Why the First Two Touches Matter More Than You Think

<!-- 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>In volleyball, highlights often come from the third touch—the kill, the block, the celebration. But the truth every college coach, high-level scout, and veteran player understands is this: matches are won long before the swing. The first two touches—serve receive and setting—are the foundation of everything that follows. Without them, there is no offense. No tempo. No rhythm. No chance to apply pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For freshmen especially, mastering the first two touches is what earns trust early. It's what gets you on the court. It's what separates players who wait their turn from players who are relied upon. The athletes featured here have landed on our latest rankings not because of flash, but because of ball control, decision-making, footwork, and composure beyond their years. These are players who already understand how to manage the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As scouts, what caught our attention wasn't just clean reps—it was how these freshmen handled pace, pressure, and responsibility. These are players who stabilize teams, elevate teammates, and make volleyball easier for everyone around them. Let's take a closer look at the freshmen whose first and second contact stood out.</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='922266' first='Jaye' last='Potratz'] – Defensive Specialist</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922266' first='Jaye' last='Potratz'] has quickly established herself as a defensive specialist who understands the value of clean first contact. She shows advanced platform discipline, staying balanced through serve receive and delivering consistent, hittable passes. What stands out is her ability to read servers early and adjust her positioning before contact is made. Jaye doesn't overreact—she stays calm, absorbs pace, and keeps her team in system. For a freshman, that composure is rare and exactly what coaches look for in a back-row defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922264' first='Olivia' last='Myklebust'] – Defensive Specialist</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922264' first='Olivia' last='Myklebust'] brings reliability and anticipation to the defensive side of the game. She reads attackers well, stays light on her feet, and consistently puts herself in the right spot to extend rallies. In serve receive, Olivia shows control and patience, allowing her platform to do the work rather than forcing movement. Her ability to turn tough serves into playable balls has made her stand out early, and her defensive instincts suggest a high ceiling as competition increases. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922267' first='MaKenzie' last='Tripp'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922267' first='MaKenzie' last='Tripp'] has caught our eye with her tempo awareness and technical consistency as a freshman setter. She moves efficiently to the ball, maintains balance at release, and delivers hittable sets across all attacking options. What separates MaKenzie is her understanding of pace—she doesn't rush plays, but she doesn't slow the offense either. She manages transition well and shows early signs of being a setter who can control the flow of a match rather than just distribute the ball. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922270' first='Bayleigh' last='Undhjem'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922270' first='Bayleigh' last='Undhjem'] brings confidence and leadership to the setter position. She shows clean hand positioning, quick feet, and a strong ability to square her shoulders to target. Bayleigh excels at keeping hitters involved, even when passes are off the net. Her decision-making continues to impress—she makes smart choices under pressure and understands when to spread the offense versus when to ride a hot hand. That awareness is advanced for a freshman and makes her a setter to watch. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922269' first='Rylan' last='Carlson'] – Defensive Specialist</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922269' first='Rylan' last='Carlson'] is a defensive specialist who thrives on effort and efficiency. She covers ground well, reads hitters early, and stays disciplined in her defensive posture. In serve receive, Rylan shows growing consistency, delivering passes that allow the offense to stay aggressive. What stands out most is her competitiveness—she doesn't take points off and consistently battles through longer rallies. That mentality, paired with her technical growth, has put her on our radar. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922271' first='Olive' last='Allen'] – Defensive Specialist</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922271' first='Olive' last='Allen'] brings strong court awareness and composure to the back row. She does an excellent job tracking the ball off the server's hand and adjusting her platform angle accordingly. Olive stays calm under pressure and shows a natural feel for keeping the ball playable. Her ability to communicate and organize the back row as a freshman is particularly impressive. These are the kinds of defensive players coaches trust early because they make the game cleaner for everyone. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922272' first='Nicole' last='Vander Vorste'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922272' first='Nicole' last='Vander Vorste'] stands out as a setter with advanced footwork and body control. She moves efficiently to the ball, stays balanced through contact, and delivers consistent tempo. Nicole shows an understanding of offensive structure and does a good job keeping hitters in rhythm. Her ability to manage broken plays and still produce quality second contact has been a key reason she landed on our rankings. She plays the position with confidence and poise beyond her age. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922279' first='Keeley' last='Ryckman'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922279' first='Keeley' last='Ryckman'] brings a competitive edge and strong technical base to the setter role. She shows quick decision-making, clean release, and an ability to adjust tempo based on pass quality. Keeley excels at staying composed in transition and continues to grow as a floor leader. Her willingness to take ownership of the offense as a freshman has stood out, and her development trajectory points toward continued growth at the position. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922283' first='Tessa' last='Carlson'] – Defensive Specialist</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922283' first='Tessa' last='Carlson'] rounds out the group as a defensive specialist who understands the importance of consistency. She shows solid platform mechanics, stays low through contact, and does a good job controlling serve receive under pressure. Tessa's defensive reads continue to improve, and she consistently puts herself in position to make plays. Her reliability and work ethic have made her a player we continue to track closely. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">For freshmen, the fastest way to earn trust is through the first two touches. Passing and setting aren't always glamorous, but they are essential—and the players featured here already understand that. They've shown composure, discipline, and technical skill that translate to higher levels of play.</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These athletes landed on our rankings because they make the game easier for their teams. They control chaos, create opportunity, and understand that volleyball starts before the swing. As they continue to grow, refine their skills, and face faster competition, their impact will only increase.</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 -->