2028 Players Recently Added to the Watchlist

<!-- 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 watchlist isn't about hype—it's about trajectory. These 2028 athletes have reached a point in their development where their game demands closer attention. Through strong performances, technical growth, and a clear impact on the court, they've shown they belong in the conversation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being added means something is changing: the pace is quicker, the reads are sharper, the confidence is real. These players are no longer just “ones to keep an eye on”—they're beginning to separate. As the season moves forward, this is the group that will shape the next rankings cycle and define what's coming next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at a few names that have landed on this list!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932635"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008ab9df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932635' first='Leighton' last='Bigge'] earned her spot on the watchlist through consistency and control. Her serve-receive platform is quiet and disciplined, allowing her to absorb pace and deliver repeatable first contact that keeps offenses in rhythm. What stands out is her ability to read servers early—she sets her feet quickly, takes clean angles, and rarely looks rushed. In transition defense, Leighton stays balanced and patient, turning hard-driven balls into playable digs rather than reactive swings. This season, we'll be tracking how she continues to expand her range and take on higher-volume serve-receive responsibilities as competition intensifies. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932612"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008aba57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932612' first='Isabelle' last='Clark'] plays the back row with urgency and instinct. She anticipates well, reads hitter tendencies, and beats the ball to the spot with efficient movement. Her ability to close seams in serve-receive and stay composed against tough servers has been a major separator. Isabelle doesn't just keep balls alive—she delivers quality first contact that allows setters to stay aggressive. As the season unfolds, we'll be watching her growth in transition defense, particularly how she continues to turn extended rallies into offensive opportunities for her team. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756911"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008aba9f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='756911' first='Tatum' last='Goff'] brings athleticism and edge to every rally. She covers ground quickly, recovers fast on broken plays, and refuses to let points die. Her pursuit in transition defense has been eye-opening—she consistently extends rallies and creates second chances. In serve-receive, Tatum is becoming more efficient with her platform and posture, allowing her to handle pace with increasing confidence. This season, we'll be tracking her development as a high-volume defender and how her growing composure continues to stabilize rotations. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764113"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008abae2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='764113' first='Jaelyn' last='Kettwig'] has earned attention through her command of tempo and feel for the game. She moves efficiently to second contact, delivers a consistent release, and keeps hitters engaged across all zones. What stands out is her decision-making—she reads the block, understands spacing, and sequences her attackers with intention. Out of system, she remains composed, turning chaos into structure. This season, we'll be watching how Jaelyn continues to expand her offensive range, especially her ability to establish middles early and control match rhythm in high-pressure moments. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932628"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008abb26"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932628' first='Annika' last='Larson']'s growth on the pin has been impossible to ignore. Her approach mechanics are clean, her arm swing is quick, and she's learning how to score with both power and placement. What separates Annika is her willingness to take on responsibility—she stays aggressive in transition and shows an emerging understanding of how to manipulate the block. This season, we'll be tracking her evolution as a six-rotation option, particularly how her serve-receive and defensive work continue to match her offensive impact. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932670"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008abb6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932670' first='Lauren' last='Paulson'] brings balance and composure to the outside. She attacks with purpose, showing the ability to mix tempo, change angles, and score without forcing swings. Her footwork into her approach continues to sharpen, allowing her to stay on time and finish in rhythm. Lauren's court awareness stands out—she sees seams, adjusts to the block, and plays within the flow of the offense. This season, we'll be watching her volume and efficiency as a scorer, especially how she continues to handle pressure in serve-receive rotations. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932636"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696c4008abbb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932636' first='Mercedes' last='Rettig'] has separated herself through presence and progression at the net. She closes with discipline, presses over the plane, and shows improving lateral speed along the net. Offensively, she runs first-tempo routes with confidence and continues to refine her timing with the setter. What stands out is her commitment to both phases—she's learning how to influence rallies without needing volume. This season, we'll be tracking her development as a true two-way middle, particularly her ability to control space in the block and become a consistent quick-option in transition. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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 -->