Offense, Defense, and Everything In Between: Complete Players

<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>   One thing I keep hearing from college coaches when I visit with them, is how much they value players who can do more than one thing. The game looks different than it did even a few years ago. Coaches want athletes who can stay on the court, handle different responsibilities, and continue to make an impact regardless of the situation.   The conversation usually isn't just about who can score the most points. They want to know who can pass when the serve gets tough, who can defend when a rally gets extended, and who can be trusted when the match gets tight. AND most important how will they represent the name on the front of the jersey. Those are the players who become difficult to take off the floor.   That's what makes this group interesting. They all bring something a little different to the court, but they all have the ability to help their teams in more than one area. Some do it through offense. Some do it through defense. Some do a little bit of everything. Whatever the role, they continue to find ways to impact matches, and that's why they continue to draw attention from college coaches.    [player_tooltip player_id='713483' first='Sheyanne' last='Blackcloud'] brings a level of versatility that is hard to find. Over the last few years, I have watched her play middle, libero, right side, and now a six-rotation outside hitter. No matter where she is asked to play, she embraces the role and puts the team first.   What stands out even more than the versatility is the way she carries herself. When coaches are talking, she's locked in. She listens, takes the feedback, and works to apply it the next time she steps on the court. That's not something every athlete does. She understands accountability, discipline, and what it means to be coachable. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   "When college coaches ask what kind of player she will be at the next level, coaches answer are all the same. She is the type of athlete who raises the standard around her. She will compete every day, challenge the players in front of her, and push the players beside her. Programs get better when athletes like Sheyanne walk into the gym because she brings a team-first mindset, a willingness to work, and the versatility to help wherever she is needed."     If a college coach asked me about [player_tooltip player_id='722409' first='Peyton' last='Saxlund'], I would tell them she is the type of player who loves to compete. Some athletes are comfortable when things are going well. Peyton seems to enjoy the moments when a match gets tight and someone has to respond.   What I appreciate is that she doesn't back away from challenges. She keeps coming after points, keeps competing through long rallies, and keeps finding ways to impact a match. There is a toughness to her game that stands out. Not every player has that. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   "For a college program, I know Peyton is the kind of athlete who pushes a gym forward. She is going to compete with your veterans, challenge the people around her, and make teammates earn their spots. Coaches are always looking for players who raise the level of competition in practice, and Peyton has the ability to do exactly that."     If a college coach asked me about [player_tooltip player_id='839963' first='Jacy' last='Wolf'], I would probably start with trust. Every coach has players they feel comfortable putting on the court when the match is on the line. Jacy gives me that type of feeling.   What I like is that she doesn't get caught up in outside noise. She plays her game, stays focused on the next point, and continues to do her job. There is something valuable about athletes who don't get too high or too low. They simply keep competing. Jacy seems to bring that steady presence every team needs. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   "For a college coach, that trust factor matters. You want players who can handle pressure, respond when things get difficult, and stay locked into the match. Jacy is that type of athlete coaches can rely on when the moment gets big."     If a college coach asked me about [player_tooltip player_id='745814' first='Aubrielle' last='Perry'], I would probably tell them she is the type of player who wants to be coached. That might sound simple, but it matters. Every coach wants athletes who are willing to listen, make adjustments, and keep working when things aren't perfect.   What I like about Aubrielle is that she doesn't seem satisfied staying the same player. She wants feedback and she wants to get better. You can see that in the way she approaches the game. Some athletes hear coaching and move on. Aubrielle strikes me as someone who actually tries to apply it the next time she steps on the court. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   "For a college program, I know that's where her value starts. Coaches can work with athletes who are willing to learn. Aubrielle fits that to a T. She enjoys the process of improving and those players usually continue finding ways to get better."     If a college coach asked me about [player_tooltip player_id='492626' first='Ruby' last='Knapp'], I would probably tell them she has a short memory, and I mean that as a compliment. Volleyball is full of mistakes. Every player makes them. The difference is how you respond afterward.   What I appreciate about Ruby is that she doesn't seem to carry the last point with her. If something doesn't go her way, she gets right back into the next rally. I think teammates feed off that. There is something calming about having a player on the court who isn't riding the roller coaster of every point. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   "For a college coach, that's a quality worth paying attention to. The season is long, matches are emotional, and things don't always go according to plan. Ruby is comfortable staying focused on what comes next instead of what already happened."     If a college coach asked me about [player_tooltip player_id='509917' first='Sailor' last='Friedly'], I would probably tell them she's the type of player you enjoy having on your side. There is a confidence to the way she plays, but it doesn't come across as forced. She trusts herself and competes.   The thing I keep noticing is that Sailor seems to welcome challenges instead of avoiding them. Some players look comfortable when everything is going their way. Sailor looks comfortable when she has to figure things out. I like that because volleyball isn't always clean and easy. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   "For a college coach, that's something worth paying attention to. She is an athlete who is going to keep pushing, keep learning, and keep competing regardless of the situation. Those players tend to find their way onto the court."    <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>   <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_5b1fa1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-987083" /></a></figure>

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