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Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar

Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar
Photo: Instagram~Libby Kranz
Theresa Hickman
Theresa Hickman January 14, 2026 @ 08:45 AM
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In this article:

Anika Mueller
Anika Mueller 5'8" | OH | 2028
SD
Hannah Holzbauer
Hannah Holzbauer 5'8" | OH | 2028
SD
Libby Kranz
Libby Kranz 5'10" | OH/RS | 2028
SD
Wells Batcheller
Wells Batcheller 5'10" | OH/DS/L | 2028
SD
Ella Fluth
Ella Fluth 6'0" | OH | 2028
SD
<!-- 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>Outside hitters often grab attention with big swings and highlight kills—but some of the most dangerous pins in the 2028 class are doing their work without the spotlight. These five outside hitters are flying under the radar, yet their impact is undeniable. They're producing, competing, and steadily separating themselves through consistency, versatility, and growth.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With recruiting opening up this summer, these are players college coaches need to know. What makes this group special isn't just physical tools—it's how they play the game. They manage rallies, contribute in all six rotations, and bring a competitive edge that shows up when sets tighten. Each of these athletes is building a complete game, and their trajectory is pointing sharply upward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They're forcing conversations, earning respect, and proving they belong in the recruiting picture.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832605"],"_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-69667ad8cefd9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832605' first='Hannah' last='Holzbauer'] | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 5</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='832605' first='Hannah' last='Holzbauer'] is already producing at a level that demands national attention. With <strong>620 kills, 768 digs, and 127 aces</strong>, she's proven she can carry volume, control matches, and impact every phase of the game. She attacks with confidence and pace, using a fast arm swing and intelligent shot selection to stay effective against set blocks. In serve receive, she's steady and composed, allowing her teams to stay in system and aggressive. What separates Hannah is that she's already doing this—and still has her junior and senior seasons ahead. Her ceiling is high, her résumé is real, and coaches should be reaching out this summer before her name becomes impossible to miss. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746420"],"_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-69667ad8cf07a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746420' first='Wells' last='Batcheller'] | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 6</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746420' first='Wells' last='Batcheller'] is a true six-rotation outside who brings balance, competitiveness, and consistency to the floor. She contributes in serve receive, defense, and attack, making her a reliable option in every rotation. Wells plays with control and purpose—her footwork is clean, her approach is efficient, and she understands how to manage rallies rather than force swings. This club season is a major opportunity for her, and she's trending toward a breakout. Coaches looking for a complete outside who can stabilize a lineup while still scoring should have her firmly on their summer contact list. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746005"],"_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-69667ad8cf0f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746005' first='Ella' last='Fluth'] | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 7</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At <strong>6'0”</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='746005' first='Ella' last='Fluth'] brings size, length, and presence to the pin—and she's only scratching the surface of her potential. She creates natural separation at contact and continues to improve her approach speed and shot range. Ella is physical at the net and shows the tools to become a terminal attacker as her tempo and consistency sharpen. This club season is where she can take a major step forward, and college coaches should be on her court early. The combination of size, upside, and trajectory makes her a must-watch in the 2028 class. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932144"],"_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-69667ad8cf182"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='932144' first='Anika' last='Mueller'] | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 8</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932144' first='Anika' last='Mueller'] brings two-way production that translates immediately to the next level. With <strong>178 kills and 353 digs</strong>, she's already showing what it means to be a complete outside. She plays with urgency in the back row, reads hitters well, and keeps rallies alive with controlled digs. Offensively, she's confident in rhythm and continues to expand her ability to score against organized blocks. Anika's motor, balance, and growth curve make her a strong target for coaches seeking a pin who can stay on the floor in all situations. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753570"],"_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-69667ad8cf212"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='753570' first='Libby' last='Kranz'] | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 9</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='753570' first='Libby' last='Kranz'] stands out with a powerful vertical and explosive athleticism at the pin. She elevates easily, creating high contact points that are difficult to defend. Her ability to play above the block gives her immediate scoring potential, and as her approach tempo and shot diversity continue to develop, her offensive ceiling rises quickly. Libby's physical tools are real, and this club season is the stage for her to turn flashes into consistency. Coaches looking for an athlete with upside and game-changing traits should be making contact this summer. <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 -->

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Hannah Holzbauer

Hannah Holzbauer

SD
OH
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS OH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Hannah
Holzbauer OH
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
HS
Wagner
|
SD
Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar
Hannah Holzbauer | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 5 Hannah Holzbauer is already producing at a level that...
Written by Theresa Hickman
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Hannah Holzbauer

State: South Dakota
School: Wagner
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Wells Batcheller

Wells Batcheller

SD
OH/DS/L
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS OH/DS/L
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Wells
Batcheller OH/DS/L
Class
2028
Height
5'10"
HS
Lincoln
|
SD
Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar
Wells Batcheller | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 6 Wells Batcheller is a true six-rotation outside who brings...
Written by Theresa Hickman
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Wells Batcheller

Instagram
State: South Dakota
School: Lincoln
Club: Kairos Elite Volleyball
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ella Fluth

Ella Fluth

SD
OH
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS OH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Ella
Fluth OH
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
HS
Sioux Falls Christian
|
SD
Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar
Ella Fluth | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 7 At 6’0”, Ella Fluth brings size, length, and presence...
Written by Theresa Hickman
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Ella Fluth

Instagram
State: South Dakota
School: Sioux Falls Christian
Club: Sanford Sports 16 Red
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Anika Mueller

Anika Mueller

SD
OH
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS OH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Anika
Mueller OH
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
HS
Faulkton Area
|
SD
Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar
Anika Mueller | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 8 Anika Mueller brings two-way production that translates immediately to...
Written by Theresa Hickman
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Anika Mueller

State: South Dakota
School: Faulkton Area
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Libby Kranz

Libby Kranz

SD
OH/RS
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS OH/RS
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Libby
Kranz OH/RS
Class
2028
Height
5'10"
HS
Sioux Falls
|
SD
Five 2028 Outside Hitters Flying Under The Radar
Libby Kranz | Outside Hitter | Ranked No. 9 Libby Kranz stands out with a powerful vertical and...
Written by Theresa Hickman
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Libby Kranz

State: South Dakota
School: Sioux Falls
Club: Kairos Elite Volleyball
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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