Finding Their Groove: Players on the Rise This Season

<!-- wp:image {"width":"95px","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:95px;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. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1"><strong>Click here to register</strong> <strong>for 2028-2029</strong></a> or <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> and use promo code <strong>“HICKMANPD25”</strong> to get $10 off your registration.</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>In the heart of the season, some players are hitting their stride — the ones who've put in the reps, embraced their roles, and are now starting to shine. They might come from teams sitting in the middle of the standings, but their impact is climbing fast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These athletes have shown steady growth with every match. They're refining their swings, improving reads, and learning how to win the small moments that change a set — from a smart tool off the block, to a perfectly placed serve, to a dig that turns defense into offense. You can see their confidence building in real time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They're the competitors who play with grit and heart — the ones who don't take a play off, who celebrate every point with purpose, and who continue to elevate not just their game, but their team. Their progress tells the story of what happens when talent meets effort — and it's what makes this part of the season so fun to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766274"],"_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-690236e13b64c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='766274' first='Camila' last='Langenfeld'] has become a steady force on the pin for Sioux Falls Lincoln, showing confidence and control in her game. She's improved her shot selection and defensive reads while staying aggressive in big moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her swing is clean and efficient, mixing pace and placement to find seams and open space. On defense, she's reading serves and transitions more effectively each match, keeping rallies alive and turning them into scoring chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Langenfeld's composure and competitiveness have stood out this season — she's finding her rhythm, and it's showing in Lincoln's late-season push. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["782998"],"_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-690236e13b6c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In her first varsity season, [player_tooltip player_id='782998' first='Kali' last='Ellis'] has made a strong impression in the middle. Her blocking instincts stand out — she reads hitters well and times her jumps cleanly, especially when closing the double block. Offensively, she's developing confidence on quick sets and finding ways to score off transitions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ellis brings energy and focus every match, showing growth with each rotation. Her presence at the net is becoming a difference-maker for her team. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523146"],"_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-690236e13b717"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='523146' first='Remington' last='Bechard'] has been a steady and determined presence at the net this season. Whether she's hitting from the outside or stepping into the middle, she brings energy and focus to every point. Bechard works hard in transition, stays disciplined on her block, and finds ways to score with smart placement and a quick arm swing. Her versatility and competitiveness have made her a reliable option for her team and a player who continues to elevate her game each week. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["835542"],"_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-690236e13b76a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='835542' first='Maia' last='Achen'] has established herself as a steady and impactful presence on the outside, leading her team in kills and setting the tone for their offense. Her approach is confident and composed — she sees the block well and has developed a smart shot selection that allows her to score from both the front and back row. Whether she's tooling the block or finding the deep corner, Achen finds ways to produce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What stands out most about her game is her consistency and energy. She stays aggressive in long rallies, maintains control in out-of-system plays, and communicates well with her setter to keep the offense flowing. Achen's leadership and competitive drive make her more than just a top attacker — she's the kind of player who lifts her team's intensity every time she steps on the court. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["812180"],"_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-690236e13b7bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='812180' first='Carlee' last='Mushitz'] has made impressive strides this season, growing into a reliable force in the middle. Her improvement shows in her clean, efficient footwork — she moves smoothly from pin to pin, staying balanced and ready to close blocks with precision. Mushitz times her jumps well, reading setters and adjusting quickly to seal seams and take away hitting angles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On offense, she's becoming more confident with her tempo and connection, delivering quick attacks and smart placements that keep defenders off balance. Her steady development and commitment to her role have made her a key contributor at the net and a player who continues to trend upward each match. <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 -->