Tracking the Progress: 2028 Watchlist Standouts

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 alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/image_678cac.png" alt="" class="wp-image-961918" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></figure>   The 2028 class is beginning to take shape, and one of the biggest indicators of early development is versatility. At this stage, it's not about being locked into one role—it's about building a complete game, understanding multiple positions, and finding ways to impact the court in different phases. The players who are making the most progress right now are the ones embracing that process and expanding their skill sets.   Throughout the season, this group has continued to show noticeable gains. Whether it's stepping into new roles, improving first contact, or becoming more confident offensively, the growth is happening across the board. These athletes aren't just staying in one lane—they're learning how to contribute in multiple ways, and that adaptability is starting to separate them.   What stands out is how this versatility translates into production. You're seeing players who can pass, defend, and still be available offensively. Others are adjusting to new positions and finding success through improved footwork, better decision-making, and a stronger understanding of the game. That ability to evolve and stay effective is what makes this group intriguing.   As development continues, these 2028s are building a strong foundation. They're gaining experience, expanding their range, and showing the kind of progress that puts them firmly on the watchlist.    [player_tooltip player_id='643669' first='Elaine' last='(Laney) Stellmaker'] is starting to separate how she impacts the game from multiple angles. As a setter, her tempo is becoming more intentional—she's delivering cleaner balls to the pins and showing more control when things break down. On the right side, she's not just an option—she's becoming a scoring threat, attacking with better timing and confidence. That ability to run the offense and finish points gives her a high ceiling as she continues to develop. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='748960' first='Emmy' last='Johnson']'s versatility across both pins continues to stand out, but it's her offensive growth that's grabbing attention. She's swinging with more purpose, generating stronger arm speed, and expanding her scoring range. Emmy isn't just relying on one shot—she's starting to tool the block, find seams, and stay effective in transition. When she's in rhythm, she's difficult to slow down, and that momentum is building heading into summer. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='746340' first='Sameera' last='Kola-Lawal'] is beginning to turn her physical tools into real production at the net. Her first tempo connection is improving, and when she's on time, she's finishing high and clean. At the net, she's becoming more active—reading, closing, and starting to press across the tape with purpose. There's a noticeable shift in how she's impacting rallies, and as her timing continues to tighten up, she's trending toward being a true presence in the middle. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='734179' first='Peyton' last='Moua'] is building into a back-row presence you can rely on. Her first contact has tightened up, and she's controlling serve receive with more consistency. Defensively, she's active, covers ground, and keeps plays alive that others don't get to. What stands out is her confidence—she's not just reacting anymore, she's reading and anticipating. That growth is turning her into a steady, impactful piece in the back row. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='745591' first='Grace' last='Noga'] is starting to take control of the offense in a way that stands out. Her tempo is improving, her location is cleaner, and she's showing a better feel for distributing across all options. She's not just setting—she's beginning to run the system with purpose. As her decision-making continues to sharpen, Grace is becoming a setter who can keep her team in rhythm and create opportunities consistently. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='747024' first='Aubrey' last='Simones'] brings a dynamic edge with her ability to impact both as a setter and right-side attacker. She's becoming more consistent running the offense while also stepping in and producing points when needed. On the right side, her confidence is growing—she's taking aggressive swings and starting to become a reliable option in transition. That versatility, combined with her willingness to compete, makes her a player trending up. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='744808' first='Piper' last='Sweeney']'s growth is showing in how she's beginning to manage the flow of the game. Her hands are more consistent, and she's doing a better job delivering hittable balls in both in-system and out-of-system situations. She's starting to read the court and make more confident decisions, keeping the offense balanced. As she continues to build that confidence, Piper is trending toward being a setter who can steady and elevate her team's play. ~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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