Rankings Update: SD Class of 2028: Next-Level Talent Unveiled

<!-- 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>Get ready, college coaches—South Dakota's Class of 2028 is here, and this Top 10 roster is loaded with players who don't just play the game, they <strong>reshape it</strong>. From scorched-versus, block-sealing middles to floor-generating setters and back-row anchors, this class delivers volleyball IQ, power, and presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are not athletes just filling roles—they're <em>match shapers</em>. Expect setters who control tempo like seasoned floor generals, middles whose reads shut down fast offenses, outsides who can terminate under any conditions, and liberos who turn defense into game-changing offense. They anticipate, transition, and attack with elite-level sharpness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This class stands out for one critical skill: <strong>momentum mastery</strong>. They don't wait for the game to happen—they <em>make it happen</em>—with aggressive swings, strategic passing, and elevated leadership from the back row to the front.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether you're a fan scouting future stars or a recruiter building the next powerhouse, this Class of 2028 is the group to know now. Let's break down the state's elite—presenting the <strong>Top 10 Class of 2028 South Dakota Volleyball Players</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722208"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6c97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#1 [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] – Setter (SD #1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] is the ultimate floor general. Ranked as the <strong>top setter in South Dakota's 2028 class</strong>, she dictates tempo with precision and confidence. Her ability to run a fast offense while disguising her sets keeps blockers guessing and hitters in rhythm. Samuels has elite decision-making—knowing when to feed the hot hand, when to spread the court, and when to dump for a kill herself.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Samuels is the type of setter who elevates every hitter on the roster, making her invaluable as the offensive heartbeat of any program.<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":["728032"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6d38"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#2 [player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] – Setter (SD #2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] is a high-IQ setter with the athleticism to change the flow of a match instantly. Ranked <strong>second in both the class and in setting</strong>, McGuire separates herself with a fearless jump serve and a quick release that creates one-on-one looks for her hitters. Her ability to transition from defense to setting in stride is advanced well beyond her age.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> McGuire's blend of creativity and confidence will allow her to run a system that keeps top-level college offenses balanced and unpredictable.<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":["748785"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6ddf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#3 [player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] – Right Side (SD #1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'], the <strong>top right-side hitter in South Dakota</strong>, brings pure termination power. Her swing is heavy, her block is disciplined, and her court presence is undeniable. Schneider excels at shutting down pin-to-pin attacks, sealing seams against the opponent's top outside hitters. Offensively, she thrives on high balls and transition swings, using angles and power to score under pressure.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Schneider is the kind of right-side who can neutralize the opponent's best hitter while adding a reliable scoring punch of her own.<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":["752847"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6e69"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#4 [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] – Setter (SD #3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'], ranked as the <strong>#3 setter in the state</strong>, plays with poise and polish. Her hands are clean, her delivery consistent, and she excels at keeping her offense balanced. Larsen shines in long rallies where her creativity separates her—turning broken plays into scoring opportunities.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Larsen's composure and tactical awareness make her a setter who can stabilize and elevate an offense under pressure at the next level.<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":["746420"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6ee3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#5 [player_tooltip player_id='746420' first='Wells' last='Batcheller'] – Outside Hitter (SD #1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746420' first='Wells' last='Batcheller'] stands as South Dakota's <strong>top outside hitter in the 2028 class</strong>, and for good reason. A true six-rotation player, Batcheller dominates in serve-receive, defense, and front-row termination. Her arm swing is fast and heavy, and she has the vision to attack seams and deep corners with precision.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Batcheller's all-around impact makes her a program cornerstone—a player who can anchor both the offense and the passing lanes 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":["752363"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6f5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#6 [player_tooltip player_id='752363' first='Kinnley' last='Lammer'] – Outside Hitter (SD #2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ranked as the <strong>#2 outside hitter in the state</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='752363' first='Kinnley' last='Lammer'] combines explosive athleticism with high-level volleyball IQ. She's a scoring threat from every zone on the floor, including a lethal back-row attack. Lammer's footwork and approach give her the ability to rise above big blocks, while her sharp angles make her difficult to contain.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Lammer's versatility as a six-rotation outside makes her a plug-and-play weapon for coaches needing consistency across the court.<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":["753571"],"_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-68b8c0c4d6fd3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#7 [player_tooltip player_id='799510' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] – DS/Libero (SD #1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='799510' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] is the <strong>top-ranked libero/defensive specialist in South Dakota</strong>, and her impact is undeniable. She reads hitters early, positions herself perfectly, and uses an elite platform to control serve-receive. Witzel excels at extending rallies with tough digs, often turning defense into transition points.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Witzel's ability to stabilize the first contact makes her a must-have libero for programs that rely on running a fast, in-system offense.<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":["729589"],"_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-68b8c0c4d704a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#8 [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] – Outside Hitter (SD #3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As the <strong>third-ranked outside hitter in the state</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] brings explosive firepower to the pin. She thrives in transition, attacking out-of-system balls with confidence and making something out of nothing. Her swing is versatile—capable of going deep line, sharp cross, or tooling the block.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Sykes' ability to score when plays break down makes her a clutch performer that every college coach values in high-pressure matches.<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":["733931"],"_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-68b8c0c4d70c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#9 [player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] – Middle Blocker (SD #1)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] owns the title of <strong>top middle blocker in South Dakota's 2028 class</strong>, and she's a dominant presence at the net. Her block timing is advanced, shutting down quick attacks and reading setters with precision. Basel runs quick-tempo routes like the “1” and “31” with explosiveness, forcing opposing middles to stay honest.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Basel's net dominance provides programs with a defensive anchor who can also add immediate offensive firepower in the middle.<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":["756875"],"_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-68b8c0c4d713a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">🏐 <strong>#10 [player_tooltip player_id='833417' first='Julia' last='Billington'] – Outside Hitter (SD #4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rounding out the Top 10 is <strong>#4 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='833417' first='Julia' last='Billington']</strong>, a dynamic scorer with next-level upside. Billington's ability to elevate on her approach gives her an advantage against even the tallest blocks. She uses vision to attack open space, mixing power with finesse when needed.<br>👉 <strong>College Value:</strong> Billington's growth potential and versatility make her a long-term investment who can develop into a high-impact six-rotation outside.<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 -->