Q and A's From Top Setters In The Dakotas: Get To Know Them Now

<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>   When most people think about setters, they focus on assists, tempo, and the ability to run an offense. While those things are certainly important, they only tell part of the story. The best setters are often the heartbeat of their teams. They lead, communicate, solve problems in real time, and find ways to bring out the best in the players around them.   The Dakotas continue to produce talented setters who are making names for themselves on the regional and national stage. From state champions to nationally recognized prospects, this group brings a unique mix of leadership, competitiveness, and volleyball IQ to the court.   In this Q&A series, we go beyond the rankings and highlight videos to learn more about the athletes themselves. From their goals and motivations to what drives them to keep improving, here is your chance to get to know some of the top setters in the Dakotas a little better before their recruiting journeys take the next step.    Why do you want to play college volleyball?    I have played volleyball my whole life and want to continue to see the opportunities that come with playing in college!   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    During school and Kairos, I am doing something- practice or lifting- mostly Monday through Friday, with occasional practices and tournaments on the weekend. During summer, I participate in USA Volleyball and continue to practice and lift.   What are your academic interests or intended major?    I don't know for sure.   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    A lot of my friends are from volleyball, so that really helps with the social aspect, but I also make sure to hang out with school friends on open weekends or breaks from practice. For school and volleyball, I make sure to utilize my free time that I have after practice or on weekends to stay caught up on everything.   My Final Thoughts:   The numbers are elite and the accolades continue to grow, but neither is the reason [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] sits at the top of this class. What separates her is the standard she brings every day. She outworks veterans, embraces coaching, competes with purpose, and consistently elevates the players around her. The skill set is obvious, the volleyball IQ is elite, and her ability to lead an offense is something very few players possess at this level. She does not simply run an offense, she controls the pace and flow of matches while making those around her better. There is a reason she is viewed as the top setter in South Dakota and one of the top setters in the nation. Wherever she lands, she will not just be joining a program, she will be raising the standard of it. That is what makes her one of the most intriguing recruits in the country.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Tm7in">http://www.hudl.com/v/2Tm7in</a>     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    I love to compete and challenge myself, it gives me something to work and build on. I also love the team aspect of getting to play with my best friends.   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    In-season for school volleyball looks like going to school then straight to practices which are on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays and our games are on Tuesday and Thursdays. On weekends I relax at home with friends and family. In-season for club looks a little different we typically have practices on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday which are 2- 2 and a half hours long later at night (7-10pm). Also during the week I workout at MPF (maximum performance fitness) twice a week right after school. On weekends we have tournaments usually 3 day long tournaments (fri-sun). My “off-season” is in the summer and during that I go to college invite camps, work out at MPF, go to high school camp (Mondays and Tuesday), in July we have high school team camps we attend, or I do private lessons through volt. Other than volleyball I go to lake, go shopping, hangout with friends and family, and babysit.   What are your academic interests or intended major?    I am unsure as of now but have liked the idea of physical therapy, dentistry, or maybe a sports agent.   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    I make time for all aspects of my life and to do that I have good time management. When I am not playing volleyball I try and focus on other things in my life so that I can give those time too. I make sure to give myself breaks and those help me be the best version of myself.   My Final Thoughts:   [player_tooltip player_id='733255' first='Brynlie' last='Richman'] has earned her place as the top setter in North Dakota because she impacts the match in so many ways. While her ability to run an offense stands out immediately, what makes her especially dangerous is the threat she presents at the net. She attacks with confidence, makes smart decisions in pressure situations, and shows a level of offensive awareness that is well beyond her age. Opponents cannot simply focus on her hitters because Brynlie is capable of creating points herself. Pair that with her work ethic and competitive drive, and it is easy to see why she continues to separate herself from her peers. The ceiling for her game remains incredibly high, and her ability to influence every phase of a match makes her one of the most exciting young setters to watch in the region.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Tvm3m">http://www.hudl.com/v/2Tvm3m</a>     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    Being part of a workout every day, being in the gym constantly, and putting in as much work as I can, especially in the off-season, to grow.   What are your academic interests or intended major?    Law, business, or finance.   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    By being intentional with the work I put in as a student-athlete, giving myself occasional breaks to keep myself from getting burnt out, and making sure I also keep my relationships with the people around me.   