High School News: Players Turning Heads This Season

<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:110px;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/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1">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>   From power-packed swings on the pins to relentless back-row defense, South Dakota volleyball has been loaded with athletes raising their stock this fall. Across all classes, players are separating themselves not only with numbers, but with the intangibles — leadership, hustle, and the kind of coachability that wins matches deep in October.   We've been courtside all season, watching athletes who bring energy every rally, control first contact with confidence, and swing fearlessly against the block. These are the players whose consistency and competitive edge have made them tough to game plan against — and who continue to prove they're ready for the next level.   Each of the standouts below has had a hot hand this season, showcasing why South Dakota continues to produce players who not only perform, but elevate those around them.    [player_tooltip player_id='892497' first='Braxton' last='Nedved'] has quickly gained attention this season, emerging as an impressive setter who's commanding the floor with confidence and precision. With over 700 assists this year and 1,450+ in her career, she's proven to be a true floor general who thrives in both tempo and decision-making.   Nedved's ability to read the block and distribute evenly keeps defenses off balance, mixing quick tempo balls to the middle with clean location to the pins. Her hands are smooth, her release fast, and she's not afraid to challenge blockers with her dump or second-contact attack. Beyond her technical skill, she brings presence and poise — the kind of setter who elevates her hitters and controls the rhythm of the match.   What stands out most is her leadership in high-pressure moments — calm, confident, and composed, she continues to be the steady force that drives her team's success. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='834613' first='Lauryn' last='Burckhard'] has been a cornerstone for her program since stepping onto the court as an eighth grader, and this season she's reached an impressive career milestone — surpassing 1,000 kills. Her experience shows in every swing. She reads the court exceptionally well, finding open seams in the block and scoring with both power and placement.   Burckhard's attacking range makes her a constant threat — she can tool the block, work the deep corners, and keep defenders guessing with smart off-speed shots. In serve-receive, she stays calm under pressure, giving her team reliable first contact and balance in transition.   Now in her junior campaign, Burckhard continues to lead by example. Her consistency, court awareness, and ability to execute in big moments make her one of South Dakota's most dependable six-rotation outsides — and a clear next-level prospect. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='813909' first='Hazel' last='Luethmers'] is new on our radar this season — and she's made an immediate impression as a force at the net. A multi-sport athlete with explosive athleticism, Luethmers brings a powerful presence to the middle and has already surpassed 1,000 career kills, establishing herself as a key difference-maker for her team.   Her blocking instincts stand out — she reads setters well, closes seams quickly, and takes smart angles that shut down opponent attacks. On offense, she runs an efficient tempo, connecting cleanly with her setter and converting in both front- and back-tempo sets. Her arm swing is strong and quick, and she's shown the ability to terminate through the block or score with sharp cut shots.   What sets Luethmers apart is her competitiveness. She plays with energy, communicates constantly, and carries the kind of physical edge that defines dominant middles. With her combination of strength, timing, and leadership, she's the type of player every program wants anchoring the front row. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='845031' first='Addelyn' last='Jensen'] is having a standout sophomore season, already surpassing 200 kills and establishing herself as a reliable pin attacker. She plays with confidence beyond her age, showing a mature approach to shot selection and an ability to score against size.   Jensen's arm swing is quick and efficient, allowing her to find success both in-system and out-of-system. She transitions fast off the net, maintains balance in approach, and makes smart reads against the block — whether tooling high hands or attacking deep corners.   What stands out most is her energy and drive. Jensen competes with a spark that elevates those around her, and her growth trajectory points to an athlete who's just getting started. She's quickly becoming one of the key young players to watch on the South Dakota scene. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='831344' first='Dani' last='Vanderwerff'] has made an immediate impact for her high school program, quickly establishing herself as a go-to option on the pin. On any given night, you'll find her putting up double-digit kill totals, proving she can carry a heavy offensive load while maintaining efficiency.   Vanderwerff's attacking game is built on power and poise — she elevates well, contacts high, and has a knack for scoring through or around the block. She sees the court clearly, adjusting her shot selection to what the defense gives her, whether that's driving deep seam or mixing in a sharp roll to open space.   What separates her is her consistency and presence. Vanderwerff plays with calm confidence, competes hard in every rally, and continues to grow she will be a complete six-rotation outside. For a sophomore, she's already showing the offensive maturity and control of an upperclassman — a player whose upside is undeniable. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <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