Underclassmen Making Early Noise: What You Need to Know

<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 don't have to wait until upperclass years to see who's trending. This group is already showing up in meaningful ways: handling bigger roles, competing in pressure moments, and impacting matches beyond flashes. It's not just potential; it's production and decision-making that hold up when the pace speeds up.   What stands out is how quickly they process the game. They're reading first contact, adjusting within rallies, and making plays that keep their teams in system. As the summer season unfolds, these are the names that already have entered the conversation.    Grace Akerson changes what offenses can do at the net. She reads the setter early, closes with speed, and presses over to take away line and seam. I see her force high, controlled swings that allow the defense to stay organized. In transition, she's up and available on first tempo, which holds the middle and creates space for the pins. She's also showing the ability to recover quickly and re-close, which matters at the next level. Her timing and discipline at the net continue to separate her.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='757697' first='Maren' last='Bailey'] scores within the flow of the rally. She stays balanced through her approach and keeps a high contact point, allowing her to work seam, deep corner, and high hands. I see her make disciplined decisions instead of forcing swings, which keeps her efficient over the course of a match. In serve receive, she delivers a consistent first contact that keeps the offense in system. She stays available in transition and continues to be a go-to option across rotations. Her ability to stay steady while still producing is what stands out.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     Kaliyah Bettis brings pace and pressure from the pin. She attacks aggressively and stays a scoring option even when the ball is off the net. I see her adjust mid-approach and still deliver a clean, purposeful swing. She doesn't drop off in extended rallies and continues to apply pressure point to point. She's comfortable swinging in less-than-ideal situations, which adds value. Her ability to stay terminal outside of system stands out.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='496658' first='Ayva' last='Yager'] stays active and engaged across the net. She tracks the setter, moves laterally with control, and is starting to close blocks with better timing and hand position. I see her take away space and make hitters adjust their swing paths. Offensively, she's getting up in transition and staying available on quick tempo. She continues to improve her read and reaction speed, which is showing up in longer rallies. There's clear progression in how she's impacting the net.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='771237' first='Braylee' last='Stortz'] brings a repeatable swing that holds up under pressure. She's not rushed through her approach and maintains control on contact, even when the set isn't ideal. I see her manage rallies well, keeping balls in play while still finding ways to score. She stays available in transition and continues to be a reliable option. She doesn't give away points, which adds value over the course of a match. Her consistency shows up in tight situations.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='913856' first='Audrina' last='Porttiin'] controls tempo and flow. Her hands are clean, and she delivers a consistent ball that allows hitters to stay aggressive. I see her read the block and distribute based on what's available, not just rotation. When the pass breaks down, she still finds a way to put hitters in position to score. She communicates well and keeps the offense connected from point to point. Her ability to stay composed under pressure stands out.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='763923' first='Rowan' last='Faber'] stays aggressive and involved throughout the rally. She's ready in transition and doesn't hesitate to take swings, especially when the play goes out of system. I see her stay engaged deep into points and continue to apply pressure instead of resetting. She competes through contact and stays confident in her swings. That mindset keeps her involved in key moments.   ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='891358' first='Carly' last='Murphy'] brings presence at the net. She closes blocks with intent, presses over, and takes away angles that force hitters into tougher decisions. I see her get off the floor in transition and stay available offensively, keeping the middle engaged. She continues to establish herself physically at the net and is around the ball consistently. Her activity level impacts both sides of 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 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>

This article was shared with 150+ college coaches. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: digdakotas30