North Dakota’s DS/L Who Completed the 2026 Top 10

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The defensive specialist and libero positions demand discipline, toughness, and a level of control that often goes unnoticed by the casual viewer—but never by coaches. They anchor serve receive, command the back row, and turn chaos into opportunity. Their touches dictate whether an offense runs in rhythm or in survival mode.   The athletes rounding out the Top 10 in North Dakota's 2026 DS/L rankings represent players who mastered the small details: angles, posture, reading zones, pursuit footwork, and the ability to stay calm when the ball is traveling 60 mph at their face. Their growth over the past year—across club and high school—proved how essential they are to every rotation.   These eight defenders didn't just pass balls. They controlled matches.   Below is a closer look at the players who completed the list, each bringing a unique skill set and presence to the backcourt.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 3 [player_tooltip player_id='758410' first='Kaley' last='Embry'] | Dickinson</h2>   Few defenders in the state read the game with the clarity and anticipation that [player_tooltip player_id='758410' first='Kaley' last='Embry'] demonstrated this year. Her platform control was sharp and consistent, allowing Dickinson to stay in system even when teams targeted her with tough serves. Embry's ability to angle her platform under pressure and deliver clean passes separated her from most DS/Ls in her class.   Defensively, her growth was undeniable. Embry improved her first-step explosiveness, covered sharp cross with confidence, and made multiple “run-through” digs that shifted momentum in matches. She also communicated early and often—directing seams, calling off hitters, and bringing stability to every rotation. Her maturity and poise made her the backbone of Dickinson's backcourt.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 4 [player_tooltip player_id='843695' first='Makiah' last='Ryckman'] | Linton Public School</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='843695' first='Makiah' last='Ryckman'] is a defender who plays fearless and fast. Her speed across the back row stood out immediately this season—she chased down balls that had no business staying in play. Her footwork technique improved dramatically, especially in her lateral shuffle and drop step, giving her cleaner lines of pursuit and better body control on difficult digs.   Ryckman has an instinctive feel for reading hitters. She adjusts early, anticipates tips, and positions herself to dig both power and off-speed attacks with consistency. What made her stand out was her growth in serve receive. Ryckman stabilized her angles, trusted her midline, and turned into a reliable first-contact option for Linton. She's the type of DS/L who changes the tempo of a rally the moment she touches the ball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 5 [player_tooltip player_id='807761' first='Julia' last='Nybakken'] | Fargo Davies</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='807761' first='Julia' last='Nybakken'] carries an energy and steadiness that Davies depended on throughout the season. Her serve receive took a major leap—cleaner platform, better posture, and a strong ability to handle float serves that drift late. Nybakken's court coverage expanded as well, allowing her to defend deeper zones while staying balanced and ready for the next touch.   On defense, she excelled at reading setter tendencies and adjusting her positioning mid-rally. Nybakken made the tough digs look routine with her calm body positioning and disciplined platform control. She also stepped up vocally this year, shaping the back-row communication and helping her hitters trust the defense behind them. Her growth was the product of relentless repetition—and it showed.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 6 [player_tooltip player_id='727586' first='Abigail' last='Briggs'] | ND Elite (Club Only)</h2>   Despite not playing high school volleyball, [player_tooltip player_id='727586' first='Abigail' last='Briggs'] forced her way into the Top 10 conversation through pure club dominance. Competing against high-level athletes year-round, Briggs showcased a polished platform, advanced reading ability, and a backcourt presence that college programs immediately took interest in.   Her defensive range is outstanding; Briggs moves with purpose, stays low, and has the footwork patterns of a libero who's trained through repetition and high-level coaching. She excels in serve receive with a composed, almost effortless first contact—even against heavy topspin or aggressive float serves.   What makes Briggs special is her adaptability. Club demands require defenders to adjust quickly to new hitters, setters, and systems each session, and Briggs thrives in those environments. Colleges aren't recruiting her by accident—she's a defender with precision, range, and the confidence to compete at the next level.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 7 [player_tooltip player_id='800264' first='Addison' last='Weigel'] | Bismarck Century</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='800264' first='Addison' last='Weigel'] grew immensely this season in her role as both a defensive anchor and serve-receive stabilizer for Century. Her discipline in seam responsibility sharpened, and she consistently delivered playable balls even when opponents targeted her aggressively. Weigel's defensive footwork became one of her strengths; she stayed balanced, moved efficiently, and made clean digs without over-rotating.   She also brought strong serving pressure this year—mixing zones, keeping her serve low and fast, and consistently disrupting opposing passers. What set Weigel apart was her confidence. She played with an assertive presence, took ownership of the court, and helped lead Century's back row through tough matchups. Her upward trajectory is one of the most exciting in this group.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 8 [player_tooltip player_id='828768' first='Addie' last='Dale-Geiger'] | DS/L</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='828768' first='Addie' last='Dale-Geiger'] has a knack for controlling rallies with her first contact. She brings steady, confident serve receive and has the ability to absorb pace and redirect the ball cleanly to target. Her platform was one of the most consistent in this group, and her ability to hold angles under pressure separated her from many defenders in the state.   Defensively, Dale-Geiger reads well and reacts quickly. She does an excellent job setting her feet early and digging with balance rather than desperation. Her pursuit range expanded this year, and she became a reliable emergency defender in long rallies. Dale-Geiger plays with effort, intelligence, and intentionality—qualities that elevate every player around her.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 9 [player_tooltip player_id='800251' first='Addi' last='Kill'] | West Fargo Sheyenne</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='800251' first='Addi' last='Kill'] brought a steady, team-centered presence to Sheyenne this season. Known for her consistency, work ethic, and leadership on and off the court, she was the type of player every coach wants in their backcourt. Addi played with a calm confidence, always wearing a smile and always putting in the extra effort—whether in serve-receive reps, defensive read drills, or simply encouraging her teammates through tight sets. Her communication skills and positive energy elevated the program, and her reliability in the libero/DS role made her a trusted piece of Sheyenne's system. Addi's impact went far beyond stat lines; she helped build culture, expectation, and belief—leaving a meaningful mark on the Mustangs' defensive identity.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 10 [player_tooltip player_id='725046' first='Kendra' last='Braaten'] | Central Cass</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='725046' first='Kendra' last='Braaten'] plays with grit, purpose, and a deep understanding of defensive positioning. Her ability to read hitters improved dramatically this season; Braaten consistently beat balls to the floor with early movement and smart angles. She rarely gets caught flat-footed, and her controlled platform allowed her to win big defensive rallies.   In serve receive, Braaten grew more confident and reliable—holding angles longer, adjusting to server tendencies, and becoming a steady first-contact contributor. She also showed strong leadership qualities, keeping her team composed during high-pressure moments. Braaten's consistency and competitive drive solidified her as one of Central Cass's most dependable defenders.   <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

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