Freshman Growth: Rising Leaders to Watch This Summer

<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/03/image_9ce8ca.png" alt="" class="wp-image-955256" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></figure>   Use Code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   Summer is right around the corner, and as club season starts to wind down, the focus shifts to high school prep season—where separation happens.   This is the window where athletes elevate, expand their roles, and make real strides heading into the fall. Freshmen now have a full high school season under their belt, and the expectation shifts—it's time to push, compete, and take ownership.   These are the athletes putting in the extra work, trending upward, and positioning themselves for impact. This is a group we'll be tracking closely all summer as they continue to develop and make their move.    [player_tooltip player_id='757158' first='Allie' last='Van Laecken']'s offensive presence is built on tempo and arm speed. She attacks with confidence in-system and has shown the ability to create separation with her approach, getting on top of the ball and driving angles cross-court. What stands out is her willingness to take big swings in transition and not shy away from high-pressure reps.   This summer is where Van Laecken can take a major jump. As she expands her scoring toolbox—adding high-hands, sharper line control, and more advanced shot manipulation—she has the potential to become a go-to, point-producing pin. If her out-of-system decision-making continues to evolve, expect her to emerge as a true offensive centerpiece. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='920399' first='Alex' last='Cody'] brings a physical edge to the pin, using her length and reach to generate heavy swings and challenge blockers. She shows flashes of being a high-contact attacker who can score over the top, particularly when she's in rhythm. Her presence at the net also translates defensively, where she's able to disrupt with her block touch.   Cody has the tools to make a statement this summer. As her explosiveness in transition sharpens and she begins to consistently see and manipulate the block, her ceiling rises quickly. With continued development in shot selection and offensive control, she has the potential to turn into a high-efficiency, high-impact terminal attacker that defenses have to game plan for. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='920968' first='Amelia' last='Miller'] shows strong instincts as a middle, consistently working to stay available in transition and presenting a reliable option on quicks. She runs a clean route on her 1s and shows good timing with her setter, allowing her to score in rhythm. At the net, she competes with active hands and looks to close seams.   Miller is positioned for a big leap. As her lateral speed and block reads continue to develop, she can become a true two-way presence at the net. Adding range with slides and second-tempo options will elevate her offensively, and if she continues to improve her ability to close quickly and press across the tape, she has the upside to control the net on both sides. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='784848' first='Calla' last='Rave'] brings energy and physicality to the middle position, showing a strong willingness to engage on every rep. She does a nice job staying engaged in transition and has shown she can be effective when running quick tempo. Defensively, she competes at the net and isn't afraid to press over and challenge hitters.   Rave has the opportunity to turn her motor into production this summer. As her timing tightens and her offensive efficiency increases, she can become a more consistent scoring option in the middle. With improved block discipline and quicker reads, she has the potential to shift from competing at the net to truly dictating play. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='754759' first='Paige' last='Poirier'] shows early command as a setter, with the ability to distribute and keep hitters involved. She does a good job locating the ball and delivering hittable sets, especially when she's in system. There are flashes of tempo control and an understanding of how to move the block.   Poirier's growth ceiling is high heading into the summer. As she continues to refine her tempo and become more deceptive—stretching defenses with faster pin sets, back-row involvement, and setter offense—she can take control of matches. The next step is ownership: dictating pace, making high-level decisions under pressure, and turning her offense into a system that consistently stresses opponents. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='778734' first='Nyawec' last='Yol']'s length and physical tools immediately stand out at the net. She has the ability to take up space as a blocker and shows flashes of being disruptive with her reach and extension. Offensively, she presents a target that can develop into a strong quick option.   Yol's upside is significant, and this summer is a key development window. As her timing, approach mechanics, and setter connection tighten, she can unlock her full offensive potential. Pair that with improved discipline and timing on the block, and she has the tools to become a difference-maker at the net who impacts both scoring and defensive flow. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='938275' first='Cali' last='Weber'] anchors the back row with her defensive instincts and willingness to pursue every ball. She shows good platform angles in serve receive and has the ability to keep plays alive with controlled first contact. Her motor and effort level stand out consistently.   Weber is primed to elevate into a high-level back-row presence. As her reads become sharper and her range continues to expand, she can turn into a true first-contact anchor. With more consistency delivering quality passes and controlling tempo off serve receive, she has the potential to be the type of defender that stabilizes an entire system. ~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" />   If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going 🔥 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? 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