Where Leadership Players Inspires Legacy

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>   Some moments matter more than the match.   At the Northern Lights Qualifier, while rallies were being won and bids were being chased, something powerful was happening on the sidelines. Young girls — eyes wide, programs in hand — stopped at these courts. They watched warmups. They studied swings. They noticed celebrations. They saw confidence. They saw joy.   They saw a future.   The athletes on these courts aren't just big players — they're big-hearted leaders. They lift teammates after errors. They compete with edge but respect the game. They understand that how you carry yourself matters just as much as how you score.   This is what leadership in volleyball looks like.   These players aren't just playing for today. They're shaping what tomorrow looks like.   Let's highlight the ones leading with purpose.    There is a presence to the way [player_tooltip player_id='817973' first='Allie' last='Lindsey'] steps onto the court. From warmups to match point, she carries herself like an athlete who understands the responsibility of the position. As a six-rotation outside, Allie didn't just shoulder offensive volume — she stabilized serve receive, extended rallies in transition, and took high, aggressive swings when sets tightened late. Her approach stayed explosive even in long matches, and her arm speed allowed her to tool blocks and attack sharp cross when defenses loaded line.   But what made Allie stand out this weekend was how she responded. After every rally — win or error — her body language stayed composed. She communicated. She lifted teammates. She competed without theatrics, letting her play speak. That type of poise is what young athletes notice. That's what leadership looks like at the highest level. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     When you talk about owning the net, [player_tooltip player_id='534310' first='Natalie' last='Kitts'] is the example. [player_tooltip player_id='534310' first='Natalie' last='Kitts'] controlled space with disciplined hand positioning and strong lateral footwork, sealing seams and closing blocks with purpose. Her timing was advanced, reading the setter's release and pressing over the tape rather than drifting. Offensively, Natalie ran tempo in front and behind the setter, forcing opposing middles to commit and freeing her pins.   Beyond the stat line, Natalie competed with maturity. She celebrated teammates' kills louder than her own and reset quickly between rallies. For the little girls standing behind the court watching, Natalie modeled what a dominant middle can be — powerful, technical, and selfless. That's influence beyond the box score. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     The game moves through the hands of a setter, and this weekend it moved with control through Maryn Dean. Maryn dictated tempo with calm command, distributing the ball pin-to-pin while reading blockers in real time. Her decision-making under pressure was advanced — utilizing back row options, running quick tempo in transition, and maintaining offensive balance even in out-of-system plays.   What separated Maryn was her leadership in tight moments. When rallies stretched and rotations tightened, her composure never wavered. She communicated clearly, directed traffic, and kept her team steady. Young athletes watching saw more than clean hands and smooth ball location — they saw a floor general leading with purpose. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     There's an edge to [player_tooltip player_id='883370' first='Mikaela' last='Lee-Tsosie']'s game that commands attention. Mikaela was explosive in transition, closing quickly to pins and attacking the ball at a high contact point. Her block timing disrupted rhythm offenses, and her quick-step movement allowed her to stay balanced while sealing the line.   What elevated Mikaela this weekend was her intensity paired with discipline. She competed hard without losing structure. She brought fire, but it was controlled fire. That balance — power and poise — is what young players need to see. Mikaela represents the next level of middle play: athletic, technical, and emotionally steady. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Championship-level setters understand flow, and [player_tooltip player_id='520375' first='Fara' last='Bronson'] understands flow. Fara spread the offense effectively, forcing blockers to move laterally and keeping the defense off-balance. Her hands stayed quiet and efficient, delivering hittable balls even when the first contact wasn't perfect. She ran tempo when needed and slowed the game when momentum needed stabilizing.   What stood out most was how Fara carried herself. She acknowledged teammates after every play, owned tough moments, and maintained eye contact in huddles. That quiet confidence is magnetic. Young athletes watching her court weren't just seeing sets — they were seeing leadership in action. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     There's something fearless about the way Reese Maslowski attacks. Reese Maslowski took high swings against formed blocks and didn't shy away from pressure rotations. Her footwork in transition created clean separation, and she attacked seams with conviction. Even in extended rallies, Reese stayed aggressive while keeping her platform steady in serve receive.   What made her inspiring was her resilience. After tough rallies, Reese reset immediately, clapping for teammates and re-engaging with focus. That emotional steadiness paired with offensive firepower is what sets elite outsides apart. She competes with passion, and young players notice that authenticity. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     As a dynamic pin, Peyton Kubik brought versatility and edge to the court. Peyton attacked from multiple angles, adjusting mid-air to tool hands or roll to deep corners when needed. Her transition speed allowed her to be available in every rotation, and she showed discipline in both blocking assignments and defensive reads.   Beyond the swings, Peyton led with example. She communicated coverage, celebrated hustle plays, and maintained intensity without losing composure. The balance of athleticism and maturity she displayed is what inspires the next generation. Peyton plays like someone who understands others are watching. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     When the gym got loud and matches tightened, Ellie Bain stayed steady. Ellie's ability to run offense under pressure was evident in her tempo control and smart distribution. She moved blockers with her eyes, used dumps strategically, and created one-on-one opportunities for her hitters.   What makes Ellie influential goes beyond the ball location. She directs traffic, builds confidence in her hitters, and never allows the moment to speed her up. Young girls watching her court saw a setter who leads with voice, vision, and composure. Ellie isn't just shaping rallies — she's shaping what leadership at the setter position should look like. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <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