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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><em>*Please note that stats are always changing; these were the most current numbers available at the time of publication.*</em></h2>
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<p>In volleyball, the setter is the engine that drives the team. They dictate tempo, make split-second decisions, and create scoring opportunities from nothing. A great setter combines court vision, precision, and leadership—making every play count. This season, South Dakota's setters are not just hitting the 200-assist mark—they are showcasing skills that could push some of them past 1,000 assists by the end of the season. Their ability to run offenses efficiently, adapt to defenses, and elevate their teammates makes them must-watch athletes for college recruiters.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725178' first='Gracie' last='Root'] – Winner – 619 Assists</strong><br>Root sets the standard for consistency and court awareness. Her high-tempo sets allow hitters to attack before blockers can react, and she reads opposing defenses with a maturity beyond her years. Root's leadership shows in her constant communication and her ability to keep her team focused under pressure.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730569' first='Madie' last='Munch'] – DVHS (North Sioux City) – 580 Assists</strong><br>Madie demonstrates quick decision-making and versatility in her offense. She can run middles, outside, or right-side attacks effortlessly, maintaining accuracy and pace. Her high volleyball IQ allows her hitters to attack with confidence.</p>
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<p><strong>Gracyn Bixler – Hitchcock-Tulare – 533 Assists</strong><br>Bixler combines precision and power in her sets, giving hitters multiple options on every play. She thrives in high-pressure moments, maintaining composure and making smart choices that turn tight rallies into points.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='889527' first='Haylee' last='White'] – Hot Springs – 502 Assists</strong><br>White runs her team with poise and intelligence. Her ability to disguise sets and mix tempos keeps defenses guessing. She communicates relentlessly and motivates her teammates through every rotation.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] – Harrisburg – 496 Assists</strong><br>Samuels is a steady hand in the back row, delivering clean sets with perfect timing. She reads blockers and adapts instantly, enabling her front-row hitters to find seams and convert difficult chances into kills.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725179' first='Kali' last='Reiners'] – Spearfish – 492 Assists</strong><br>Reiners combines quick hands with strategic thinking, running a varied offense that challenges every opposing defense. Her leadership extends off the court, inspiring confidence in her teammates.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885389' first='Tenley' last='Anderson'] – Dell Rapids – 474 Assists</strong><br>Anderson has mastered the art of controlling tempo. Her ability to push quick sets to the middle or deliver looping outside sets keeps opponents off balance. She demonstrates poise in high-pressure situations.</p>
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<p><strong>Gracen Werdel – Miller – 470 Assists</strong><br>Werdel's court vision allows her to distribute evenly and maximize hitter effectiveness. Her sets are precise, allowing front-row attackers to hit with authority and confidence.</p>
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<p><strong>Kynsee Russell – Watertown – 463 Assists</strong><br>Russell combines speed and accuracy, running multiple offensive options. Her quick hands and decision-making ability elevate her team's performance on every rotation.</p>
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<p><strong>Ella Boekelheide – NAHS (Mellette) – 443 Assists</strong><br>Boekelheide's high volleyball IQ shows in her ability to read the block and set hitters into open lanes. Her consistency and leadership make her a stabilizing force for her team.</p>
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<p><strong>Braxton Nedved – Wagner – 425 Assists</strong><br>Nedved runs her offense with precision and energy, keeping opponents on their heels. She balances tempo changes and sets effectively, creating opportunities for every hitter.</p>
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<p><strong>Brielle Voigt – Avon – 399 Assists</strong><br>Voigt is versatile, able to run middles and outside attacks efficiently. Her communication and poise allow her team to thrive in fast-paced games.</p>
