North Dakota Rankings Reveal: Class Of 2029, Who’s On Top?

<!-- 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>We've officially opened the <strong>Top Rankings for the Class of 2029</strong>—and grab your popcorn, because this class is powerful and we're only scratching the surface. With <strong>over 100 athletes ranked or on the watch list</strong>, this group is deep, competitive, and just getting started. What stands out most is this: these players aren't waiting for opportunities to be handed to them. They're grinding in the offseason, putting in the work, and proving—every rep—that they deserve their spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches, we know you're already building your 2029 recruiting boards, and here's the reality: North Dakota has a player in nearly every corner of the state you need to know. This class already includes state champions, and athletes have already surpassed the 1,000-kill milestone before they even finish their freshman year. The talent is real, the work ethic is evident, and the ceiling is high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So who claimed the <strong>Top 5 spots</strong>? I'm excited to introduce these athletes—players I've had the chance to watch compete, grow, and separate themselves. Class of 2029, you're officially on the clock, and we can't wait to watch how you continue to rise over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832737"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6949ea36cf0d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='832737' first='Hilary' last='Haaven'] isn't just at the top of the Class of 2029—she <strong>defines it</strong>. The <strong>No. 1 outside hitter</strong> and <strong>No. 1 overall player in North Dakota</strong>, Haaven has already built a résumé that separates her nationally, not just regionally. A <strong>back-to-back state champion</strong>, she has proven—year after year—that she rises when the stakes are highest. Reaching the <strong>1,000-kill and 1,000-dig milestones before completing her sophomore season</strong> isn't just impressive—it's rare. It speaks to a true six-rotation athlete who impacts the game on every contact, every rally, every set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Turn on the film and it's immediate: Hilary plays the game with the IQ of a veteran and the composure of someone who's been in big moments her entire career—because she has. She sees the block early, manipulates hands, and finishes with intent. Her arm speed is explosive, her range is terminal, and her ability to score both in system and out of system makes her a nightmare matchup from the pin. Defensively, she reads attackers with precision, extends rallies, and transitions seamlessly back into offense. She doesn't just put up numbers—she controls matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But what truly separates [player_tooltip player_id='832737' first='Hilary' last='Haaven'] is what college coaches covet most: elite coachability and relentless work ethic. She's in the gym. She's in the weight room. She's asking questions, applying feedback immediately, and elevating her game in real time. You don't have to guess if she'll buy into a program—she already does. Her presence raises the standard of everyone around her, and her competitiveness is contagious.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is the definition of a small-town gem—humble, driven, and relentless. [player_tooltip player_id='832737' first='Hilary' last='Haaven'] is the kind of player programs build around, cultures are shaped by, and championships are won with. This isn't just the top player in the state—this is a difference-maker at the highest level, and her ceiling is still climbing. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></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-6949ea36cf179"} --> <!-- 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 firmly established herself as one of the premier talents in the Class of 2029, ranking <strong>No. 2 overall</strong> and the <strong>No. 1 setter in the state</strong>. Already entering her <strong>second year at the varsity level for Fargo North</strong>, Lucy has shown a command of the game that far exceeds her age. She plays the setter position with advanced volleyball IQ, particularly behind the service line, where her serve placement and pressure consistently disrupt opposing offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What stands out most is her ability to control the floor. Lucy hustles on every touch, transitions quickly, and keeps hitters engaged with clean hands and intentional tempo. She understands how to manage momentum, reads the game early, and brings a calm confidence that anchors her team. For college coaches, [player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell'] projects as a true floor general—an elite setter with leadership instincts, competitive edge, and a ceiling that continues to rise. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></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-6949ea36cf20f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At <strong>6'0"</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='882486' first='Julia' last='Hulstein'] looks the part—and plays it. Ranked <strong>No. 3 overall</strong> and the <strong>No. 2 outside hitter in the Class of 2029</strong>, she brings a physical, polished attacking game that translates immediately. Her approach is clean, her arm is fast, and she contacts high, allowing her to score over blocks and attack seams with authority. Julia is comfortable taking big swings from the pin, staying aggressive in transition, and terminating even when the ball isn't perfect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What makes her especially dangerous is her ability to score efficiently. She reads the block, adjusts in the air, and uses the full court—never forcing low-percentage swings. Combine that with her six-rotation reliability, and you get an outside hitter who impacts the match on every touch. College coaches should be watching closely—[player_tooltip player_id='882486' first='Julia' last='Hulstein'] has the size, skill, and offensive IQ to be a next-level pin. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["915876"],"_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-6949ea36cf294"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='915876' first='Mya' last='Swanson'] has firmly earned her place among the state's elite, ranking <strong>No. 4 overall</strong> and the <strong>No. 3 outside hitter in the Class of 2029</strong>. A <strong>two-time state champion</strong> and <strong>All-Region selection</strong>, Swanson has already proven she can perform—and win—on the biggest stages. She attacks with confidence from the outside, pairing an <strong>insanely high vertical</strong> with strong arm speed to contact high and score over the block. Her ability to elevate creates natural separation, allowing her to finish cleanly in system and remain dangerous when the play breaks down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What truly separates Mya is her competitive edge and reliability. She plays with toughness, serves with intent, and consistently applies pressure that shifts momentum. Her volleyball IQ shows in how she reads the block, manages rallies, and stays composed while still playing with fire. Her postseason success, regional honors, and physical explosiveness point to a player who thrives in high-stakes environments. For college coaches, [player_tooltip player_id='915876' first='Mya' last='Swanson'] projects as a dynamic, battle-tested outside hitter—one who jumps high, competes relentlessly, knows how to win, and continues to elevate her game as the competition level rises. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["784991"],"_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-6949ea36cf319"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='784991' first='Claire' last='Iverson'] continues the elite run in the Class of 2029, ranking <strong>No. 5 overall</strong> and the <strong>No. 4 outside hitter in the state</strong>. From the pin, she brings exceptional arm speed that immediately jumps off the film, allowing her to score with pace and keep blocks honest. She attacks with confidence, stays aggressive in transition, and shows the ability to terminate even when the set isn't perfect. Her varsity experience has accelerated her development, giving her comfort in high-pressure rotations and an understanding of how to compete at speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What separates Claire is her commitment to growth. She brings a strong work ethic to every rep, absorbs coaching quickly, and applies feedback in real time. Her coachability, combined with her physical tools, makes her a high-upside outside hitter with room to continue expanding her game. For college coaches, [player_tooltip player_id='784991' first='Claire' last='Iverson'] projects as a driven, competitive pin attacker—one who is already battle-tested and still climbing. <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 -->