The Class of 2026: North Dakota’s DII Standouts Making Their Mark

<!-- 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 North Dakota Class of 2026 has proven to be one of the strongest recruiting groups we've seen in recent years. Over half of our Top 10 prospects are set to continue their careers at the next level — with several already locked in to Division I programs. But don't overlook this impressive group of four athletes who are taking their talents to the Division II level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Each of these seniors will compete in one of the most competitive conferences in the country — the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Known for its powerhouse programs and national contenders, the NSIC demands next-level skill, consistency, and leadership — all traits these athletes have displayed throughout their high school and club careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the postseason approaches, these seniors are playing some of their best volleyball yet. If you haven't seen them in action, now's the time — they're ready to finish strong and make their mark before heading into the next chapter of their careers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725009"],"_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-68f1134da0b73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle'] — St. Cloud State University Commit</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Currently ranked as the <strong>No. 1 player in North Dakota's Class of 2026</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle']</strong> continues to show why she's one of the most dynamic athletes in the state. With one of the <strong>top verticals in North Dakota</strong>, Heinle's explosiveness is unmatched — she elevates effortlessly and attacks with power and precision that few defenders can read in time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, Heinle has been nothing short of dominant. She's terminating balls from all zones, scoring in transition, and creating offense even when the play breaks down. Her ability to go over the block and find deep corners has made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. Heinle also brings elite consistency in serve receive and an on-court leadership presence that raises her entire team's standard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">St. Cloud State is gaining a competitor with a college-ready build, a high vertical that translates immediately to the next level, and a mindset built on hard work and control. Heinle is the type of athlete who changes the game the moment she steps on the floor. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["504561"],"_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-68f1134da0bdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell'] — St. Cloud State University Commit</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked as the <strong>No. 3 middle blocker in the state</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504561' first='Audrey' last='Rydell']</strong> has proven her versatility this season by stepping into the <strong>outside hitter role</strong> — and she's thrived. Her transition to the pin has showcased not only her athleticism but also her adaptability and offensive range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rydell's arm swing is explosive — she brings the same power that made her one of the state's top middles and applies it with precision from the outside. She's been effective at scoring off high hands, tooling blocks, and finding open space with smart shot selection. On defense, her blocking instincts remain elite, closing seams and creating tough reads for opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Her ability to adjust to a new position while maintaining efficiency and energy says everything about her work ethic and volleyball IQ. St. Cloud State is getting a multi-dimensional athlete with a fearless approach and the competitive fire to make an early impact in the NSIC. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513095"],"_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-68f1134da0c33"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor'] — Augustana University Commit</strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>No. 1-ranked outside hitter</strong> in North Dakota's 2026 class, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor']</strong> continues to play at a level that sets her apart. Her ability to control the match from the left pin has been a major factor in her team's success this fall. Taylor is a high-volume scorer who thrives in big moments — she hits with range, power, and tactical awareness that makes her nearly unstoppable in system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor's first contact and serve receive have also been steady, allowing her to stay on the court in all six rotations. She reads defenses quickly, adjusts to tempo, and brings consistent production night after night. Her competitive edge and presence on the floor make her a go-to player late in sets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Augustana is landing a program-changer — a composed, confident outside who understands how to win rallies and lead by example. Taylor's complete game will translate immediately into NSIC play. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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-68f1134da0c86"} --> <!-- 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'] — University of Mary Commit</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranked as the <strong>No. 3 setter in the state</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='756200' first='Sophia' last='Heringer']</strong> has been the strategic leader and offensive engine for her team this season. Her ability to run tempo offense has kept blockers guessing and opened up one-on-one opportunities for her hitters. Heringer reads the court exceptionally well, adjusting to defensive schemes and delivering clean, consistent balls from every position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's also been aggressive in her own right — dumping smartly, blocking with discipline, and picking up key digs to keep rallies alive. Her court presence is calm, confident, and contagious; teammates feed off her energy and poise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The University of Mary is adding a setter who brings both control and creativity — a true floor general ready to elevate the pace and execution of any offense she leads. <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 -->