Watch List Rising: Class of 2029 Athletes Ready to Break Through

<!-- 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:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Watch List Rising: Class of 2029 Athletes Ready to Break Through</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Watch List is where momentum lives. These are the athletes who have already put themselves on the radar—not by accident, but by skill, effort, and flashes of next-level potential. In the volleyball world, the Watch List matters because it signals trajectory. These are players who are developing rapidly, refining their positional tools, and preparing to take the next step as competition rises.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Class of 2029, this upcoming season is a critical one. Club play will demand more—more consistency, more physicality, more volleyball IQ. The players on this list have already shown the foundation. Now, it's about 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='897122' first='Kalli' last='Silvernail'] – Middle Blocker</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='897122' first='Kalli' last='Silvernail'] continues to stand out with her presence at the net and growing confidence in the middle. She shows solid lateral footwork and understands how to close blocks with purpose rather than chasing hitters. Her timing has improved, and she's begun to read setters earlier, allowing her to impact defensive schemes more consistently. This season, we'll be watching for her ability to take another step as a space-controller—pressing over the net, sealing seams, and becoming a reliable point-stopper. Offensively, continued growth in tempo and transition will elevate her impact even further. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='826762' first='Kaydee' last='Mackner'] – Pin Hitter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='826762' first='Kaydee' last='Mackner'] brings an aggressive attacking mindset that immediately jumps out. She's comfortable taking swings in system and out of system, and she doesn't shy away from pressure reps. Her approach mechanics are clean, and she's learning how to score with range rather than relying solely on power. What excites us this season is her continued growth in shot selection—reading the block earlier, using hands, and attacking seams. Pin hitters who learn how to score smart are the ones who rise quickly, and Kaydee is trending in that direction.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='895449' first='Kenlee' last='Moser'] – Outside Hitter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='895449' first='Kenlee' last='Moser'] has built her Watch List case through consistency and composure as an outside hitter. She handles serve receive with confidence and transitions smoothly into her attack, keeping herself involved across rotations. Kenlee plays with control and rarely forces low-percentage swings. This season, we'll be watching her offensive expansion—adding pace, range, and assertiveness when taking high-volume reps. As she continues to trust her arm and take ownership from the pin, her impact has the potential to grow significantly. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kennedy McElhany – Outside Hitter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kennedy McElhany's continued development has earned her Watch List recognition. She attacks with balance and strong body control, allowing her to adjust mid-air and stay effective on imperfect sets. Kennedy has shown she can score in system and remain dangerous in transition. What we're excited to see this season is her willingness to embrace a larger offensive role—taking on pressure swings and asserting herself in key rotations. Outside hitters who separate themselves are the ones who lean into responsibility, and Kennedy is moving in that direction.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='778734' first='Nyawec' last='Yol'] – Middle Blocker</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='778734' first='Nyawec' last='Yol'] brings athletic upside and length to the middle, earning her Watch List spot through her ability to impact the game at the net. She shows promising lateral movement and has the physical tools to close blocks effectively when disciplined with her footwork. Offensively, she's shown flashes of being a strong finisher when she stays on time with her setter. This season, we'll be watching her growth in block timing and transition speed—reading setters earlier and pressing over the net. With refinement, Nyawec has the tools to become a middle who truly controls the center of the court. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905305' first='Madelyn' last='Kendall'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='905305' first='Madelyn' last='Kendall'] has earned attention through reliability and calm play in the back row. She handles first contact with confidence, angles her platform efficiently, and consistently keeps her team in system under pressure. Madelyn reads hitters well and positions herself early, allowing her to extend rallies and control tempo defensively. This season, we'll be watching her continued growth as a back-row leader—particularly in serve receive consistency and communication. Defensive players who bring trust and stability are invaluable, and Madelyn 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='886068' first='Magnolia' last='Tharney'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='886068' first='Magnolia' last='Tharney']'s Watch List presence reflects her strong foundation as a setter. She delivers clean, hittable balls and shows an understanding of tempo and distribution. Magnolia continues to grow in her ability to run offense in transition, one of the most important skills at the position. This season will be exciting as she gains more command of the floor, pushes tempo, and becomes more confident in decision-making. Setters who can manage rhythm and elevate hitters are always on college radars, and Magnolia 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='883835' first='Maliyah' last='Nankivel'] – Outside Hitter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='883835' first='Maliyah' last='Nankivel'] brings energy and offensive upside to the Watch List. She attacks with confidence, shows good approach mechanics, and stays aggressive when given opportunities. Her willingness to challenge the block has put her on the radar. This season, we'll be watching for continued refinement in shot selection and consistency across rotations. As her game matures, Maliyah has the opportunity to become a reliable scoring option from the outside. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='827570' first='Olivia' last='Marcuson'] – Middle Blocker</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='827570' first='Olivia' last='Marcuson'] has earned her place on the Watch List through steady development and a strong understanding of the middle blocker role. She plays with purpose at the net, closes seams effectively, and stays engaged in blocking schemes. Offensively, she runs quick tempo and scores efficiently when given opportunities. This upcoming season, we'll be watching her ability to assert herself more consistently as a blocker and dictate matchups. Middles who grow in confidence often make big leaps, and Olivia 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 rounds out this Watch List with a balanced, composed presence on the pin. She shows clean approach mechanics and scores with both pace and placement, staying under control rather than forcing swings. Paige demonstrates developing volleyball IQ, using the block well and finding open court. This season, we're excited to see her take on more offensive responsibility and expand her range. As her confidence grows, her impact from the outside has the potential to rise significantly. <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 -->