The Watch List: 2029 Momentum, Opportunity, and What Comes Next

<p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: <strong>digdakotas30</strong> in the coupon code area</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p>   <p>The Watch List is where progress becomes visible. It's not about finished products—it's about athletes whose games are evolving quickly, whose skill sets are translating under pressure, and whose trajectories are moving in the right direction. In the volleyball landscape, this is one of the most important spaces to watch. College coaches use the Watch List as an early indicator, tracking players who are developing the tools and habits needed to compete at the next level.</p>   <p>These athletes have earned attention through execution, coachability, and positional strengths that stand out in live evaluation. With club season approaching, the excitement around this group is real. The Watch List is often where breakout seasons begin—and these players are positioned to make that jump. Here's what put them on our radar and why this upcoming season matters so much.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755783' first='Elsa' last='Tibke'] – Right Side Pin</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='755783' first='Elsa' last='Tibke'] has established herself as a strong right-side presence through confident attacking and disciplined movement along the net. She plays the pin with purpose, staying available in transition and attacking with control rather than forcing swings. Elsa shows a good understanding of spacing and timing, allowing her to score against set blocks and remain effective on broken plays. What's exciting heading into this season is her potential to increase offensive volume and become a more consistent terminal option. As her confidence continues to grow, Elsa's right-side impact could expand significantly. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913901' first='Emily' last='Oien'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='913901' first='Emily' last='Oien'] brings steadiness to the back row, earning her Watch List spot through reliable ball control and strong defensive instincts. She reads hitters well, stays balanced through contact, and delivers quality first contact that keeps her team in system. Emily's anticipation allows her to cover seams and extend rallies, often making difficult digs look routine. This season presents an opportunity for her to take an even larger role in serve receive and become a more vocal presence defensively. Back-row players who bring consistency and trust are invaluable, and Emily continues to build that foundation. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842571' first='Faith' last='Plamp'] – Right Side Pin</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='842571' first='Faith' last='Plamp'] has caught attention with her physicality and aggressiveness from the right pin. She attacks with confidence and shows the ability to score both on tempo and in transition. Faith's willingness to take tough swings separates her, especially when the offense is under pressure. What we're excited to see this season is her continued development in shot selection and efficiency. As she refines her decision-making, Faith has the potential to become a high-impact scoring option who consistently changes the momentum of matches. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754800' first='Genevieve' last='Scherer'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='754800' first='Genevieve' last='Scherer'] plays defense with purpose and control, showing strong positioning and a calm approach in the back row. She stays disciplined in serve receive, angles her platform well, and makes smart decisions on first contact. Genevieve's ability to stay composed during long rallies is one of her strengths, allowing her to keep the defense organized. Heading into the upcoming season, we're excited to see her expand her role as a defensive leader and continue sharpening her court awareness. Players who stabilize the back row are always in demand, and Genevieve continues to trend upward. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755772' first='Grace' last='Violet'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='755772' first='Grace' last='Violet'] brings energy and competitiveness to every rally, earning her place on the Watch List through effort and anticipation. She covers ground well, reads attacks early, and consistently puts herself in position to make plays. Grace's hustle is noticeable—she extends points and brings a spark that lifts the defense. This season will be exciting as she continues to refine her serve-receive consistency and communication. Defensive specialists who combine effort with improving technique often take big steps forward, and Grace is well-positioned to do just that. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771942' first='Izaria' last='Marie Koenig'] – Libero</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='771942' first='Izaria' last='Marie Koenig'] has established herself as a back-row anchor through her consistency and composure. She shows advanced reading ability for her age, positioning herself well and delivering controlled digs that allow the offense to reset. Izaria's serve-receive reps are steady, and she plays with confidence on first contact. Heading into club season, we're excited to see her continue developing as a floor leader and expanding her defensive range. Liberos who combine calm decision-making with strong fundamentals are always worth watching, and Izaria fits that mold. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913903' first='Jordyn' last='Kudera'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='913903' first='Jordyn' last='Kudera'] rounds out this Watch List with a strong defensive presence and growing confidence. She plays with good anticipation, stays light on her feet, and consistently puts balls in play under pressure. Jordyn's effort level stands out, and she shows a willingness to take on tough serves and high-pace attacks. This season will be exciting as she continues to develop her serve-receive consistency and communication. Defensive specialists who continue to build trust in first contact often make big leaps, and Jordyn is on that path. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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>   <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 <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>   <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>   <p></p>

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