👉 The Next Wave of Leaders Is Here: Who Will Step Up?

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">This article was shared with 150+ college coaches. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: digdakotas30</a>   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   You can see it starting to shift. The next group isn't waiting around for their turn—they're already stepping into it. It shows up in how they carry themselves between points, how they communicate, and how they respond when matches get tight. They're taking ownership of the court, not just playing on it.   This is the group beginning to set the tone for what's next. They're learning how to lead through their play, hold teammates accountable, and stay composed when momentum swings. As they move into bigger roles, these are the players who will shape how their teams compete.    [player_tooltip player_id='940114' first='Kaitlyn' last=''] Rasmussen steps into her senior year as a back-row leader who controls first contact. She reads hitters early, takes seams with confidence, and keeps her platform quiet through contact, which stabilizes serve receive and defensive transitions. I see her turn digs into playable balls that keep tempo intact, not just extend rallies. She communicates and organizes the floor, which shows up in how connected the defense plays around her. She's setting the tone for the group from the back row. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     Natalie Rood enters her senior year running the offense with control and presence. Her hands are clean, her location is consistent, and she distributes based on matchups, not just rotation. I see her adjust quickly when the pass breaks down and still deliver a ball that keeps hitters aggressive. She leads through decision-making and tempo, keeping the offense balanced and on schedule. This is a setter taking ownership of how the match is played. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='447964' first='Payton' last='Gravelle'], committed to USF, steps into her senior year controlling the net. She reads the setter, closes quickly, and presses over to take away line and seam, forcing high, predictable swings. I see her re-close and stay active through extended rallies. Offensively, she's explosive in transition and available on first tempo, which holds the middle and opens the offense. Her presence and physicality set the standard for the group at the net. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='826823' first='Kendyl' last='Dawson'] is stepping into a bigger leadership role heading into her senior year. She tracks the setter, moves laterally with purpose, and is improving her ability to close seams and take away angles. I see her becoming more assertive in transition, staying available and demanding the ball. Her growth is showing up in how she impacts both blocking schemes and tempo offense. She's starting to take control of the middle. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='522737' first='Katie' last='Tipton'] brings consistency and control to the back row as she enters her senior year. She reads the play early, positions before contact, and delivers a clean first touch that keeps the offense in system. I see her take ownership of the floor, communicating and managing seams so the defense stays organized. She turns defensive plays into offensive opportunities and keeps rallies alive with purpose. Her steadiness gives the team a foundation. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='805323' first='Ella' last='Hartung'], committed to Saint Cloud, steps into her senior year as a go-to option on the outside. She stays balanced through her approach, maintains a high contact point, and makes disciplined decisions based on the block. I see her take control in key moments, working seam, deep corner, and high hands while staying efficient. In serve receive, she keeps the offense on schedule. She leads through production and composure on the pin. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='455611' first='Sophia' last='Cowan'] enters her senior year bringing a competitive edge to the pin. She transitions quickly, stays available, and attacks with confidence even when the play is out of system. I see her stay aggressive through extended rallies and continue to apply pressure instead of resetting. She competes through contact and doesn't back down in tight moments. Her approach to the game sets the tone for those around her. ~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 one trait from this group, whether it's communication, composure, or decision-making, and apply it to your game this week. 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 through Recruitable Credentials, the indicators coaches trust. Follow their progress 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.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_600930.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-983047" /></a></figure>

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