Eastern SD All-Conference: The Elite of the Elite

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference once again delivered a season defined by intensity, precision, and some of the most competitive volleyball in the region. Year after year, this conference sets the standard for high-level play, and 2025 was no different. The athletes selected to the All-Conference Team earned their place through sustained excellence — not just big moments, but consistent, high-impact performances that shaped outcomes across the entire conference slate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group represents the top tier of volleyball talent in South Dakota. They demonstrated mastery in their positions, an advanced understanding of the game, and the ability to play with poise when the pressure was at its highest. College coaches looking for next-level ability didn't have to look far — the ESD was loaded with athletes who played with maturity and composure beyond their years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The front-row selections showcased firepower that defined match momentum. Outside hitters and pin attackers carried their teams offensively, executing with range and confidence. They attacked against strong block formations, adjusted mid-air, and found creative solutions to score in tight situations. Whether scoring off high-hands, carving the line, or working cross-court heat, these hitters dictated defensive rotations and were the engines of their team's transition play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blockers earned their recognition through presence and precision. Their blocking skills disrupted rhythm, closed seams, and forced opponents into predictable hitting patterns. Offensively, they ran efficient routes, attacked with speed, and created matchup problems for opposing defenses. What truly separated this group was their two-way efficiency — their ability to be influential both offensively and defensively without ever coming off the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setters in this year's class showcased advanced vision and tactical understanding. They commanded the offense with timing, creativity, and clean location. Their decision-making under pressure allowed their teams to stay balanced, and their ability to connect with hitters in tempo made opposing blockers work constantly. Defensively, they were as reliable as they were offensively — reading tips, taking second-contact out of system, and stabilizing their rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive specialists and liberos selected brought a level of consistency and control that every high-level team depends on. They were the backbone of serve receive patterns and the anchors of long rallies. With disciplined footwork, sharp reads on attackers, and confidence in their platforms, these athletes turned tough balls into quality touches. Their communication steadied entire rotations and allowed their teams to stay in system more often than not — a crucial advantage in a conference this competitive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes the Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference special is the pace, physicality, and sheer competitive drive on display week after week. The athletes chosen for this year's All-Conference Team didn't just rise to that standard — they pushed it higher. Their work ethic, execution, and competitive maturity set them apart as some of the strongest volleyball players in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Congratulations to the following athletes on being named to the Eastern South Dakota Athletic Conference All-Conference Team — an honor earned through dedication, skill, and exceptional performance all season long.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='834613' first='Lauryn' last='Burckhard']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725171' first='Abby' last='Gruber']&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725206' first='Mya' last='VanWesten']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='764763' first='Lindsay' last='Langner']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='536783' first='Gabi' last='Zachariasen']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hylton Heinz&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addie Siemsen&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='829565' first='Anna' last='Hirtz']&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790096' first='Carighan' last='Klatt']&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Andi Olson&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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 --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"width":"109px","height":"auto","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/image_e42f4e.png" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image_e42f4e.png" style="width:109px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're hitting 20+ cities across the country this winter to give athletes a platform to compete, get seen, level up and get on coaches radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll personally be at Bloomington on Dec. 14 for all interested 2026-2029 prospects following the 2025 fall season.&nbsp;<a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1"><strong>Click here to register</strong>&nbsp;<strong>for 2028-2029</strong></a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2027/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-2"><strong>click here to register for 2026-2027</strong></a>&nbsp;and use promo code&nbsp;<strong>“HICKMANPD25”</strong>&nbsp;to get $10 off your registration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->