Six New Names You Need To Know In The 2028 Class

<!-- 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 2028 class continues to evolve, and sometimes the biggest movement comes from athletes who weren't widely talked about just months ago. These six players earned their way into the conversation through performance, growth, and impact across multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What connects this group isn't a single skill set—it's how they influence the game in different ways. Whether it's controlling the net, stabilizing the back row, setting tempo, or producing in big moments, each of these athletes forced evaluators to take notice. They didn't wait for opportunity; they created it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the players who changed the conversation. Different roles. Different paths. One common thread—momentum. And in the 2028 class, momentum matters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["930411"],"_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-696925624ec93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='930411' first='Taylor' last='Nelson'] has become a steady force in the back row, separating herself with consistency, range, and composure. Over the past year, her growth in serve receive has stood out—she stays balanced through contact, absorbs pace, and delivers clean platforms that keep offenses in rhythm. Defensively, Taylor reads hitters well, closes space quickly, and turns hard-driven balls into playable touches.<br>What caught our attention was how rarely a ball hit the floor in her zone. In pressure moments, she was the one extending rallies and giving her team second chances. She doesn't just make highlight digs—she wins the small battles that quietly change 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":["900530"],"_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-696925624ed2a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='900530' first='Bree' last='Smart']'s versatility is what makes her so dangerous. As a setter, she brings clean hands, steady tempo, and strong court awareness—keeping hitters in rhythm and making smart distribution choices. When she shifts to the right pin, she becomes a scoring threat with confident swings and a physical presence at the net.<br>What caught us was how seamlessly she moved between roles without losing impact. One rotation she's running the offense; the next she's terminating on the right. That dual threat elevates her volleyball IQ and makes her a player defenses struggle to plan for. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932679"],"_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-696925624edbb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932679' first='Jersi' last='Schultz'] brings physicality and edge to the front row. In the middle, she controls space with disciplined blocking—closing seams, pressing her hands over, and taking away high-percentage angles. On the right pin, she adds offensive range, giving her team another scoring option with length and presence.<br>What stood out was how comfortable she looked in both roles. Whether she was sealing the net or attacking from the right, her impact never dipped. That ability to stay effective regardless of position is what makes her a true matchup problem. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899062"],"_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-696925624ee4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='899062' first='Bryley' last='Peterson']'s growth has come from becoming a true two-pin attacker. On the outside, she brings pace and confidence, using a fast arm swing and expanding shot range to score in rhythm. On the right side, she adds physicality and a different attacking angle that stresses blocks.<br>What caught our eye was her willingness to take responsibility from either pin. She doesn't disappear when the rotation changes—she stays aggressive and available. That adaptability and confidence from both sides of the net separates her from typical pin hitters. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932593"],"_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-696925624eedf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='932593' first='Hadley' last='Devine'] has developed into a powerful presence at the net, whether she's running first-tempo routes in the middle or attacking from the right side. As a middle, she's efficient in transition, runs clean approaches, and brings strong blocking fundamentals. On the right, she adds length and point-scoring ability.<br>What caught our attention was how naturally she creates pressure without forcing plays. She understands spacing and timing, arriving on time and in rhythm. That calm efficiency allows her to impact matches in multiple ways. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["831344"],"_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-696925624ef6d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='831344' first='Dani' last='Vanderwerff'] has established herself as a dependable pin with a complete skill set. Offensively, she attacks with control and confidence, using smart shot selection to stay effective against organized blocks. In serve receive, she's composed and technically sound, giving her team stability in first contact. Defensively, she covers ground with urgency.<br>What stood out was her consistency across every phase. There were no gaps in her game—she passed, defended, and scored with the same intent. That all-around reliability is what makes her a true six-rotation outside. <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 -->