Rankings Update: Who Completes the 2028 Top 10?

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>   The 2028 class continues to take shape, and with it comes the next layer of separation. Completing the Top 10 isn't about a single match or one standout moment—it's about sustained growth, competitive consistency, and the ability to impact the game at a high level over time.   These athletes forced their way into the conversation through performance, work ethic, and presence. They've shown they can handle pressure, elevate teammates, and bring value in every phase of play. Each one brings a different skill set, but all share the same trait: they make the court better when they're on it.   This update highlights the players who completed the 2028 Top 10—athletes who have earned their place and are setting the tone for what this class will become.    [player_tooltip player_id='737434' first='Jaya' last='Engels'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 6 Overall • No. 2 Outside Hitter   [player_tooltip player_id='737434' first='Jaya' last='Engels'] continues to separate herself as one of the most complete outsides in the 2028 class. Ranked No. 6 overall in South Dakota and the No. 2 outside hitter, she brings a blend of physicality, competitiveness, and all-around production that translates in every rotation.   Offensively, Jaya is a high-impact scorer who attacks with confidence and intent. She's closing in on 600 career kills, and her growth shows in how she manages the block—using pace, angles, and shot variation to stay effective against different defensive schemes. Her approach is aggressive, her arm swing is fast, and she doesn't shy away from big moments. She wants the ball when it matters.   What elevates her game is what she does behind the attack line. With nearly 600 career digs, Jaya is just as impactful in the back row as she is at the pin. She reads well, covers ground with urgency, and keeps rallies alive with effort and anticipation. Her serve receive continues to improve, allowing her to stay in all six rotations and anchor the floor.   Jaya plays with a competitive edge that shows up in tight sets. She stays composed, brings energy to her teammates, and consistently raises the level of play around her. As club season unfolds, her ability to score, defend, and lead in rhythm will keep her firmly on the radar of college coaches.   She's not just producing—she's building a complete, next-level game that continues to separate her in the 2028 class. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Jaya's Highlights: <a href="https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/jaya_engels?video=5226232">https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/jaya_engels?video=5226232</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] | Setter / Right Side | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 7 Overall • No. 3 Setter   [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] has quickly established herself as one of the most versatile and promising prospects in South Dakota's 2028 class. Ranked No. 7 overall and the No. 3 setter in the state, she brings a dynamic blend of court awareness, athleticism, and multi-positional value that makes her a constant problem for opposing defenses.   What stands out most about Brooke is her ability to control the game in multiple ways. As a setter, she plays with confidence and intent—squaring early, delivering a clean release, and keeping tempo steady across all routes. She understands spacing, reads blockers well, and consistently puts hitters in position to succeed. Her decision-making continues to mature, allowing her to manage rhythm and flow even in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.   When she rotates to the front row, Brooke becomes an offensive threat. Her experience on the right side gives her a scorer's mindset, and that shows in her assertiveness and understanding of how to attack space. That dual skill set elevates her value, giving teams flexibility while sharpening her overall volleyball IQ.   Playing out of Rapid City with [program_tooltip program_id='430994' first='Black' last='Hills Juniors'] and at Rapid City Stevens, Brooke has shown she can compete across different systems and tempos. She moves efficiently, stays engaged through long rallies, and brings a steady presence to the floor. Her growth curve is clear—each season adding polish, confidence, and command.   [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] projects as a high-upside setter with the athletic tools and game sense to run an offense at the next level. With her versatility, composure, and continued development, she remains one of the most intriguing players in the 2028 class. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Brooke's Highlights: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23477342/67b778103f5c0f1a2035da92">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23477342/67b778103f5c0f1a2035da92</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='799510' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] | Libero / DS | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 8 Overall • No. 1 Libero/DS   [player_tooltip player_id='799510' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] sets the standard for defensive play in the 2028 class. Ranked No. 8 overall in South Dakota and the state's No. 1 Libero/DS, she brings elite court awareness, relentless effort, and technical precision to every rally. She isn't just a defender—she's a tone-setter who changes momentum with her reads and range.   