Fall Rankings Update: 2028 South Dakota DS/L

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   The <a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/rankings/south-dakota-rankings/south-dakota-2028-rankings/">2028 fall rankings</a> were updated this week as we enter the fall volleyball season.   Defense may not always get the spotlight, but in volleyball it changes everything. A strong dig, flawless serve-receive, or libero reading the hitter can completely swing momentum. South Dakota has been gaining attention across the country, and its defensive talent in the class of 2028 is a big reason why.   We've already highlighted [player_tooltip player_id='799510' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'], who earned a spot among the top 10 overall players in the state. Now, it's time to shine the light on the next wave of defensive specialists and liberos. These athletes bring grit, quick reads, and elite ball control—turning rallies in their team's favor and setting the tone for winning volleyball.   Let's check out the next 10 DS/L standouts in South Dakota's 2028 class.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Next Ten 2028 Defensive Specialist/Liberos</h2>   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='745844' first='Sophia' last='ONeil'] Sophia O'Neil headlines this DS/L group as the kind of libero every team dreams of building around. She has the rare ability to shrink the court for opposing hitters, reading swings before they happen and positioning herself perfectly to make impossible digs look routine. Her platform work is elite—clean angles, crisp control, and the consistency to keep her offense in system even against the toughest servers. O'Neil doesn't just defend; she dictates the flow of the game from the back row. Her anticipation, leadership, and fearless pursuit of the ball give her the presence of a seasoned veteran, making her one of the most impactful defenders in the class of 2028.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 Taysia Blom Fearless and relentless, Taysia Blom thrives on extending rallies that most players would give up on. Her diving saves and ability to track down balls deep into the corners are game-changers. Blom has the rare mix of defensive hustle with aggressive serve-receive passing, allowing her to neutralize tough servers. She plays with an edge, always pushing the tempo and keeping her team's energy high.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='752619' first='Casey' last='Oyen'] [player_tooltip player_id='752619' first='Casey' last='Oyen'] brings a polished technical skill set to the back row. Her footwork is clean, and her ability to close seams in serve-receive takes away scoring lanes from opposing servers. Oyen's discipline shows in her ability to transition quickly from defense to coverage, always ready to extend the play. She's the type of DS/L who eliminates mistakes and forces teams to earn every point.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 Briley Laber Briley Laber is a spark plug in the back row. She combines high-level anticipation with a quick first step, giving her range across the entire court. What sets her apart is her ability to handle heavy hitters—she absorbs power and turns it into controlled digs. Laber thrives under pressure, often making clutch plays when the match is on the line, and her competitive fire makes her impossible to overlook.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='745865' first='Haylee' last='Johnson'] [player_tooltip player_id='745865' first='Haylee' last='Johnson'] brings a calm, confident presence to the backcourt. Her platform is steady, and she rarely gets rattled by tough serves or high-pressure moments. Johnson excels in serve-receive, consistently putting the ball on target and giving her offense a chance to run its full system. She's a steadying anchor who allows her teammates to play more freely, knowing the back row is in safe hands.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 Lauren Drake Athletic and explosive, Lauren Drake covers ground in a hurry. Her ability to read setters and adjust on the fly makes her a nightmare for hitters trying to find open space. Drake excels at picking up tips and off-speed shots, rarely letting crafty attackers find a soft spot. She also brings a strong serve game, adding value not just as a defender but as a complete rotation player.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='753830' first='Roxana' last='Sabby'] [player_tooltip player_id='753830' first='Roxana' last='Sabby'] is the definition of a workhorse libero. She plays with tireless energy, always willing to sacrifice her body to keep the ball alive. Sabby thrives in long rallies, where her determination often wears down opponents. She's also sharp at communicating and organizing the back row, ensuring seams are covered and the defense moves as one unit. Her leadership and voice make her a coach's dream in the backcourt.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='756877' first='Norah' last='Tidemann'] [player_tooltip player_id='756877' first='Norah' last='Tidemann'] combines volleyball IQ with elite ball control. She sees the game a step ahead, positioning herself to take away hitters' favorite shots. Tidemann's consistency in serve-receive stabilizes her team's offense, and she transitions smoothly into defense, never losing awareness of the court. She's the type of DS/L who makes everything look effortless because of her instincts and decision-making.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='757234' first='Adelynn' last='Stucky'] [player_tooltip player_id='757234' first='Adelynn' last='Stucky'] is a competitor who thrives in high-intensity moments. She has a quick, aggressive read on balls coming off the block and reacts instantly to cover plays. Stucky excels at controlling tough serves and consistently delivers passes that keep her team in rhythm. Her scrappy style of play brings a spark that shifts momentum, making her a player who changes the feel of a match with her effort.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='791289' first='Alexis' last='Carver'] [player_tooltip player_id='791289' first='Alexis' last='Carver'] is a dynamic defender with outstanding range. Her lateral quickness allows her to chase down balls that look unreachable, and she transitions seamlessly into accurate, on-target passes. Carver's fearless pursuit of every ball sets the tone for her team, and she brings a level of intensity that raises the level of everyone around her. She's the kind of DS/L who makes the game faster, sharper, and more competitive.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others to Note:</h2>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/cate-starzl-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='757246' first='Cate' last='Starzl']</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ella-thurman/">[player_tooltip player_id='758613' first='Ella' last='Thurman']</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/kalli-huff/">[player_tooltip player_id='758679' first='kalli' last='huff']</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/lainey-hermanson-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='757240' first='Lainey' last='Hermanson']</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/lava-coin/">[player_tooltip player_id='756874' first='Lava' last='Coin']</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/player/nora-hawk/">[player_tooltip player_id='745671' first='Nora' last='Hawk']</a>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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