Hawley Eyes the 2A State Title: Depth, Defense, and Drive

<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>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a>   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.   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">Click here to register for 2028-2029</a> or <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2027/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-2">click here to register for 2026-2027</a> and use promo code “HICKMANPD25” to get $10 off your registration.   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   When the state tournament field was announced, there was no surprise seeing Hawley sitting atop the bracket. Coming in as the #1 seed with a 29–2 record, the Nuggets have been the definition of consistency — disciplined on defense, efficient in transition, and relentless at the net. They've built their success on buy-in across every position, from their senior leaders to the underclassmen who set the tone in practice.   As postseason play begins, every dig, serve, and swing matters — and this Hawley roster has the pieces to chase the program's next big milestone.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Leadership That Steadies the Court</h4>   Senior captains [player_tooltip player_id='731839' first='Katie' last='Vetter'] and [player_tooltip player_id='738210' first='McKenna' last='Walker'] have been the emotional and physical anchors for Hawley all season long. Vetter, a dynamic six-rotation outside hitter, carries both the swing load and the leadership mantle. Her approach is clean, her arm fast, and her ability to score out of system has given the Nuggets options when plays break down. She reads blockers well, uses hands smartly, and isn't afraid to tool or tip when the defense shifts deep. More importantly, she's the voice her team looks to when momentum hangs in the balance.   Walker complements her perfectly. Also a senior captain, she brings energy that is contagious and poise that settles the team. As an outside with defensive instincts, Walker transitions quickly off the net and has a knack for keeping rallies alive with gritty first contacts. Her leadership isn't just vocal — it's in how she competes. In big matches, when runs feel heavy, she's the one who steadies the serve-receive pattern and keeps communication tight.   Together, the duo set the standard. They're not just the ones taking the swings — they're the ones keeping everyone connected.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Front Line of Power</h4>   In the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='738208' first='Annaka' last='Johnson'] (6'0") gives Hawley the net presence that separates elite teams from the rest. Johnson, long and explosive, dominates the blocking game. She reads setters well, closes seams quickly, and forces opposing hitters to alter their shots. Her timing and hand discipline have been key in Hawley's ability to slow down opponents' tempo attacks.   [player_tooltip player_id='738214' first='Kendallynn' last='Hill'], a senior who's come into her own this season, provides depth and flexibility up front. She can swing from the pin or slide into the middle when needed, offering Coach dependable offense and blocking off the bench. [player_tooltip player_id='738212' first='Audrina' last='Liebenow'] and [player_tooltip player_id='738215' first='Gracey' last='Hecker'] adds another strong option, giving Hawley multiple looks at the net — a key weapon when matchups tighten at state.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Setting the Standard</h4>   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='731154' first='Sella' last='Fleming'] has been the architect of Hawley's offense — distributing the ball with pace and precision. Her court awareness is sharp, and she knows when to push tempo or feed her hot hitter. Fleming runs a clean offense that keeps middles involved and pins in rhythm, a crucial piece for a team that thrives on balance. She's also a strong blocker and a confident server, giving the Nuggets points from behind the line and control at the net.   Behind her, sophomore Evie Block and junior Marley Knutson have been vital in keeping the team's tempo consistent in practice and late-match rotations. Even when not setting in matches, their presence helps drive the competitiveness that makes the first contact and offensive timing elite.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Defense That Refuses to Fold</h4>   If there's one thing separating Hawley from the rest of the field, it's the backcourt. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='794381' first='Hannah' last='Stotts'] has been a rock in serve receive and a game-changer in transition. Her ability to track the ball, stay balanced through contact, and deliver clean second touches gives Fleming and the hitters the ability to stay aggressive. She reads servers well, communicates constantly, and has become the defensive heartbeat of the team.   Senior [player_tooltip player_id='738216' first='Mallory' last='Halvorson'] and Junior Josie Schenck, round out a deep defensive unit that can handle pressure from strong serving teams. Halvorson's quick reaction time and passing accuracy keep the ball alive when it looks like it's gone. Schenck adds energy and voice, constantly calling seams and keeping hitters aware of defensive shifts. Their value may not always show on the box score, but their fingerprints are all over Hawley's success in long rallies and transition points.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">All-in from Every Angle</h4>   One of Hawley's quiet strengths has been its depth — and the players who elevate the team even when not in the starting lineup. Evie Block, [player_tooltip player_id='757930' first='Marie' last='Lowry'], Marley Knutson, Audrey Ellingson , Ali Langerud and Josie Schenck bring leadership, work ethic, and energy that push everyone else to perform. They're the ones who keep the team sharp in practice, who notice scouting tendencies, and who set the tone in warm-ups. They may not log every set, but their impact is felt every point.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Road Ahead</h4>   For Hawley, the formula is simple — stay disciplined, communicate, and defend relentlessly. Their offense can score from anywhere, but their defense wins matches. When the block is sealed and the first contact clean, their transition game becomes lethal.   As they enter the state tournament, the Nuggets have everything a championship team needs: leadership that calms, hitters who terminate, setters who command, and defenders who never quit. But what makes this group dangerous is how they do it together.   The standard has been set — and Hawley looks ready to finish what they started.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas