High School News: Senior Leaders~Impact Players

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   Every season brings its own storylines, but there's something special about senior year. For these athletes, it's their last chance to leave a mark on their programs—and they're making it count. Some are leading with unstoppable offense, tallying kills and aces that swing momentum in big matches. Others are locking down the net with timely blocks or anchoring the back row with steady serve-receive and fearless defense. Many are impacting the game beyond the stat sheet—leading in the huddle, setting the tone in practice, and showing younger teammates what it means to compete with heart.   This season, these seniors are putting it all on the line, and their impact is being felt in every rotation. Let's take a closer look at the players making their final year unforgettable.    [player_tooltip player_id='261250' first='Mackenna' last='Golden'] – 6'5” Senior – Right Side – Seattle Pacific Commit Golden is a true matchup nightmare on the pin. At 6'5”, she is not only sealing the block with her size but also terminating out-of-system balls with a heavy swing that tools off defenders' hands. Beyond her physicality, she leads by example—never shying away from the big moment and showing her teammates how to compete fearlessly against the best. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='308370' first='Brielle' last='Janssen'] – 6'1” Senior – Middle Hitter – Minnesota State WBB Commit Janssen brings the same explosiveness that earned her a basketball scholarship into the middle. Her quick lateral movement allows her to close seams and attack the quick set with precision, snapping sharp angles through the block. She's a vocal leader, constantly directing traffic at the net and inspiring confidence in her teammates by communicating matchups and keeping energy high in every rotation. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='199400' first='Grace' last='Murphy'] – 5'11” Senior – Outside Hitter Murphy is the go outside who thrives under pressure. Whether hammering a high ball from the left pin or finding smart shots off the top of the block, she delivers in clutch moments. She leads through steadiness—her calm demeanor in serve-receive and willingness to take the big swing gives younger teammates reassurance when the match is on the line. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='348384' first='Kailey' last='Gieske'] – Senior – DS/Libero Gieske is the heartbeat of the back row. She reads hitters exceptionally well, positioning herself early to dig cross-court missiles and tip coverage balls alike. She anchors serve-receive with consistency, and her leadership shines through her voice—constantly communicating defensive reads, encouraging teammates, and keeping everyone locked into the next play. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='261243' first='Kate' last='Pistulka'] – 6'1” Senior – Setter Running the offense at 6'1”, Pistulka uses her height as an advantage to front and delivers tempo sets with precision. She spreads the offense by keeping middles engaged and freeing her pin hitters for one-on-one looks. As the team's floor general, she leads through composure, decision-making, and the ability to keep her hitters confident—even in tough stretches. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='389641' first='Brooke' last='Paetzel'] – 6'0” Senior – Right Side – University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire Commit Paetzel brings a physical block to the right pin, shutting down high-powered outsides with her timing and discipline. Offensively, her lefty arm makes her unpredictable, scoring both cross-court and down the line. Her leadership comes through in grit—she celebrates every big stop, pushes her teammates to battle for every point, and sets the tone with her competitive fire. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='582270' first='Lauren' last='Touhey'] – 5'10” Senior – Outside Hitter Touhey impacts the game with her versatility, mixing power and finesse while keeping defenders on edge. Her ability to read the block and adjust makes her a steady scoring option. As a senior, she's stepped into a leadership role by being the steady voice in huddles and a mentor to underclassmen, showing them how to carry themselves on and off the court. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='548576' first='Lauren' last='Wiese'] – 5'9” Senior – Right Side Wiese may not tower over opponents, but she plays bigger than her frame with her vertical and fast arm. She scores with quick swings that catch blockers late and contributes with strong defense in right-back. Her leadership is rooted in effort—diving for balls, celebrating teammates' plays, and never letting her energy dip. She embodies the scrappy, determined spirit that rallies a team together. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <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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