Watch List Momentum: Class of 2029 Ready to Elevate Their Game

<!-- 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>The Watch List is where growth becomes visible. These are athletes who may not be finished products yet—but their skill sets, competitive habits, and trajectory demand attention. In the volleyball world, the Watch List plays a critical role. It highlights players whose games are translating, whose understanding of their position is deepening, and whose ceiling continues to rise with each evaluation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Class of 2029, the upcoming season is a defining one. Club volleyball will push these athletes with faster tempos, higher physical demands, and more complex game situations. The players on this list have already shown they're ready for that challenge. Now it's about refinement, confidence, and separation. Here's what excites us about this group and what we'll be watching closely as the season unfolds.</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='895490' first='Violet' last='Johnson'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='895490' first='Violet' last='Johnson'] has earned her place on the Watch List through her ability to manage offense with composure and intention. She shows clean hands, consistent release, and a strong understanding of tempo. Violet does a good job keeping hitters in rhythm and delivering hittable balls across the net. What we're excited to see this season is her continued growth in decision-making—reading blockers earlier, spreading the offense more effectively, and commanding the floor with confidence. Setters who can control pace and elevate their attackers are invaluable, and Violet is building toward that role. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884409' first='Raya' last='Toupal'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='884409' first='Raya' last='Toupal'] brings reliability and toughness to the back row, earning Watch List attention through her consistent defensive play. She reads attacks well, stays disciplined with her positioning, and uses efficient platform angles to keep her team in system. Raya plays with calm under pressure and shows a willingness to take on tough serves. This season, we'll be watching her continued development as a back-row leader—particularly in serve receive and communication. Defensive players who bring trust and stability are essential, and Raya continues to show those qualities. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754759' first='Paige' last='Poirier'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='754759' first='Paige' last='Poirier'] stands out as a setter with a strong foundation and growing confidence. She delivers clean, consistent sets and understands how to run offense within structure. Paige has shown improvement in transition setting, staying composed when plays break down and still giving her hitters a chance to score. What excites us heading into this season is her opportunity to take more command of the offense—pushing tempo, making assertive decisions, and leading with her voice. Setters who grow into floor generals often make big leaps, and Paige is positioned for that next step. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Paige Lynn McNeely – Outside Hitter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paige Lynn McNeely continues to trend upward as an outside hitter with a balanced, intelligent approach to the game. She attacks with control, showing the ability to score with both pace and placement. Paige demonstrates good volleyball IQ, using the block effectively and finding open court rather than forcing swings. This upcoming season, we'll be watching her expand her offensive range and take on a larger role as a scoring option. As her confidence continues to grow, her impact from the pin has the potential to rise significantly. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894162' first='Maryn' last='York'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='894162' first='Maryn' last='York'] has earned Watch List recognition through her effort, anticipation, and consistency in the back row. She plays defense with urgency, covers ground well, and positions herself early to make plays. Maryn's ability to extend rallies and keep balls playable has been a strength. What we're excited to see this season is her continued refinement in serve receive and her growth as a communicator. Defensive specialists who combine hustle with improving technique often take big steps forward, and Maryn is on that path. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='785199' first='Mariah' last='Ockenga'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='785199' first='Mariah' last='Ockenga'] brings composure and discipline to the defensive side of the game. She stays balanced through contact, delivers controlled digs, and shows a strong understanding of defensive responsibilities. Mariah doesn't try to do too much—she makes the right play consistently. This season, we'll be watching her continued development as a stabilizing presence in serve receive and her ability to take on more responsibility in the back row. Defensive players who value consistency and efficiency are always worth tracking, and Mariah fits that mold. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='776607' first='Alivya' last='Matthews'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='776607' first='Alivya' last='Matthews'] has built her Watch List case through energy and competitive grit. She plays with urgency on every rally, showing a willingness to pursue tough balls and keep plays alive. Alivya reads attacks well and positions herself effectively, allowing her to be impactful despite high pace. This upcoming season will be exciting as she continues to refine her platform control and communication. Defensive specialists who bring intensity and trust often become anchors, and Alivya continues to grow into that role. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='894158' first='Brynlee' last='Madelyn Blank'] – Outside Pin</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='894158' first='Brynlee' last='Madelyn Blank'] brings offensive upside and confidence to the pin, earning her place on the Watch List through her attacking mentality. She shows solid approach mechanics and a willingness to take swings in both system and transition. Brynlee's ability to stay aggressive without forcing the ball has been noticeable. This season, we'll be watching her continued development in shot selection and consistency—particularly as she takes on higher-volume reps. Pin hitters who continue to refine efficiency often see their impact climb quickly, and Brynlee has that potential. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='784848' first='Calla' last='Rave'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='784848' first='Calla' last='Rave'] rounds out this Watch List with a strong defensive presence and steady back-row play. She shows good anticipation, stays disciplined in her positioning, and delivers quality first contact under pressure. Calla plays with confidence and brings a calm energy to the defense. Heading into this season, we'll be watching her growth in serve receive responsibility and her ability to become more vocal defensively. Players who combine consistency with leadership often take meaningful steps forward, and Calla is well-positioned to do just that. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></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 -->