-speed attacks that many defenders would miss. Autumn's communication keeps her teammates organized in serve-receive and defensive rotations, and her ability to transition from dig to accurate pass makes her a key playmaker who helps her offense run smoothly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='746416' first='McKinley' last='Honeyman']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Honeyman is a defensive machine with a natural feel for the ball. She anticipates opponents' angles, positioning herself perfectly for both cross-court and line digs. Her soft touch and controlled platform not only keep rallies alive but also give her setters precise passes to run a dynamic offense. Beyond her technical skill, McKinley's quick decision-making in coverage and ability to read hitter cues make her a highly intelligent and versatile defender who can adapt to any back-row scenario.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='809431' first='Ruby' last='Hawley']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hawley demonstrates a rare combination of speed, consistency, and instinct. She can cover deep corners and react to off-speed shots, showing versatility across multiple back-row positions. Her high volleyball IQ is evident in her decision-making, whether it's when to commit to a block-read or when to stay back and absorb a tip. Ruby also contributes with her energy, constantly hustling to close gaps and keep the ball in play while directing teammates for maximum coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='848055' first='Payton' last='Douglas']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Douglas is all about hustle and instinct. She tracks hitters' tendencies and adjusts her positioning mid-rally, often making saves that shift momentum. Her ability to transition instantly from defensive stops to initiating counterattacks puts constant pressure on opponents. Payton's presence is felt not only in digs and passes but also in the way she reads setters, anticipates tips, and communicates effectively with front-row blockers to close seams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='731689' first='Audrina' last='Schreiner']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schreiner anchors her team with calm precision and intelligent play. She maintains clean passing mechanics even under pressure, allowing setters to execute fast-tempo offenses. Audrina's awareness of court spacing and opponent tendencies makes her a high-IQ defender, capable of reading double blocks and anticipating slides or back-row attacks. She also excels in serve-receive, keeping her team's offense running efficiently and consistently staying in the rally to cover tips, off-speed shots, and unexpected deflections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='847931' first='Bailey' last='Nieman']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nieman thrives in chaotic rallies where judgment and timing matter most. Her quick reflexes and low center of gravity allow her to handle high-velocity spikes and awkward deflections with ease. She's a natural communicator, directing teammates to proper rotations while staying actively engaged in every play. Bailey's versatility allows her to move fluidly between zones, making her a multi-dimensional back-row player capable of handling a variety of offensive looks while keeping her team in control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='883392' first='Danna' last='Quezada']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quezada blends athleticism with sharp instincts, making her a standout back-row player. She covers angles efficiently, often cutting off balls that would otherwise be unplayable. Her ability to read the hitter's approach and anticipate tip versus hard-driven attacks elevates her team's defense. Danna's speed, anticipation, and communication allow her to act as a defensive anchor, supporting teammates in both serve-receive rotations and extended rallies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='850437' first='Kate' last='Barnick']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnick combines anticipation and court coverage with relentless effort. She's proficient in both serve-receive and digging powerful attacks, giving her team a reliable foundation to transition quickly. Her disciplined mechanics and awareness of blockers allow her to adjust platform angles and keep rallies alive consistently. Kate's energy and consistency make her a dependable defender who can cover both deep and short balls while staying poised under pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='883394' first='Anna' last='Bjorneby']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bjorneby stands out for her incredible hustle and intensity on every play. She covers deep corners and tracks cross-court shots with remarkable speed and accuracy. Her platform is consistently clean, giving setters the ability to run fast-tempo attacks even under pressure. Anna's anticipation and court awareness allow her to make plays others wouldn't even attempt. She never stops moving—communicating, chasing down balls, and staying engaged through every rally. Her relentless effort and ability to read hitters make her one of the most impactful back-row players in the state for her grade, capable of swinging momentum with a single dig.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Others to Note</strong>:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kennedy-fraase/">[player_tooltip player_id='731040' first='Kennedy' last='Fraase']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kailey-vanenk/">[player_tooltip player_id='883409' first='Kailey' last='VanEnk']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/brynn-sinner/">[player_tooltip player_id='730903' first='Brynn' last='Sinner']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/noelle-richard/">[player_tooltip player_id='731424' first='Noelle' last='Richard']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/trinity-kus/">[player_tooltip player_id='733840' first='Trinity' last='Kus']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/rosemarie-herrera-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='800604' first='Rosemarie' last='Herrera']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/rose-silbernagel/">[player_tooltip player_id='745120' first='Rose' last='Silbernagel']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kiah-jorvig/">[player_tooltip player_id='737126' first='Kiah' last='Jorvig']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jaelynn-hafner/">[player_tooltip player_id='883404' first='Jaelynn' last='Hafner']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/emersyn-cichy-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='753403' first='Emersyn' last='Cichy']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/myah-marie-james-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='879238' first='Myah' last='Marie James']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->