Next Up: Freshmen Turning Heads Before Club Season Begins

<!-- 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 2025 high school volleyball season has already introduced us to a wave of freshmen who are playing far beyond their years. These young athletes are stepping onto high school courts with confidence, composure, and skill that demands attention. Whether it's controlling serve receive, making smart offensive reads, or leading runs at the net, they've wasted no time proving they belong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the club season right around the corner, this group is about to take their development to another level—competing against top talent, refining their technique, and showcasing themselves on a bigger stage. These freshmen aren't waiting for their moment—they're already creating it. Let's take a look at a few that are setting the tone early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["757070"],"_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-68ec37c983e16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='757070' first='Veda' last='Chopp'] continues to impress with her versatility and court awareness. She brings balance to every rotation—steady in serve receive, confident on the attack, and reliable in transition. Her ability to read the game and anticipate plays allows her to stay one step ahead, whether she's digging in the back row or terminating a rally at the net. For a freshman, Chopp already carries herself like a veteran leader, anchoring her team with consistency and poise. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["754571"],"_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-68ec37c983e87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='807601' first='Ellie' last='Telander'] is making her presence known at the pin, swinging with precision and power against blockers much older than her. Her arm speed and timing give her a clean, heavy contact that finds the floor, and she's showing the ability to mix in shots off the block when needed. Telander stays composed under pressure and is quickly developing into a go-to option in high-stakes moments—an impressive trait for a freshman outside hitter. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737349"],"_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-68ec37c983ed8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='737349' first='Hadley' last='Swanson'] is quickly becoming a force at the net. Her blocking instincts are sharp, and she positions herself well to take away angles from opposing hitters. Offensively, she's efficient on quick sets and shows good control when working the middle zone. Swanson's ability to stay disciplined on blocking assignments while still transitioning fast into offense gives her a strong presence in the front row. She plays with intensity and composure that set her apart this early in her career. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["721063"],"_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-68ec37c983f28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='721063' first='Cora' last='McNear'] brings a spark to every match with her fearless approach from the outside. She has a natural rhythm in her approach and a whip-fast arm that generates clean contact through the seam. McNear is learning to use the block to her advantage, showing great development in her shot selection and court vision. Her competitive edge and ability to execute under pressure make her a standout offensive threat for her team this season. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["776363"],"_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-68ec37c983f76"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKinley Haider's versatility makes her a coach's dream. She's the type of player who can fill any role and make an impact—whether it's serve receive, transition defense, or taking aggressive swings from the back row. Her volleyball IQ and adaptability allow her to adjust to what her team needs in the moment. Haider's ability to connect with teammates and maintain energy across all six rotations shows maturity and leadership well beyond her years. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["887816"],"_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-68ec37c983fc4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='887816' first='Paisley' last='Sweeney'] is a player that brings both firepower and flexibility to her team's offense. She's strong on the pin, attacking with confidence and control, but also comfortable adjusting to different tempos or hitting from multiple spots when needed. Sweeney reads the block well, finding creative ways to score in tough situations. Her ability to adapt her game while keeping her attack aggressive makes her a reliable option who continues to elevate each week. <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 -->