2028 Rankings Update: Backcourt Players Coaches Trust

<!-- 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 today's game, trust starts in the back row. The players featured in this rankings update have earned that trust through consistency, discipline, and the ability to control first contact under pressure. These are defenders who stabilize serve receive, extend rallies, and allow offenses to operate at full speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates this group is reliability. They read the game early, move efficiently, and deliver clean platforms that keep teams in system. Whether it's handling high-velocity serves or digging in transition, these backcourt players understand their role and execute it with purpose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For college coaches, these are DS/L prospects who project well to the next level—players who do the details right, compete on every rally, and bring value long before the stat sheet shows it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727993"],"_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-69591ed99a399"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807759' first='Brooklyn' last='Bogenreif'] – No. 4 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='807759' first='Brooklyn' last='Bogenreif'] is a true backcourt anchor who brings calm and control to first contact. Her platform is exceptionally clean, allowing her to neutralize pace and deliver consistent, hittable passes against high-level servers. She reads the game early, takes efficient angles, and rarely wastes movement. Brooklyn doesn't just keep teams in system—she stabilizes entire rotations. College coaches looking for a DS/L who can be trusted immediately in serve receive need to get eyes on her. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728442"],"_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-69591ed99a4e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728442' first='Shea' last='Olson'] – No. 5 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='728442' first='Shea' last='Olson'] plays defense with anticipation and confidence, consistently beating hitters to the spot. Her court awareness stands out—she reads shoulders well, tracks seams, and positions herself with purpose. Shea thrives in pressure situations and welcomes responsibility in serve receive. She's the type of DS/L coaches rely on when matches tighten up and points matter most. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["744541"],"_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-69591ed99a553"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744541' first='Autumn' last='Kilber'] – No. 6 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='744541' first='Autumn' last='Kilber'] brings relentless energy and toughness to the back row. She plays fearless defense, covers ground aggressively, and competes through every rally. Her motor never drops, and her willingness to take difficult balls lifts the defensive intensity of the entire team. Autumn is a momentum-changer—exactly the kind of DS/L coaches want when looking to shift matches. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["850437"],"_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-69591ed99a5d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850437' first='Kate' last='Barnick'] – No. 7 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='850437' first='Kate' last='Barnick'] is a model of consistency in the backcourt. Her platform discipline and balance allow her to deliver repeatable first contact regardless of serve velocity. She plays within herself, doesn't overreact, and makes the play she's supposed to make—every time. Kate is the DS/L coaches trust to handle high-volume serve-receive assignments without fluctuation. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["848055"],"_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-69591ed99a633"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848055' first='Payton' last='Douglas'] – No. 8 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='848055' first='Payton' last='Douglas'] stands out for her athletic range and recovery speed. She moves effortlessly, closes space quickly, and stays composed digging hard-driven attacks. Her footwork allows her to recover and reset in broken plays, keeping rallies alive when others would be out of position. Payton's athletic ceiling gives her real next-level upside in the back row. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883394"],"_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-69591ed99a697"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883394' first='Anna' last='Bjorneby'] – No. 9 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='883394' first='Anna' last='Bjorneby'] brings a steady, confident presence that coaches value. She positions early, reads plays cleanly, and makes the routine play consistently—which is what separates dependable DS/Ls from the rest. Her serve-receive fundamentals are strong, and she rarely looks rushed. Anna is a stabilizer who brings structure to the backcourt. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746416"],"_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-69591ed99a72f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746416' first='McKinley' last='Honeyman'] – No. 10 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746416' first='McKinley' last='Honeyman'] competes with edge and urgency. She attacks the ball defensively, isn't afraid of seams, and plays with visible confidence. Her anticipation allows her to extend rallies and disrupt hitters' rhythm. McKinley's intensity and willingness to take responsibility make her a DS/L who consistently draws attention. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["731689"],"_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-69591ed99a7c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731689' first='Audrina' last='Schreiner'] – No. 11 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='731689' first='Audrina' last='Schreiner'] is a controlled, disciplined defender who brings reliability to the back row. She maintains strong posture in serve receive, delivers accurate passes, and stays composed under pressure. Her ability to adjust throughout matches shows maturity beyond her years. Audrina is the kind of DS/L coaches trust to settle 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":["847931"],"_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-69591ed99a861"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='847931' first='Bailey' last='Nieman'] – No. 12 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='847931' first='Bailey' last='Nieman']'s value shows up in her work rate and coachability. She plays with urgency, communicates well, and continues to refine her platform control. Bailey embraces instruction and applies it quickly, which is exactly what college programs want in developing DS/Ls. Her upward trajectory makes her one to keep tracking closely. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745120"],"_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-69591ed99a90d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='745120' first='Rose' last='Silbernagel'] – No. 13 DS/L</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='745120' first='Rose' last='Silbernagel'] continues to gain confidence as a disciplined, developing defender. She stays locked in, shows improved reads, and handles serve receive with growing assurance. Rose's responsiveness to coaching and steady improvement make her a DS/L worth seeing live as her game continues to mature. <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 -->