Rocky Mountain Rankings: Class of 2028

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Prep Dig rankings are built through in-person evaluations, film review, and long-term projection. We value athletes who impact the game across multiple phases, show consistency, and compete at a high level. This Rocky Mountain rankings series is just getting started—these lists will continue to grow, shift, and evolve as more athletes are seen throughout the club and high school seasons.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2028 in the Rocky Mountain region is already showing impressive depth, with athletes making an impact across all positions. This initial Top 10 sets the tone, but there is plenty of movement ahead as more competition, head-to-head matchups, and evaluations take place. For now, these players have separated themselves early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. [player_tooltip player_id='750205' first='Madlen' last='Gloessner']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750205"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd3388359f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gloessner impacts the match across every phase, which makes her a clear No. 1 to start this list. Her length is disruptive at the net, where she covers pin-to-pin and stays pressed long enough to generate consistent touches and blocks. Offensively, her slide is fast and efficient, and she does a great job attacking seams with sharp timing. Her ability to influence both sides of the ball separates her early.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. [player_tooltip player_id='1000204' first='Catarina' last='Harzbecker']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1000204' first='Catarina' last='Harzbecker']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Cherry Creek High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='429602' first='Colorado' last='Juniors']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd338835abb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Harzbecker earns the No. 2 spot with the way she controls the flow of a match. Her size alone influences opposing blockers, but it's her ability to run a steady, composed offense that separates her. She keeps tempo consistent, manages out-of-system situations well, and adds value as a scoring option when needed. Her all-around control and decision-making keep her firmly near the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. [player_tooltip player_id='808878' first='Kylee' last='Mayes']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808878"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f36f23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Mayes lands at No. 3 due to her consistency and reliability in the back row. She doesn't rely on reaction alone—her positioning, footwork, and reading ability allow her to stay ahead of the play. In serve receive, she delivers a clean, controlled platform that keeps her team in system. That level of steadiness and discipline is what elevates her in this class</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. [player_tooltip player_id='750208' first='Delaney' last='Lauer']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750208"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f36fce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Lauer's placement reflects her advanced feel for the game and ability to contribute in every rotation. Competing up a level, she shows composure and decision-making that translate against stronger competition. She scores efficiently, defends with discipline, and remains a steady presence in serve receive. Her six-rotation value and maturity give her an edge in this spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. [player_tooltip player_id='532671' first='Raya' last='Thompson']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["532671"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f3707c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Thompson checks in at No. 5 thanks to her physical tools and scoring ability. Her arm speed and reach create high-contact swings that are difficult to defend, especially when she's in rhythm. She also brings versatility with the ability to play either pin, which adds to her value. As she continues to refine consistency, her ceiling remains very high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. [player_tooltip player_id='532762' first='Addison' last='Jones']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["532762"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f370f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Jones earns her spot with her offensive upside in the middle and ability to impact the net defensively. When in system, she can terminate quickly with a heavy arm, and her lateral movement allows her to close blocks effectively. She shows flashes of being a high-impact middle, and as her consistency grows, so will her influence within this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. [player_tooltip player_id='759692' first='Kennedy' last='Schmidt']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759692"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f37171"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Schmidt's ranking is driven by her ability to run an efficient and balanced offense. She understands tempo, creates opportunities for her hitters, and keeps middles involved even in less-than-ideal situations. Her defensive effort and engagement add another layer to her game. That combination of IQ and control keeps her in the Top 10.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. [player_tooltip player_id='827124' first='Londyn' last='Donaldson']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827124"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f371e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Donaldson stands out for her athleticism, which earns her a spot at No. 8. She plays above the net consistently and creates offensive advantages with her timing and reach. Her physical presence in the middle impacts both scoring and blocking. As she continues to develop, those tools give her strong upward potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. [player_tooltip player_id='805656' first='Hanna' last='Benz']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["805656"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f3728f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Benz secures the No. 9 spot with her reliability and composure in the back row. She consistently puts herself in the right position and maintains a stable platform in serve receive. Her ability to extend rallies and contribute as a secondary setter adds to her value. She brings a level of control that teams rely on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. [player_tooltip player_id='809221' first='Sofia' last='Posada']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773968"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69fd358f3730f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Posada rounds out the Top 10 with her defensive instincts and effort. She reads the game well, reacts quickly off the block, and isn't afraid to make plays in challenging situations. Her consistency in serve receive and ability to keep balls alive make her a valuable back-row presence. That motor and awareness earn her a spot in this initial group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is just the starting point for the Rocky Mountain Class of 2028. With more evaluations ahead, expect movement throughout the rankings as players continue to develop and separate themselves. The depth in this class is real, and this list will only expand as more athletes make their mark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Follow me on instagram: @prepdigcolorado</em> !</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->