Minnesota’s Class of 2028: 5 Pin Hitters Leading the Way

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minnesota's Class of 2028 may still be early in their high school careers, but these sophomores are already playing like seasoned veterans. From bringing energy at the net to delivering in clutch moments, these five pin hitters are making major impacts for their teams this season. Their presence on the court shows not only the depth of talent in Minnesota volleyball but also the bright future these athletes are building as they continue to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["442682"],"_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-68db37786df7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella can jump impossibly high and swing with some serious power, but her biggest weapon might be her back-row attack. She consistently finds ways to score from everywhere on the court, threading sharp cross shots or turning the ball down the line. Combine that with her stellar defense and court vision, and she's a player who can change the game in a heartbeat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545493"],"_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-68db37786dfda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cora plays well beyond her years, making smart decisions and reading the game like a veteran. She attacks fearlessly, no matter the size of the block, and can place the ball anywhere she wants on the court. Her ability to transition and take big swings out-of-system, and her combination of confidence and skill, is already making a huge impact for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["630723"],"_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-68db37786e024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caitlin is a fearless competitor who attacks every ball that comes her way with purpose. She can adjust to any set and isn't afraid to take a big rip when the opportunity arises. What really sets her apart is her ability to consistently deliver hard, sharp cross shots that are nearly impossible to return, making her a constant threat on the court. She has been showing up big for her team, already tallying up over 150 kills this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746503"],"_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-68db37786e06b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Peyton is a true game-changer. No matter where she's positioned up at the net, she can take big swings and deliver powerful, hard-driven shots that put opponents on the defensive. Her energy, skill, and fearlessness make her a player who can shift the momentum of any match in an instant. She has already been making such a big impact for East Ridge, and still has so much more growth within her. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545492"],"_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-68db37786e0b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Payton is a true weapon out of the right side. She has the speed and skill to reach any ball and finish it with authority. Her ability to hit down the line makes her a constant threat, and she consistently puts up strong blocks. Payton brings high energy and competitiveness every time she steps on the court, making a big impact for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->