Climbing Fast: 2028's You Need to Know

The Climb Is Real   The latest PrepDig rankings update for the Class of 2028 is more than just a numbers shift—it's a statement. Now featuring 164 athletes, this update highlights a group that isn't content with staying still. These risers are making calculated moves, stacking performances, and forcing their way up the ladder with authority.   What makes this wave different is the intent behind every touch. These athletes are not just playing well—they're evolving in real time, sharpening their instincts, expanding their skill sets, and impacting matches in ways that demand attention. For a generation of players and fans who thrive on energy, pace, and personality, this group delivers all three—and then some.   Momentum Makers: 2028 Risers Turning Heads   [player_tooltip player_id='790158' first='Kendall' last='Youmans'] | Versatile Attacker Kendall Youmanns enters the rankings with a presence that immediately shifts the pace of play. Her transition off the net is urgent and deliberate, allowing her to arrive early and create timing that keeps blockers guessing. As the rally develops, her aggressive approach takes over—elevating into swings that challenge defenders from multiple angles. What elevates Kendall even further is her fluid movement along the net. She closes blocks with speed, presses into opponent space, and adjusts mid-air with impressive body control. That ability to re-route her swing—turning tight situations into open-court opportunities—makes her a matchup problem. With each rally, her instincts sharpen, and her influence grows stronger.   [player_tooltip player_id='788870' first='Jordan' last='Molnar'] | Setter [player_tooltip player_id='788870' first='Jordan' last='Molnar']'s rise is fueled by a release that blends smooth control with unpredictable timing. She transitions efficiently from base without rushing, allowing her to stay grounded before elevating into a third-story extension that relies more on wrist finesse than power. That composure shows up in her jump-setting ability, where she reaches target quickly, separates with precision, and delivers a clean, high-contact release that creates consistent, well-defined attacking windows—even when the play breaks down.   As the rally evolves, Jordan layers in a confident offensive mindset. She's unafraid to take second contact, using timely dumps to expose defensive gaps and keep opponents guessing. Her body alignment stays consistent through fast transitions, with hips and shoulders working in sync to maintain reliable ball placement. Defensively, she remains low and balanced, while at the net she contributes as a physical presence on the block. With a combination of poise, creativity, and technical efficiency, Jordan operates as both a steady floor general and a dynamic playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='737138' first='Lena' last='DeRuschi'] | Middle Blocker [player_tooltip player_id='737138' first='Lena' last='DeRuschi'] is the kind of middle that changes how offenses operate. With fast feet and long-limbed reach, she covers ground laterally and establishes herself as a true presence at the net. Her slides and zone-three attacks are aggressive, landing with pace and purpose in that tough 15–20 foot range. At the same time, her defensive instincts elevate her value. She reads setters early, penetrates across the net, and disrupts timing before hitters can even get comfortable. Middle blockers carry one of the toughest roles on the court—and Lena embraces it fully, patrolling the net and turning would-be points into controlled resets or outright stops.   [player_tooltip player_id='519264' first='Juliette' last='Watson'] | Setter [player_tooltip player_id='519264' first='Juliette' last='Watson'] brings a rhythm-shifting presence that's impossible to ignore. She has the rare ability to accelerate an offense without losing clarity, consistently placing sets into clean windows that guide hitters into confident approaches. When blockers begin to lean, she speeds up tempo just enough to create separation. Beyond distribution, her impact expands. Her serve applies pressure immediately, forcing opponents out of system before the rally even begins. Throughout momentum swings, she maintains a steady energy that keeps her team grounded. With the ability to set across all zones, defend with discipline, and contribute at the net, Juliette operates with a level of command that reflects maturity well beyond her class.   [player_tooltip player_id='826526' first='Jaylyn' last='Burke'] | Outside / Pin Attacker [player_tooltip player_id='826526' first='Jaylyn' last='Burke']'s rise is fueled by explosive offense and calculated versatility. She transitions quickly off the net, arriving in rhythm and unloading with a powerful, decisive arm swing. But what keeps defenders guessing is her ability to mix speeds—layering in roll shots and off-tempo swings that disrupt defensive timing. As rallies extend, Jaylyn's adaptability becomes even more evident. She can produce from either pin, adjusting her approach and attack angle without losing control. That combination of athleticism and awareness allows her to stay one step ahead, making her a constant scoring threat no matter the situation.   Climbing with Purpose   What separates these risers isn't just their movement up the rankings—it's the intention behind it. Each athlete brings a distinct identity to the court, whether through tempo control, defensive disruption, or offensive versatility. They're not waiting for opportunities—they're creating them through consistency, adaptability, and relentless effort.   As the Class of 2028 continues to expand, the competition only intensifies. With 164 athletes now in the mix, every performance matters, and every detail counts. These risers have proven they can adjust, respond, and elevate when it matters most—and that's what keeps them moving forward.   Final Take: The Ladder Isn't Slowing Down   The climb doesn't stop here. If anything, this update shows just how fast the landscape can shift when athletes commit to growth and execution. These players have turned momentum into movement—and movement into recognition.   For coaches, scouts, and fans watching closely, this group represents the next surge of impact players. And if this is how they're rising now, the ceiling is still far from reached.

The Climb Is Real