Elite Watchlist: What 2029 Is In The Rankings Conversation

<!-- 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>With updated rankings on the horizon, a new wave of hitters and setters is making a loud push to climb the board — and college coaches should be paying attention. This group has been on the radar all season, but their recent performances are proving they're ready to make an even stronger case as the next rankings drop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These attackers aren't just scoring points — they're taking over matches. From outsides who can terminate in transition, to pins who can create offense out of broken plays, to middles who force game plans to shift, this list features hitters who impact the match in every phase. They attack with range, see the block early, and understand how to score against defensive adjustments. Their ability to stay terminal late in sets has separated them from the pack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The setters in this group are equally impressive. They're running tempo, creating one-on-one matchups, and elevating their hitters with clean location and advanced decision-making. Their command of the offense — especially under pressure — is exactly what you look for in athletes ready to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the next round of rankings gets closer, these players are sharpening their cases with high-level production, volleyball IQ, and the kind of competitive drive that stands out immediately on film. They're trending up at the right time — and they're ready to prove they belong near the top when the list is released.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"width":"84px","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:84px;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 --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["783337"],"_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-691922eed52fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='783337' first='April' last='Flack'] – Middle Blocker / Right Side (6'0")</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='783337' first='April' last='Flack'] is a front-row presence who changes the rhythm of an opponent's offense the second she steps on the court. As a middle, she closes blocks with efficiency and reads setters early, taking away angles that most hitters rely on. What makes her even more valuable is her ability to slide to the right pin without losing any power—her footwork is clean, she tracks the ball well, and she turns tough sets into high-IQ swings. April's versatility gives coaches lineup flexibility, and her motor at the net makes her a matchup problem in any rotation. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br><em><strong>This club season, expect to see her expand her blocking range and become even more dominant in transition.</strong> ✨</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882486"],"_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-691922eed5411"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882486' first='Julia' last='Hulstein'] – Outside Hitter (6'0")</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='882486' first='Julia' last='Hulstein'] brings heavy, terminal offense from the left pin, and her ability to hit a variety of tempos separates her from most outsides in her class. She has a naturally smooth arm swing that generates pace without forcing swings, and she scores both crossbody and down the line against well-formed blocks. Julia's ball control continues to elevate, and she consistently finds ways to create points out of messy plays—something college coaches value highly. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br><em><strong>This club season, look for her to develop an even more aggressive out-of-system attack that makes her a true go-to hitter.</strong> 🔥</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725514"],"_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-691922eed5501"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725514' first='Vanessa' last='Borr'] – Pin Hitter (RS/Outside, 6'1")</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='725514' first='Vanessa' last='Borr'] is the type of pin hitter who makes coaches rethink matchups. At 6'1", she brings natural length and a noticeably fast arm, allowing her to close out plays from either pin. She thrives on pressure balls—whether she's terminating on the right side or tooling the block from the left. Vanessa also has a strong presence in blocking schemes; her timing and discipline on the net allow her to take away major hitting lanes. Her ability to shift between pins gives her incredible value in higher-level systems.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br><em><strong>This club season, expect her block timing to take another leap, turning her into a true two-way force.</strong> 🚀</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745951"],"_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-691922eed55e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell'] – Setter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell'] has been in varsity conversations since eighth grade for a reason—she is a setter with advanced feel for pace, location, and flow. She runs an offense with poise beyond her years, disguising her choices and keeping blockers guessing. Lucy's connection with middles is one of her standout tools, delivering quick, hittable balls that speed up the offense. Her leadership on the floor is steady and decisive, and she elevates the hitters around her with consistent decision-making and technical precision. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br><em><strong>This club season, expect to see her expand her range by running more tempo-driven, multi-layered offenses.</strong> 🧠</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769897"],"_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-691922eed56a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='769897' first='Sawyer' last='Kosidowski'] – Outside Hitter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='769897' first='Sawyer' last='Kosidowski'] is a dynamic, fast-twitch outside whose first step and attacking speed immediately jump off the film. She elevates quickly, attacks seams before they fully form, and brings a snap-down arm that produces tough angles for defenders. Her all-around skill set allows her to contribute in every phase—strong first contact, sharp reads defensively, and the ability to transition at full speed. Sawyer's explosiveness makes her one of the most exciting point-scorers in her age group. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br><em><strong>This club season, look for her to expand her back-row attacking game and become a true six-zone threat.</strong> ⚡</em></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 -->