Tenley's platform control is advanced, allowing her to pass with consistency against tough servers and keep her offense in rhythm. She stays balanced through contact, absorbs pace, and delivers clean first touches that give setters options. In serve receive, she's calm and composed, understanding seams and adjusting early to take away high-risk zones.   Defensively, her instincts separate her. Tenley reads hitters well, anticipates angles, and covers ground with urgency. She's quick off her first step, stays low through movement, and keeps balls alive that most players can't reach. Her ability to transition from dig to coverage keeps rallies extended and wears down opposing attacks.   What elevates her even further is her versatility. When needed, Tenley has the skill set to be a true six-rotation player—comfortable passing, defending, and contributing in system. She plays with confidence, communicates constantly, and brings structure to the back row. Her presence stabilizes the floor and allows teammates to play more aggressively.   [player_tooltip player_id='799510' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] is the kind of libero every coach wants: technically sound, mentally tough, and relentlessly competitive. She doesn't just defend—she controls space, shifts momentum, and raises the level of everyone around her. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Tenley's Highlights: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2TVztP">http://www.hudl.com/v/2TVztP</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='756875' first='Julia' last='Billington'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 9 Overall • No. 3 Outside Hitter   [player_tooltip player_id='756875' first='Julia' last='Billington'] made an immediate impact in her first season on varsity, and her production reflects a player who is already ahead of the curve. Ranked No. 9 overall in South Dakota and the No. 3 outside hitter in the 2028 class, Julia brings a combination of physical presence, competitive edge, and terminal ability that translates to the collegiate level.   As a freshman, she recorded close to 300 kills while adding 60+ blocks, showing her value on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Julia attacks with intent. Her approach is aggressive, her arm swing is fast, and she creates separation with elevation and pace. She's comfortable taking swings against set blocks and continues to expand her shot range, making her difficult to scheme against as defenses adjust.   At the net, her blocking stands out for a pin. She closes space with purpose, presses her hands over, and uses her length effectively to take away angles. That two-way impact—scoring on the outside while contributing as a blocker—sets her apart from many players at this stage.   Julia plays with confidence and composure, even in high-pressure moments. She understands tempo, stays engaged in long rallies, and shows a willingness to compete in every phase. As her serve receive and back-row consistency continue to develop, her ceiling rises even higher as a six-rotation outside.   For college coaches, [player_tooltip player_id='756875' first='Julia' last='Billington'] projects as a physical, high-upside pin with proven early production, front-row presence, and the mentality to keep climbing. Her trajectory is steep—and she's just getting started. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Julia's Highlights: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23750570/68c89b7aff1725d17f373a52">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23750570/68c89b7aff1725d17f373a52</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028 South Dakota Prep Dig No. 10 Overall • No. 4 Outside Hitter   [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] has quickly established herself as one of the most well-rounded outsides in the 2028 class. Ranked No. 10 overall in South Dakota and the No. 4 outside hitter, she brings balance, competitiveness, and production in every rotation.   In just one season, Sylea recorded 250+ kills and 250+ digs, a stat line that speaks to her ability to impact both sides of the ball. Offensively, she attacks with confidence and intent. Her approach is controlled, her arm swing is fast, and she shows the ability to score in rhythm as well as in high-pressure moments. She continues to expand her shot range, giving her the tools to stay effective as blocks adjust.   What elevates Sylea's game is her back-row presence. She reads hitters well, covers ground with urgency, and keeps rallies alive with disciplined defensive movement. Her ability to transition from defense to offense allows her to stay involved play after play, making her a true six-rotation option.   Sylea plays with a steady edge—composed, competitive, and engaged in every phase. She understands match flow, communicates well, and brings reliability to the floor. As her serve receive and offensive tempo continue to sharpen, her value as a complete outside only grows.   For college coaches, [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] projects as a high-motor, two-way pin with proven early production and a strong foundation to build on. Her trajectory is upward, and her impact is only beginning to take shape. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Sylea's Highlights: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2S3CMk">http://www.hudl.com/v/2S3CMk</a>    <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

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area