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<p><strong>Camryn Witlock – North Central (Eureka) – 396 Assists</strong><br>Witlock showcases a blend of speed and accuracy in her sets. Her high-volume play and strategic decision-making make her one of the most exciting setters in South Dakota this season.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725184' first='Karley' last='Theede'] – [program_tooltip program_id='432170' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432088' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431000' first='Madison' last='']' last='']' last=''] – 361 Assists</strong><br>Theede is known for her adaptability and quick reads. She keeps hitters engaged and confident, consistently finding open attackers.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] – Lincoln (Sioux Falls) – 347 Assists</strong><br>Schneider's court presence is noticeable every rotation. She maintains pace and accuracy, allowing hitters to execute with precision.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725181' first='Lily' last='Van Hal'] – Chester – 325 Assists</strong><br>Van Hal combines finesse and tempo, delivering clean sets under pressure. Her leadership and court awareness make her an integral part of her team's success.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='763236' first='Chesney' last='Weber'] – Groton – 314 Assists</strong><br>Weber runs a high-paced offense, keeping the defense off balance. Her consistent sets and communication elevate the entire team.</p>
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<p><strong>Claire Cotton – Faulkton – 307 Assists</strong><br>Cotton demonstrates control and vision, consistently finding open hitters and managing the pace of play. Her leadership shows in how she guides her team through tough stretches.</p>
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<p><strong>Emily Akkerman – Washington (Sioux Falls) – 304 Assists</strong><br>Akkerman's ability to read the game and deliver precise sets makes her a weapon for her hitters. She balances tempo and placement to create scoring opportunities.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='880845' first='Jaelee' last='Grupe'] – Britton-Hecla – 296 Assists</strong><br>Grupe is efficient, accurate, and aggressive in running her offense. Her quick decision-making ensures her hitters are always in the best position to score.</p>
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<p><strong>Reagan Wood – Warner – 292 Assists</strong><br>Wood's court awareness and quick hands allow her to run a varied offense effectively. She consistently finds the right set for every hitter.</p>
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<p><strong>Issie Steffensen – Hamlin (Hayti) – 275 Assists</strong><br>Steffensen keeps the offense in motion with smart decision-making and precise sets. Her leadership and communication help her team maintain focus.</p>
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<p><strong>Addie Siemsen – Mitchell – 270 Assists</strong><br>Siemsen showcases versatility, distributing the ball across all rotations. She controls tempo and demonstrates maturity beyond her years.</p>
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<p><strong>Kamry Padden – Harding County (Buffalo) – 261 Assists</strong><br>Padden's ability to mix quicks and tempo sets keeps blockers guessing. Her poise under pressure is a key asset for her team.</p>
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<p><strong>Tatum Hanson – Warner – 260 Assists</strong><br>Hanson's court vision allows her to run an efficient offense. She consistently finds her hitters in optimal positions for scoring.</p>
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<p><strong>Breckynn Pistulka – Burke – 260 Assists</strong><br>Pistulka balances accuracy with pace, creating opportunities for hitters to excel. Her leadership is felt in every rotation.</p>
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<p><strong>Reagan Rudd – Irene/Wakonda – 234 Assists</strong><br>Rudd's sets are precise and timely. She reads the defense well and delivers options to her hitters that maximize scoring chances.</p>
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<p><strong>Emmy Spencer – Burke – 233 Assists</strong><br>Spencer runs her offense with confidence and accuracy, keeping opponents on their heels and her team engaged.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748041' first='Mya' last='Glines'] – Harding County (Buffalo) – 211 Assists</strong><br>Glines showcases quick hands and smart decision-making, enabling her team to run a variety of offensive strategies.</p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725209' first='Braylee' last='Bordewyk'] – CSHS (Corsica) – 200 Assists</strong><br>Bordewyk is a rising star with poise, balance, and accuracy. She delivers consistent sets and shows the potential to push toward 1,000 assists by season's end.</p>
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<p>These setters are not just assisting—they're leading, reading defenses, and controlling the pace of every match. With some already approaching 600+ assists and others just hitting the 200 mark, South Dakota's setter class for 2025-2026 is one to watch. Their ability to combine skill, intelligence, and leadership on the court sets them apart and makes them highly sought-after prospects for collegiate programs.</p>
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<p>Each rotation, each decision, and each set shows the heart of a setter who understands the game's demands. College coaches are already taking notice, as these athletes demonstrate that talent, work ethic, and court awareness go hand-in-hand. This season, South Dakota's setters aren't just moving the ball—they're moving the future of the sport.</p>
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<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>
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<p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>
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