High Contact, Heavy Swing: Pin Leaders-Who Are They?

<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:271px;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>   Watching these players over the last few tournaments, one thing has become clear — separation is happening above the tape.   These pin attackers aren't just swinging hard; they're contacting high, generating true arm speed, and finishing with authority. Their approach mechanics are explosive, their last two steps are loaded, and their shoulder discipline allows them to attack seams rather than simply hitting into blocks. When the set tightens and matches narrow, they aren't tipping to survive — they're elevating to terminate.   So who are the pin leaders bringing high contact and heavy swings right now? Let's take a closer look at the athletes redefining physicality on the antennas.    [player_tooltip player_id='909200' first='Leighton' last='Heim'] is rising above the tape — literally. Her last-two steps are explosive and loaded, allowing her to elevate and contact well over the block. She doesn't just swing hard — she swings heavy. Her arm speed is fast through the window, and she finishes with strong wrist snap that drives the ball deep and sharp.   What separates Heim right now is her ability to terminate in tight moments. Even when pushed wide or out of system, she maintains high contact and challenges hands instead of rolling off. Defenders don't just dig her — they absorb her. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: A physical, high-contact pin who generates true pace and is trending toward next-level offensive power.     [player_tooltip player_id='902985' first='Jenna' last='Blythe'] brings polished power to the antenna. Her approach is balanced and rhythmic, giving her a consistent contact window that produces repeatable heavy swings. She stays tall at contact and drives cross-court with velocity while still seeing the block.   Blythe is elevating because she's combining force with decision-making. She tools hands when the seam closes and attacks deep corners with purpose. Her swing isn't random — it's intentional and forceful. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: A composed but physical outside whose efficiency and arm speed project well in structured systems.     [player_tooltip player_id='774609' first='Alexis' last='Valish'] plays fast — and it shows. Her transition footwork is explosive, and she wastes no time reloading into her approach. She contacts the ball high and in front, which gives her leverage to snap balls inside the antenna with serious pace.   Valish doesn't hesitate in pressure sets. When the rally tightens, she wants the ball. Her heavy swing forces blockers to respect her every rotation, and she isn't afraid to challenge a formed block head-on. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: An aggressive, tempo-driven pin who thrives in high-speed offensive systems.     [player_tooltip player_id='774653' first='Grace' last='Demulling'] brings lift and control at the peak of her jump. She elevates cleanly and stays square mid-air, giving her the ability to drive seam or tool high hands with authority. Her swing carries weight — but what stands out is her command at contact.   Demulling reloads quickly in transition and remains an offensive presence across phases. She's not just a first-ball hitter — she's a multi-phase threat who competes late in rallies. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: A high-contact attacker with body control and competitive maturity in tight sets.     [player_tooltip player_id='930825' first='Maya' last='Kellogg'] generates power from the ground up. Her approach mechanics are strong and explosive, and she reaches high above the tape to drive balls with force. She keeps her elbow high and finishes through the ball, producing true velocity off her hand.   Kellogg doesn't shy away from physical play. She attacks against formed blocks and challenges hands rather than avoiding them. Her swing commands attention from defenders. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: A powerful pin with the physical tools to continue developing into a primary scoring option.     [player_tooltip player_id='737375' first='Bridget' last='Marotz'] brings acceleration and edge to the pin. Her tempo is quick, and she arrives balanced at takeoff, allowing her to swing aggressively without losing control. Her contact point is high, and her arm speed is explosive through the seam.   Marotz is elevating because she's adding shot manipulation to her power. She's wiping hands, using the block, and finishing rallies instead of extending them. That combination of pace and awareness is dangerous. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: A fast-tempo attacker whose arm speed and competitive edge translate well to higher levels.     [player_tooltip player_id='575241' first='Savannah' last='Stengel'] attacks with conviction. Her approach is direct and aggressive, and she elevates with strong extension above the tape. When she swings, she commits — driving deep cross and sharp seam with authority.   Stengel thrives in pressure rotations. She embraces the big swing when the set tightens and refuses to go passive. Her heavy arm and fearless mentality make her one of the most imposing attackers on the floor. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   College Watch: A confident, high-contact pin who competes aggressively in big-moment swings.    <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