The Work Shows: Freshmen Building Momentum Into Summer

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 size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/image_3346df.png" alt="" class="wp-image-961562" style="width:298px;height:auto" /></figure>   Freshman year is where the foundation starts to take shape. It's the transition into a faster, more physical game—and for many, it's the first real test of how their skill set translates at the high school and club level. Early on, it's about adjusting, finding rhythm, and learning how to compete. But as the season progresses, you begin to see who is putting in the work—and more importantly, who is starting to turn that work into production.   From what I've seen throughout the season, this group of freshmen is making that shift. The growth is showing in their first contact, their ability to stay composed in longer rallies, and how they're beginning to understand the game beyond just their position. They're becoming more intentional—staying available in transition, expanding their offensive options, and making smarter decisions in out-of-system situations.   What stands out most is the consistency. These players aren't just flashing potential—they're stacking performances, building confidence, and carrying that momentum from one event to the next. You can see the progression in how they approach the game, how they respond under pressure, and how they continue to find ways to impact matches in meaningful ways.   As we move into the summer stretch, this is where that development starts to accelerate. These freshmen have laid the groundwork, and now they're trending in the right direction—players who are building momentum and positioning themselves as names to continue tracking in the months ahead.    [player_tooltip player_id='755656' first='Raegan' last='Killoran'] is one of those setters you keep watching because she's starting to take ownership of the offense. You can see the growth in how she's delivering tempo—clean hands, consistent location, and the confidence to run multiple routes. She's connecting on quicks, pushing tempo to the pins, and showing a better feel for how to move blockers with her eyes.   What stands out is her composure. Even when the pass drifts, she stays steady and still finds ways to put hitters in position to score. Raegan is building that presence where the game starts to run through her, and that's a big step forward heading into summer. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='748718' first='Finley' last='Miller'] is bringing an offensive edge that keeps drawing attention. She's starting to play with more confidence in her approach, generating better arm swing and finding ways to score across different zones. Her cross-court swing has been effective, and she's beginning to open up line and mix in off-speed to keep defenses off balance.   What's exciting is how she's expanding. Finley isn't just swinging hard—she's learning how to score. She's staying available in transition and starting to understand how to produce in out-of-system moments, which is where growth really shows at this stage. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='751383' first='Emmalee' last='Eriksmoen'] brings a steady presence to the back row that you can't overlook. Her first contact has continued to improve, showing better platform angles and control in serve receive. She's reading the game well, staying low, and putting herself in position to make plays consistently.   Defensively, she's active and engaged—covering ground, extending rallies, and giving her team extra opportunities. Emmalee's confidence is growing, and you can see her becoming more vocal and connected on the court. That kind of back-row stability is a big piece heading into summer competition. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='759619' first='Braelyn' last='Tweed'] is one of the more versatile players in this group, and that shows up in how she impacts the game from multiple angles. Whether she's on the right side or stepping into a back-row role, she competes and finds ways to stay involved. Offensively, she's starting to generate more consistent swings, especially from the right pin.   What stands out is her adaptability. She adjusts quickly, stays engaged in transition, and embraces whatever role is needed. That kind of versatility, combined with her willingness to compete, gives her a strong foundation as she continues to develop. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='735213' first='Chase' last='Rust'] is starting to turn her size into real production at the net. She's establishing earlier in rallies, connecting more consistently in first tempo, and becoming a more reliable option when the pass is there. Her ability to get off the floor and attack with intent is trending in the right direction.   At the net, she's becoming more active—working to close seams and get her hands over the tape. You can see the confidence building, and as her timing continues to develop, she's going to become a bigger presence on both sides of the ball. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='785248' first='Haelynn' last='Hoffmann'] brings a competitive energy that shows up in every rally. She's active in transition, stays available, and continues to find ways to get involved offensively. Her ability to adjust and stay aggressive, even when plays break down, stands out.   She's starting to expand her scoring range—mixing shots, finding space, and becoming more comfortable attacking in different situations. Haelynn plays with a confidence that continues to grow, and that momentum is something to watch heading into summer. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='745951' first='Lucy' last='Rydell'] plays with the presence of a veteran, and it shows in how she controls the flow of the match from start to finish. She's not just delivering the ball—she's directing the offense with purpose. Her tempo is consistent, her location is clean, and she does a great job running a balanced system—connecting in the middle, stretching to the pins, and keeping blockers from settling.   What stands out most is her decision-making. Lucy reads the court well, understands match flow, and knows when to speed things up or settle her team in key moments. Even in out-of-system situations, she stays composed and delivers hittable balls that keep her offense productive. She brings a steady confidence that her team plays off of, and that level of control is what separates her as a more experienced, high-level setter heading into the summer stretch. ~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. 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