Laying the Foundation: 8th Graders Outside Hitters To Know Now

Use Code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/image_f9d212.png" alt="" class="wp-image-961342" style="width:360px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">It might not always get the spotlight, but 8th grade is where the groundwork begins. In the volleyball world, this is the year players start to emerge—where development turns into production and early potential starts to become visible. The recruiting process hasn't officially begun, but the first step is already happening: getting on the radar.</h3>   From what we've seen throughout the season, this group is making that jump. They're putting in the work, making gains, and starting to show the kind of traits that draw attention. These are players who are beginning to separate and earn their place on watch lists. Coaches, as you continue to build toward the future, these are names you'll want to track closely—and catch in action before the season wraps.   What stands out most is how quickly this group is evolving. You're seeing improvements in first contact, more confident decision-making, and players starting to understand how to impact the game beyond just their position. Whether it's controlling the tempo, staying available in transition, or finding ways to produce in out-of-system situations, these athletes are beginning to show the pieces that translate to the next level.   This is the stage where evaluations begin to take shape—not based on finished products, but on trajectory. And right now, these players are trending in the right direction. They may just be entering the radar, but the foundation they're building now is exactly what coaches will want to track moving forward.    [player_tooltip player_id='893244' first='Scarlett' last='Brown'] has steadily built her game throughout the season, showing growth in both her offensive confidence and overall court presence. What stands out is her ability to stay aggressive while still maintaining control—she's not just swinging hard, she's beginning to understand how to score. Her cross-court attack has been a reliable option, and she's starting to expand into using line and off-speed shots more effectively.   Beyond her offensive game, Scarlett brings a coachable presence. She's responsive, makes adjustments, and you can see her applying feedback from match to match. As she continues to develop her first contact and become more consistent in serve receive, she projects as a well-rounded outside who can contribute across all six rotations. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='942138' first='Kennidy' last='Kappes'] brings a physical approach to the outside that shows up in her ability to terminate with pace. She's an attacker who isn't hesitant—when given the opportunity, she goes after the ball with confidence. Her approach is clean, and she's starting to find better timing in transition, allowing her to be more effective in fast-paced sequences.   Where Kennidy's development is trending is in her shot selection. Early on, she relied heavily on power, but she's beginning to mix in smarter swings—using high hands and finding seams. That added layer is what will elevate her long term. With continued growth in her all-around game, she has the tools to become a high-impact pin. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='934933' first='Camryn' last='Paulson']'s game is built around consistency and control, and that's what has stood out throughout the season. She's a player who understands her role and executes it well—delivering steady first contact and staying available offensively. Her ability to keep the ball in system gives her team stability, which is valuable at this stage.   Offensively, she's showing growth in her range. She's not forcing swings but instead finding ways to extend rallies and create scoring opportunities through placement and smart decision-making. As she continues to build strength and expand her attacking options, Camryn projects as a reliable, high-IQ outside who can anchor a lineup. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='941338' first='Brynna' last='Cordes'] has shown flashes of offensive upside that continue to develop with each event. She's an athlete who can generate pace on her swings, and when she's in rhythm, she's capable of putting pressure on defenses. Her approach mechanics are trending in the right direction, allowing her to contact the ball higher and with more consistency.   What stands out is her willingness to compete and take swings in key moments. Brynna isn't shying away from responsibility, and that mindset is important for long-term growth. As she refines her footwork and continues to develop her all-around skill set, she has the potential to grow into a strong, confident outside option. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='942371' first='Angelina' last='Gostomsk'] brings a developing all-around game that shows promise on both sides of the ball. She's shown the ability to contribute in serve receive while also being an available option offensively. Her movement on the court stands out—she covers ground well and stays engaged in transition.   Offensively, she's beginning to show more control in her swings, finding ways to keep the ball in play while still being aggressive. Her growth is trending in her ability to read the defense and make smarter decisions with the ball. With continued development, Angelina projects as a versatile outside who can impact the game in multiple ways. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='901444' first='Elise' last='Schmidt'] has been one of the more intriguing players to track from a developmental standpoint. She shows a natural feel for the game, especially in how she approaches offensive opportunities. Her timing is improving, and she's starting to find better contact points, which has led to more effective swings.   What separates Elise is her composure. She doesn't rush, and she plays within herself, which allows her to make smart decisions. As she continues to build strength and confidence in her attacking, she has the ability to expand her offensive range. She projects as a player who will continue to grow into her role and become more impactful over time. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='894593' first='Sydney' last='Zuidema'] brings energy and competitiveness that shows up consistently across matches. She's active in transition, stays engaged in rallies, and looks to contribute in multiple phases of the game. Her willingness to stay involved and keep plays alive adds value beyond just scoring.   Offensively, she's continuing to develop her approach and shot selection. She's beginning to find ways to place the ball more effectively rather than relying on one type of swing. That progression is key for her long-term development. With continued reps and growth in her offensive toolbox, Sydney has the potential to become a well-rounded outside who impacts both sides of the ball. ~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? 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 Access exclusive rankings, deeper analysis, and the full Prospect Index to follow every athlete's journey.

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