2025 was a year I'll never forget. As I sit back and reflect, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for an opportunity that has grown far beyond what I imagined. November marked the one-year anniversary of launching Prep Dig coverage in the Dakotas—and what a year it has been.

When I was first hired, my role focused largely on scouting nationally. But I knew something others were missing. South Dakota and North Dakota had talent—real talent—but they weren't on the national recruiting map the way they deserved to be. I advocated hard, saying, “You're missing out if we don't showcase these girls.” Thankfully, I was given the chance. And from that moment on, we ran with it.

In just one year, we've covered an incredible number of athletes—but make no mistake, they are the ones doing the work. I get the privilege of shining a light on it for college coaches and fans. And yes, I'll admit it—I've become their biggest fan. I want nothing more than to see these athletes continue playing the game they love at the next level, whether that's NAIA, Division II, or Division I. Finding the right fit, the place that feels like home—that's what matters most, and I'm here for every step of that journey.

The growth of volleyball in the Dakotas has been nothing short of remarkable. I've watched teams lift national trophies and seen the emotion pour out as they step onto championship stages. On a different level—but just as powerful—I've witnessed freshmen rise to the moment and help lead their teams through state championship runs. I've seen players refuse to settle, push themselves outside their comfort zones, and compete head-to-head with the best programs in the country. And yes—South Dakota already has a freshman gold medalist on the national stage. Let that sink in.

Over the past year, I've had the chance to interview athletes about their recruiting journeys to help guide younger players. I've sat down with college coaches and told them, “That player right there—she has heart and grit.” Dakota athletes don't expect anything to be handed to them. They know they'll earn it. They'll outwork it. And they'll take pride in it.

I would also like to take a moment to thank my family for the sacrifices they have made along the way. The long days, late nights, weekends on the road, and time away from home don't go unnoticed. Their constant support, encouragement, and belief in this vision have made everything possible, and I am incredibly grateful for them.

None of this happens alone. To the fans, coaches, club directors, and parents—thank you for trusting this vision and being part of the ride. And to the players: thank you. Whether you're giving everything you have on the court, picking up trash after a match, or staying late to cheer on younger teammates—you are the future of this sport, and we couldn't be more proud.

So now, let's take a moment to look back.
Here's a quick recap of what made 2025 so special.

For the Class of 2026, North Dakota has already seen over 30 athletes recruited, while South Dakota has surpassed 32, and even as this is being written, players are still signing to continue their careers at the next level.

2025 was a defining year for the Class of 2027. It marked the transition from potential to visibility, as recruiting conversations became real and opportunities began to take shape. These athletes navigated evaluations, showcases, communication with college staffs, and the pressure that comes with being on the recruiting radar.

The class is already producing college-level recruits, and with many players determined to continue at the collegiate level, the path through 2025 required patience, resilience, and consistency. As we look ahead to 2026, we expect a significant number of commitments as development meets opportunity and the recruiting process continues to accelerate. Let's take a moment to look at players from the class of 2027 who have already committed to play at the next level.

Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD -Committed to University of Oregon

Ruthie Robinson Ruthie Robinson MH SD -Committed to University of Creighton

Bergen Stiff Bergen Stiff 5'11" | OH/MB Harrisburg | 2027 State SD -Committed to University of Harvard

Jersie Melcher Jersie Melcher 5'9" | OH/DS/L Brandon Valley | 2027 State SD -Committed to Winona State University

Mya VanWesten Mya VanWesten 5'5" | DS/L Brandon Valley | 2027 State SD -Committed to South Dakota State University

Anna Halverson Anna Halverson 6'1" | MB Fargo North | 2027 State ND -Committed to University of Augustana

In just one year, I've completed 2,400+ detailed player evaluations from showcases, tournaments, and camps across the region. Each evaluation documents why an athlete landed on the radar, tracks measurable growth over time, and highlights key milestones along their recruiting journey—from early exposure moments to major competitive breakthroughs. This consistent, hands-on coverage has allowed us to identify trends, track development, and provide college coaches with reliable, up-to-date insight on emerging talent.

