Day One Standouts At Des Lacs Invitational

<!-- 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><strong>16 teams. Over 200 players. One action-packed day in Des Lacs, North Dakota.</strong> The annual Invitational didn't disappoint. With matches across two locations, I couldn't catch every court—but I did spot players who immediately stood out with skill, speed, and pure energy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches, take note: whether you're finishing your <strong>2026 roster</strong>, building for <strong>2027</strong>, or scouting that perfect freshman-sophomore talent, these are athletes you'll want to follow. Only <strong>one of today's standouts is already committed</strong>—the rest? They're ready to make an impact and are wide open for recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm fired up for <strong>Day 2</strong>, eager to see who brings the next level of fire and energy to the court. Let's check out the players who made today unforgettable!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["836921"],"_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-68e07e6404bcd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Day 1 MVP</em> </strong>goes to<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='836921' first='Piper' last='Feller']</strong>, and watching her in today's games, it's clear why. This sophomore outside hitter plays beyond her years, showing an explosive vertical and a high-velocity, technically sound swing that gives every blocker trouble. On every point, she moves seamlessly through all six rotations, delivering strong serve reception, transitioning quickly from defense to offense, and making smart shot selections that keep her team in control. She attacks from the pin, corners, and off-system balls with precision, displaying the versatility and athleticism that college programs covet. College coaches, take note—seeing her in action today makes it obvious that getting her in your gym this summer is a must. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756200"],"_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-68e08d322bae7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756200' first='Sophia' last='Heringer']</strong> showcased why she's one of the top setters in the region during today's tournament. She controlled the court with poise and precision, running her offense at a consistent pace while keeping hitters in rhythm. Her soft hands and quick decision-making allowed her to distribute effectively in transition and off-system plays, while her court awareness ensured her team stayed balanced on both ends. Heringer's leadership was evident as she communicated, directed traffic, and lifted the energy of her teammates. Committed to the <strong>University of Mary</strong>, she proved today that she can run a fast-paced, competitive offense and impact every phase of the game. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740473"],"_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-68e08d322bb3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809980' first='Harper' last='Wrigley']</strong>, a 6'0" middle blocker, is on fire in today's tournament. Watching her attack, she consistently hits with power, precision, and smart shot placement, making her a constant threat in the middle. Defensively, her timing and positioning at the net are exceptional, allowing her to block effectively and shut down opposing hitters. Wrigley moves quickly laterally, reads the setter, and controls the middle with authority, altering the rhythm of the opponent's offense. Every rotation she's in, she brings energy, leadership, and a presence that college coaches take notice of immediately. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mya Swanson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Langdon Area-Munich","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e08d322bbdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Mya Swanson</strong>, a freshman outside hitter, is fierce in today's matches, making an immediate impact as a true six-rotation player. She demonstrates high volleyball IQ on line shots, consistently finding seams in the defense and delivering smart, effective kills. Off the serve, Swanson brings serious power and precision, putting pressure on opponents and creating scoring opportunities for her team. Her combination of versatility, court awareness, and athleticism makes her a standout freshman. College coaches, invite her to your summer camps—you won't be disappointed. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724933"],"_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-68e08d322bc29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724933' first='Aaliyah' last='Hjelmstad']</strong> had a standout performance in today's matches, anchoring the back row with calm, consistent, and precise play. She reads hitters quickly, moving explosively to track and dig attacks, while her platform control delivers accurate passes to the setter, even under pressure. Hjelmstad's court awareness, quick reactions, and ability to cover large portions of the floor make her a stabilizing force in both serve-receive and transition defense. College coaches, if you're looking to strengthen the back row on your roster, get her on your call list—her defensive instincts, ball control, and consistency make her a player you won't be disappointed in evaluating. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724941"],"_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-68e08d322bc6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800485' first='Lily' last='Skibicki']</strong> has been putting in the work, and today she showcases her strength in the back row. Her quick reactions and precise platform control allow her to consistently keep plays alive, and she moves efficiently to cover the court with confidence. What stands out most is her infectious energy, which elevates teammates and pushes everyone around her to play at a higher level. To top it off, she hit her 1,000 digs today! College coaches, if you're looking to add a high-energy, reliable defensive presence to your roster, check her out—you won't be disappointed in what she brings to the floor. <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 -->