Leaders Who Left Their Mark: Seniors Who Defined the Season

<!-- 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>Leadership in volleyball isn't a title—it's a responsibility. It shows up in first contact, in block calls, in eye contact after an error, and in the energy a player brings when momentum is slipping. True leaders take the hardest reps, stay vocal in chaos, and make the players around them better. This past season, these seniors stood out not just for what they produced, but for how they led. Their hustle, composure, and competitive presence created lasting impact, and as scouts, these are the athletes who demand attention long after the final whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='801048' first='Aubrey' last='Middlestead'] – DS/Libero – Ellendale Public School</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='801048' first='Aubrey' last='Middlestead'] anchored the backcourt with poise and grit, serving as the defensive heartbeat of Ellendale. Her platform was quiet and consistent, allowing her team to stay in-system even under heavy serving pressure. Aubrey's court vision stood out—she read hitters early, trusted her angles, and made high-difficulty digs look routine. What elevated her into the leadership category was her communication. She owned the back row, called seams, organized coverage, and brought steady energy point after point. Aubrey played with the toughness every team needs from its libero—fearless, dependable, and relentlessly engaged.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753021' first='Sophie' last='Cunningham'] – DS/Libero – Glenburn (Committed to Lake Region)</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='753021' first='Sophie' last='Cunningham'] brought next-level composure to Glenburn's defense. Her serve-receive efficiency allowed her team to run offense with confidence, and her ability to handle pace made her a true stabilizer. Sophie didn't just pass balls—she passed confidence. Her leadership showed in the way she reset teammates after errors and stayed locked in during long rallies. She understood the rhythm of the game, knowing when to slow it down and when to inject energy. That volleyball IQ, paired with her defensive toughness, is exactly why she's headed to Lake Region. Sophie led with maturity and purpose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828402' first='Katelyn' last='Posl'] – Middle Blocker – West Fargo Horace</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='828402' first='Katelyn' last='Posl'] controlled the middle of the net with authority. As a middle blocker, her impact went far beyond kills. She closed blocks with discipline, pressed her hands over the net, and took away opponent tendencies through smart positioning. Offensively, she ran quick tempos effectively, creating pressure that opened lanes for pin hitters. Katelyn's leadership was evident in her presence—she set the tone defensively, communicated blocking schemes, and brought intensity to every transition. Middles who lead vocally and physically are rare, and Katelyn embraced that role fully for West Fargo Horace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884348' first='Betsy' last='Huber'] – Middle Blocker – Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884348' first='Betsy' last='Huber'] was a steady force in the middle, known for her reliability and competitive edge. Her blocking timing improved throughout the season, and she became a consistent wall against opposing attacks. Betsy ran efficient offensive routes, especially in tight situations where smart swings mattered more than power. What stood out most was her work rate—she transitioned hard, covered hitters, and never took a rally off. Betsy led by example, setting a standard of effort that her teammates followed. She was the kind of middle every coach trusts in critical rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='811963' first='Brooklyn' last='Schumacher'] – Middle Blocker – Linton-HMB</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='811963' first='Brooklyn' last='Schumacher'] brought physicality and presence to the net for Linton-HMB. Her blocking was assertive—strong hands, good penetration, and a willingness to take on top hitters. Offensively, Brooklyn used her size well, scoring efficiently in front of the setter and creating second-chance opportunities with strong tips and resets. Leadership for Brooklyn showed in her emotional consistency. She stayed even-keeled, encouraged her teammates, and kept the middle energized. Her ability to stay composed while playing a demanding position made her a leader others leaned on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817239' first='Mycah' last='Faken'] – Middle Blocker – Des Lacs-Burlington</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='817239' first='Mycah' last='Faken'] brought athleticism and energy to every match. Her lateral movement along the net allowed her to close blocks quickly and disrupt opposing offenses. She was effective running slides and quicks, forcing defenses to commit early. What separated Mycah was her energy—she celebrated points, rallied teammates, and brought momentum-changing enthusiasm. Middles set the emotional tone of the front row, and Mycah embraced that responsibility. Her passion for the game was evident, and it fueled Des Lacs-Burlington throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='891938' first='Annabel' last='Scheeler'] – Setter – Dickinson</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leadership starts with the setter, and [player_tooltip player_id='891938' first='Annabel' last='Scheeler'] ran Dickinson's offense with confidence and command. She distributed the ball with intention, reading blockers and keeping hitters engaged across all rotations. Her hands were clean, her tempo consistent, and her decision-making sharp, especially in transition. Annabel's communication stood out—she connected with hitters, called plays, and managed momentum like a true floor general. She brought calm in pressure moments and energy when her team needed a lift. Annabel understood that a setter doesn't just set the ball—they set the tone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='835415' first='Madi' last='Wegleitner'] – Outside Hitter – Dickinson Trinity</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='835415' first='Madi' last='Wegleitner'] embraced the responsibility of being a go-to pin hitter. She took high-volume swings, handled tough serve-receive rotations, and stayed aggressive late in matches. Her ability to score in and out of system made her a constant threat, and her back-row defense added another layer to her impact. Madi led with toughness—she wanted the big swing and didn't shy away from difficult moments. Her hustle and competitive mindset energized Dickinson Trinity, making her one of the most impactful leaders on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744931' first='Lizzy' last='Kunz'] – Outside Hitter – Red River</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='744931' first='Lizzy' last='Kunz'] brought balance to Red River's lineup with her all-around play and leadership presence. She passed confidently, attacked with range, and made smart decisions when the block was set. Lizzy's volleyball IQ showed in her shot selection and defensive positioning. What truly stood out was her consistency—she was dependable in every phase, every set. Lizzy led with quiet confidence, supporting teammates, staying composed, and delivering when it mattered most. Her steady approach made her a trusted leader in crucial moments.</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:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->