2028 Players to Watch On Day One At ASICS Presidents Day

<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/image_b1c269.png" alt="" class="wp-image-943383" style="width:233px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   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>   Day One at ASICS Presidents Day is where tone gets set early — and the 2028 class has athletes ready to make a statement. This group is stepping into bigger roles, showing growth in physicality, court awareness, and the ability to impact matches across multiple rotations.   At this stage, it's about more than highlight swings. Coaches should be watching transition footwork, arm speed, block discipline, serve pressure, and how players respond when the match tightens. Can they score out of system? Do they communicate? Are they competing every rally?   Day One always reveals who prepared in the offseason and who is ready to elevate their stock. Let's break down the 2028 prospects poised to make noise right away.    [player_tooltip player_id='804567' first='Anna' last='Embretson'] brings terminal offense from the left pin with strong approach mechanics and a heavy arm. She loads well through her hips, creates lift on her last two steps, and contacts the ball high with a clean snap. What stands out is her ability to attack multiple zones — sharp cross, deep seam, and high hands when the block presses late. She's growing as a six-rotation presence, staying disciplined in serve receive and transitioning quickly into attack. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Day One Expectation: Anna will be leaned on in transition and in high-ball situations. Expect her to take confident swings when the set drifts off the net and look to score rather than just keep the rally alive.     [player_tooltip player_id='775212' first='Addy' last='Ortegren'] plays with tempo and edge. She times her approach well off the setter's release and is comfortable running a faster outside ball. Her arm speed allows her to challenge the block, and she shows the ability to tool outside hands when the seam closes. Defensively, she competes hard and pursues tips, immediately resetting to be available in transition. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Day One Expectation: Look for Addy to stretch defenses with pace and be aggressive early, especially if she gets clean in-system touches.     Mikayla Buchar's versatility sets her apart. As a setter, she delivers a consistent ball with good location to both pins and understands how to re-establish middles after long rallies. As a DS, she shows steady platform control and reads servers well. Her transition speed — from dig to second contact — is efficient and composed. She brings a calm presence regardless of rotation. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Day One Expectation: Expect Mikayla to impact multiple phases of the match — stabilizing serve receive, running a balanced offense when setting, and making smart, low-error decisions under pressure.     [player_tooltip player_id='847842' first='Karlie' last='Burnett'] anchors the backcourt with range and anticipation. She reads hitters well, keeps her platform quiet, and absorbs pace without letting the ball drift off target. Her defensive positioning allows her to dig hard-driven balls crosscourt and immediately convert to transition offense. She communicates and directs traffic, showing leadership beyond her class. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Day One Expectation: Look for Karlie to rack up quality digs, hold serve receive steady, and generate momentum through extended defensive rallies.     [player_tooltip player_id='729394' first='Audrey' last='Galyen'] brings a dual-threat element as a setter/right-side. When setting, she extends the net well and delivers a clean tempo to the pins, while showing confidence running a quick tempo when the pass allows. When rotating to the front row, she becomes an offensive weapon — attacking second contact and putting pressure on the block from the right side. Her ability to shift roles seamlessly gives her team flexibility. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Day One Expectation: Expect Audrey to challenge defenses with her versatility — running a balanced offense and taking decisive swings when she's front row, forcing opponents to account for her in every rotation.    <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