Class of 2027 Rankings Update: New Prospects to Watch

<figure class="wp-block-image"><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" /></a></figure>   Use Code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   Every rankings cycle brings movement — but this update is all about the new names forcing their way into the conversation. Over the past stretch of club season, these prospects have shown real separation through production, consistency, and the ability to impact matches against stronger competition. From expanded offensive range and cleaner first contact to stronger decision-making in transition, their growth has been impossible to ignore.   What stands out most is how they're competing. These athletes are taking on bigger roles, handling pressure moments, and proving they belong on the same stage as established names in the class. College coaches value trajectory just as much as performance, and this group is trending fast in the right direction.   Here's a closer look at the new prospects who are gaining ground — and why they deserve attention right now. 🔥    [player_tooltip player_id='835577' first='Makena' last='Panchot']'s season was built on steady growth and consistent production from the left side. What stood out most over the course of the year was her ability to handle volume while staying efficient. Panchot created separation with her approach tempo, contacted high, and showed strong awareness attacking seams instead of forcing swings into traffic. She became especially dangerous in transition, finishing cleanly when the rally extended.   Her style blends control with edge. Makena saw the block well, used high hands effectively, and mixed pace with shot placement to stay terminal against disciplined defenses. As the season progressed, her confidence in out-of-system situations noticeably improved, making her a dependable scoring option. Panchot closed the year playing her best volleyball, showing she's trending upward at the right time. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='783139' first='Emily' last='Stroh'] played with urgency and aggression all season, bringing a physical edge to the pin. From early tournaments through late-season play, she consistently attacked with intent, showing a fast arm and willingness to challenge the block. Stroh handled tight sets well and proved capable of terminating even when the offense was off rhythm.   Her style is assertive and fearless. Emily attacked with range — deep seam, line, and sharp cross — and showed growth in shot selection as the season progressed. Defensively, she stayed engaged and contributed across longer rallies. Stroh's motor and competitive mindset made her a consistent difference-maker. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='740842' first='Payton' last='DeMers'] delivered one of the more complete seasons among outsides in the class. A true six-rotation contributor, she stabilized serve receive with calm footwork and strong platform angles while remaining productive offensively. DeMers consistently balanced control with aggression, managing high balls and staying efficient in transition.   Her style is composed and polished. Payton rarely forced plays, choosing high-percentage swings and keeping pressure on defenses. She also showed strong defensive reads, extending rallies and creating second-chance opportunities. Her ability to impact across rotations made her invaluable all season. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='953721' first='Grayson' last='Tallman']'s season was defined by her physical presence and ability to produce in key moments. Tallman attacked with authority, showing strong approach mechanics and consistent arm speed. She proved especially effective in transition, where her confidence and decisiveness stood out.   Her style is power-driven and assertive. Grayson consistently pressured defenses with aggressive swings and improved as the season progressed in reading the block and mixing shots. Her ability to handle momentum swings and stay productive in long matches highlighted her growth. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='953723' first='Ella' last='Sather'] quietly put together a strong and steady season at the pin. What stood out most was her efficiency — she stayed disciplined in her approach, made smart decisions in transition, and consistently found ways to score without over-swinging.   Her style is controlled and reliable. Ella showed strong court awareness, used angles well, and contributed defensively with hustle and effort. As the season progressed, her confidence grew, and she became a consistent option when her team needed stability. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='953709' first='Brenna' last='Eckroth'] played with noticeable energy and progression throughout the season. Eckroth created separation with her tempo and showed the ability to terminate from multiple situations, including broken plays. Her arm speed and ability to attack deep corners consistently challenged defenses.   Her style is aggressive and evolving. Brenna improved her shot selection over time and became more efficient against stronger blocks. She also contributed defensively, staying active across extended rallies. Her late-season growth was one of the more noticeable jumps in the class. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='953693' first='Samantha' last='Watson'] closed the season playing some of her most confident volleyball. Watson's approach tempo and contact point allowed her to attack effectively in rhythm, and she showed clear growth in handling out-of-system swings. She consistently pressured defenses with controlled aggression.   Her style is balanced and competitive. Samantha mixed pace well, read the court effectively, and contributed across rotations with hustle and composure. Her ability to stay steady in pressure moments helped define her season. ~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>   Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility matters.   🎯 College Coaches Tag these athletes in University Athlete and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. We continue tracking their growth and impact through Recruitable Credentials, the indicators coaches trust. Follow their progress with us and keep these prospects on your radar.   🙏 Parents & Supporters Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this work possible. Help a player get discovered — share this article and tag @prepdigdakotas.   🚀 Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription(use digdakotas30 for 30% off) Access exclusive rankings, deeper analysis, and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.