High School News: Fill Your College Rosters With These Talents

<!-- 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>The Class of 2026 is stepping into their senior year with one goal in mind: to leave a lasting mark. For college coaches looking to round out future rosters, this group is brimming with talent that's ready to translate to the next level. From high-powered hitters to fearless defenders, these athletes are proving every night why they belong on recruiting boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this senior class special is the balance of skill and leadership they bring to the floor. The hitters attack with authority, finding ways to score against tough defenses and stepping up as clutch point-getters. Meanwhile, the defenders anchor their teams with energy, consistency, and the type of back-row leadership that can change the outcome of a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For recruiters, this group offers more than highlight reels—they bring <em>college-ready intangibles</em>: competitiveness, composure, and the ability to elevate everyone around them. Whether it's piling up kills or digging up shots that looked impossible to save, these seniors are the heartbeat of their programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the season heats up, it's the perfect time to spotlight these names. They're not just seniors finishing their high school careers—they're future difference-makers at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["348386"],"_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-68d1e4f467b4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809638' first='Grace' last='Hertaus'] – 5'10" Middle Blocker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809638' first='Grace' last='Hertaus'] is the kind of middle blocker who forces opposing hitters to rethink their shots. Standing at 5'10”, she combines quick reads with explosive lateral movement, making her a natural at sealing seams and getting her hands over the net. Offensively, she's efficient, putting away quick sets with crisp timing and a fast arm swing. For college coaches, Grace represents a dependable, high-IQ middle who not only shuts down opponents at the net but also thrives as a quick-strike scoring option. She's the type of player who can anchor the middle both defensively and offensively from day one.<br><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["462870"],"_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-68d1e4f467bfd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='462870' first='Emma' last='Thein'] – 6'0" Right Side (Ranked #1 at Her Position)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='462870' first='Emma' last='Thein'] has earned her spot as the top-ranked right side in her class for good reason. At 6'0”, she brings a heavy arm, sharp shot variety, and the confidence to score in clutch moments. What makes Emma stand out is her ability to handle the pressure of being a go-to option—she thrives when the match is on the line. Beyond her attacking, she adds blocking presence on the pin and contributes to ball control with steady touches in the backcourt. College coaches can get a six-rotation weapon who can take over matches with her scoring power and relentless competitiveness.<br><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["199398"],"_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-68d1e4f467cc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='199398' first='Dylan' last='Raveling'] – 5'10" Outside Hitter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dynamic and fearless, [player_tooltip player_id='199398' first='Dylan' last='Raveling'] embodies what every coach looks for in an outside hitter. At 5'10”, she brings a quick jump, explosive swing, and the versatility to attack from either pin. Dylan's strength lies in her ability to create offense in tough situations—she can tool the block, rip cross-court, or keep rallies alive with a smart roll shot. Her defensive instincts make her more than just a front-row presence, as she contributes equally in serve-receive and floor defense. Recruiters looking for a reliable six-rotation outside with a “do-it-all” mentality will find Dylan a perfect fit.<br><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211208"],"_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-68d1e4f467d5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='211208' first='Alaina' last='Burns'] – 5'8" DS/Libero</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='211208' first='Alaina' last='Burns'] is the steady hand every team craves in the back row. At 5'8”, she plays with relentless energy and clean mechanics, making serve-receive look effortless. Her reads on defense allow her to be in the right place at the right time, frustrating hitters who think they've found the floor. What sets Alaina apart is her calm presence under pressure—she doesn't just dig balls, she sets the tone for her team with her consistency and communication. College coaches will find in Alaina a dependable libero/DS who can lock down serve-receive and be the backbone of any defense.<br><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["385676"],"_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-68d1e4f467de7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='385676' first='Elexis' last='West'] – 5'7" DS/Libero (1,000 Career Digs and Counting)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few defenders in the 2026 class have the résumé of [player_tooltip player_id='385676' first='Elexis' last='West']. Hitting the milestone of 1,000 career digs before her senior year, she has already proven she has the durability and instinct to excel at the highest level. At 5'7”, Elexis plays bigger than her size thanks to lightning-quick reactions, fearless pursuit, and a knack for turning digs into perfect transition opportunities. She's a competitor who sets the tone with her hustle and refuses to let plays die. College coaches looking for a libero who brings both production and passion will find Elexis ready to impact matches immediately.<br><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 -->