10 Players From The Class of 2027 To Watch In January

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>   January is where club season starts to take shape—and where the 2027 class begins to separate. New lineups, higher-level competition, and heavier reps reveal which players are ready to take the next step. These athletes aren't chasing attention; they're earning it through consistency, growth, and impact in the flow of the game.   The players on this list are showing the traits college coaches track early: cleaner technique, stronger decision-making, and a willingness to embrace bigger roles. As the season opens, these are the names gaining traction—players whose momentum is building and whose development will be worth following all month long.    [player_tooltip player_id='751620' first='Emma' last='Hellermann'] shows how valuable versatility can be at the net. In the latest tournament, she impacts rallies on both sides of the ball—closing seams with discipline in the block and staying aggressive as an attacker. Her footwork along the net is efficient, allowing her to arrive on time and take space away rather than reacting late. Offensively, she stays balanced through her approach and finishes with intent, especially in transition. What stands out is how quickly she re-engages after every play—block, release, re-present, attack. Emma plays like a front-row anchor who understands how to influence matches in multiple ways.     [player_tooltip player_id='751408' first='Hailey' last='Wesen'] brings physicality and pace to every rally. At the most recent event, she consistently closes with urgency, taking away angle and forcing hitters to adjust. Offensively, she shows comfort in multiple routes, staying on time and finishing with confidence whether attacking in system or on broken plays. Her ability to shift between middle and pin roles gives her team flexibility without sacrificing rhythm. Hailey plays with presence—she doesn't disappear in rotations. She's a player who continues to grow into a true two-way threat.     [player_tooltip player_id='751449' first='Gabbriela' last='Elke'] impacts the game in every phase. She attacks with purpose, reads the block well, and mixes power with placement rather than forcing swings. In serve-receive, she stays composed against pace and delivers first contact that keeps the offense in rhythm. Defensively, she tracks well and extends rallies with range and urgency. What separates Gabbriela is her consistency—she's present point to point. She plays like a true six-rotation cornerstone who stabilizes rotations and creates scoring opportunities.     [player_tooltip player_id='832095' first='Eve' last='Foltz'] plays with edge and confidence on the pin. In the latest tournament, she stays aggressive in transition, attacking even when the set isn't perfect. Her approach mechanics allow her to stay on time and adjust mid-air, keeping defenses honest. Eve shows growing awareness of shot selection, using angles and seams rather than relying on power alone. She competes on every rally and doesn't shy away from responsibility. Eve is developing into a go-to option who thrives under pressure.     Kennedy Gross controls the back row with discipline. Her platform is quiet, her angles clean, and her first contact consistently keeps the offense in system. She reads servers early, sets her feet quickly, and rarely looks rushed. In transition defense, she takes efficient routes and turns hard-driven balls into playable digs. Kennedy brings calm to high-pressure rotations. She plays like a defender who allows everyone around her to stay aggressive.     Mia Halden brings pace and confidence to the pin. At the most recent event, she attacks in rhythm, staying aggressive in system and remaining available in transition. Her approach is compact and explosive, allowing her to score even against formed blocks. Mia shows improving court awareness, adjusting her angles rather than forcing swings. She plays with intent—every touch matters. Mia is a pin who continues to grow into a reliable scoring presence.     [player_tooltip player_id='746105' first='Sophia' last='Hurrle'] brings energy and range to the backcourt. She reads attackers well, closes space quickly, and refuses to let rallies die. Her serve-receive continues to sharpen, giving her team stability in key rotations. Sophia communicates constantly, helping organize defensive systems in real time. She thrives in chaos, turning broken plays into opportunity. Sophia plays like a defender who changes momentum.     [player_tooltip player_id='746106' first='Brielle' last='Kloss'] brings physicality and confidence to the pin, attacking with purpose on every swing. In the latest tournament, she stays aggressive in both system and transition, using a strong approach and high contact point to challenge blocks. What stands out is her ability to adjust—she reads the block, changes her angle mid-air, and scores with both power and placement. Brielle competes through long rallies, remains available after every defensive touch, and embraces being an option in high-pressure moments. She plays like a hitter who wants the ball and knows how to use it. Brielle continues to grow into a pin who can carry volume and shift momentum.     [player_tooltip player_id='817046' first='Mia' last='Zacharias'] continues to separate through timing and discipline. She closes seams early, stays square in the block, and takes space away with purpose. Offensively, she runs first-tempo routes with confidence and finishes in rhythm. Her movement along the net is efficient, keeping her engaged in every phase. Mia doesn't need volume to impact matches. She plays like a middle who controls space and tempo.     Marley Knutson commands the floor with clarity. She moves efficiently to second contact, delivers clean release, and keeps hitters in rhythm across all zones. In the latest tournament, she manages pace well, knowing when to accelerate the offense and when to reset. Her decision-making shows growth—she reads the block and sequences attackers with intention. Marley stays composed under pressure and keeps systems intact. She's a setter who elevates the flow of the game.    <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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