Over the past year, we've published 482+ articles featuring athletes, each written with intention and purpose. These stories exist to celebrate the wins—both big and small—that often go unseen, while also giving fans a deeper connection to the players and programs they follow. It's about more than rankings; it's about understanding the journey behind the athlete.

These articles are also designed to give college coaches a clearer, more honest picture of athletes worth following—going beyond box scores and highlight clips to evaluate skill, growth, and competitive traits. Just as importantly, they help athletes better understand how they are evaluated—what matters, why certain skills stand out, and how development is measured over time.

For families navigating the recruiting process, our goal is clarity over noise. These pieces are written to educate, guide, and build confidence in a space that can often feel overwhelming. And for fans, they offer insight, storytelling, and a chance to follow along as athletes grow, compete, and chase their next chapter.

Every article is rooted in advocacy, visibility, and telling the story the right way—because these athletes and this community deserve it.

#3

In this article, we highlight the athletes selected to represent the NCR Region in the Team Development Program—chosen from a highly competitive pool across the Midwest. These liberos and defensive specialists earned their spot through elite ball control, court awareness, and the ability to handle first-contact pressure at a high level.

Throughout the event, they showed why they were selected. Their mental toughness, communication, and resilience stood out in high-pressure situations, as they reset quickly and competed through every rally. This experience wasn't just an honor—it was a proving ground, and these athletes embraced the moment.

#2

In this article, we break down a championship moment that was years in the making. From the final points at USAV Nationals in Dallas to the work that happened long before anyone was watching, this piece highlights the sacrifice, discipline, and commitment these athletes pour into the game. The spotlight is on Kairos 17 Beta's national title and the culture that fueled it—a program built on grit, unity, and showing up for one another at the highest level.

We also take a closer look at the leadership within the group, including Lily Van Hal Lily Van Hal 5'8" | S Chester | 2026 State #194 Nation SD , a tone-setter whose work ethic and consistency define what elite looks like. Lily was one of the first players to take part in "The Giving Back Series of Recruiting." This article isn't just about winning a title—it's about the standard, the journey, and the players who earned every moment.

#1

In this article, we shift the spotlight to the most overlooked yet powerful role in the gym—the bench. While the stat sheet celebrates kills and blocks, this piece dives into the athletes who impact the game without ever stepping into the spotlight. The bench is not a place of waiting; it's where resilience is built, culture is protected, and team identity is reinforced.

This article explores why those athletes matter just as much as the ones on the court—how their energy, leadership, and belief fuel momentum and elevate teams. It's a reminder that championships aren't won by six players alone, and it's why this story became the No. 1 overall article of the year.

This year, I'm aiming to grow our Instagram community to 10,000+ followers, continuing to build a space where athletes, families, coaches, and fans feel connected. I want to double the number of players ranked in each class, giving more athletes visibility and more college coaches a deeper pool of talent to evaluate. If you need a hype girl in your corner—trust me, I'm here for it.

Education will remain a huge focus. Not just for players, but for parents as well. Recruiting is complex, and there are so many things I wish I had known earlier. My goal is to help families navigate the process with confidence, clarity, and realistic expectations—cutting through the noise and focusing on what truly matters.

As I continue to grow alongside an incredible team at Prep Dig, our reach will expand across the Midwest and beyond. I'm hopeful to see 50+ athletes from the Class of 2027 commit as a direct result of increased exposure, honest evaluations, and consistent coverage.

As we head into 2026, our focus continues to expand. Coverage will reach more gyms, stories will go deeper, and we'll create even more opportunities for athletes to be seen by college programs. At the core, the mission stays the same—recognizing the work these athletes put in, sharing their journeys in real time, and helping open doors to the next chapter of their careers. We're excited to keep building this community and to stand alongside players, coaches, and families as they take their next steps forward.

This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.

Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman

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