My Final Thoughts:   [player_tooltip player_id='724913' first='Liberty' last='Streyle'] is the type of player every coach wants on their side of the net. Her impact extends well beyond the stat sheet because of the consistency, competitiveness, and leadership she brings every time she steps on the court. What stands out most is her ability to rise to the moment when her team needs her. She plays with confidence, embraces challenges, and has a knack for making important plays in critical situations. The skill set is impressive, but it is her work ethic and drive to improve that continue to separate her. Liberty has established herself as one of the premier players in North Dakota, and her ability to influence matches in multiple ways will make her a valuable asset wherever her volleyball journey takes her next.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: N/A     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    I want to play college volleyball because I love competition and getting to challenge myself. I am honestly obsessed with making big plays and having those moments with my team. Getting to have those big moments at a high level is exactly what I want to do. I have played volleyball for a long time, and I love the game. I couldn't imagine stopping after high school, and I want to continue to become a better athlete, teammate, friend, and person.   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    In-season, we practice or play a game pretty much every day, and I love it. I love the constant gym time. We also lift at least once a week before practice. When club starts, we practice normally three times a week and then have tournaments on weekends. In the summer, I lift more along with open gyms because we aren't in a real season. We do open gym three times a week. I also do some beach volleyball and workouts to mix it up. I also attend lots of camps and North Country Region trainings, which I enjoy a lot.   What are your academic interests or intended major?   I haven't decided on a specific major yet, but academically I'm currently thinking about either a business or biology degree. I have many interests and things I would love to do, so I have trouble picking one thing.    How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    Luckily, my teammates are my best friends, and we play club and school ball together, which makes it really easy to get support with school matters and volleyball. I can ask them for help, and they are always there and understand what I need since we live similar lives. In school, I always take time in the library to make sure all my work is done and that I truly understand things, so I never get behind with all my traveling for sports. Personally, I'm with my best friends whenever I'm playing, so it's easy to maintain relationships.   My Final Thoughts:   [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] is a player who consistently finds ways to impact the match, regardless of the situation. What I appreciate most about her game is the balance she brings to the court. She combines physical ability with a strong understanding of the game, allowing her to make smart decisions while still playing aggressively. Brooke competes with confidence, stays composed under pressure, and continues to improve every time I watch her play. She has the type of work ethic that coaches love and the versatility to contribute in multiple ways.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: <a href="https://youtu.be/vUrcSdW5BiU?si=sAlepSHla3znKmR9">https://youtu.be/vUrcSdW5BiU?si=sAlepSHla3znKmR9</a>     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    I want to play college volleyball because I've never pictured not. I've always wanted to play as long as I can.   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    I lift, do vertical training, and skill work around my practice schedule.   What are your academic interests or intended major?    I would like to major in secondary education. I want to teach high school math and business.   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    I try to focus on the moment. When I'm at practice I don't bring my school or personal life into it.   My Final Thoughts:   [player_tooltip player_id='880845' first='Jaelee' last='Grupe'] is one of those players who makes a lasting impression because of how hard she competes from the first point to the last. She brings a relentless approach to the game and never looks satisfied with simply doing enough. What stands out is her ability to impact matches while staying composed and under control, even when the pace of play speeds up. She continues to show growth in her game, and her willingness to be coached and improve is evident every time she steps on the court. The combination of athleticism, competitiveness, and work ethic gives her a very high ceiling.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: N/A     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    I want to play college volleyball because I want to continue to play the sport that I love at the highest level possible.   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    Off season- lift 3 times a week at least with agility jumping exercises, vball camps, club vball, open gyms. in season- practice everyday and lift about 3 times a week   What are your academic interests or intended major?    criminal justice or health care   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    It is very challenging but I use my time wisely and lean on my family and friends for support.   My Final Thoughts:   [player_tooltip player_id='763236' first='Chesney' last='Weber'] is a player whose value becomes more apparent the longer you watch her compete. She brings a steady presence to the court, plays with confidence, and consistently finds ways to make an impact when her team needs it most. What stands out is her competitive nature and willingness to embrace difficult moments rather than shy away from them. She continues to develop her game while maintaining a team-first mentality that coaches appreciate. Chesney has the ability to influence matches through both her skill set and leadership, and those qualities are a big reason she continues to be one of the most respected players in her class.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Tvm3m">http://www.hudl.com/v/2Tvm3m</a>     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    Because I would love to take volleyball to the next level and get a higher education.   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    Volleyball everyday in season and I go to the gym everyday in the off season.   What are your academic interests or intended major?    Marketing or business maybe   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?    I balance school, sports, and personal life by staying organized, managing my time well, and keeping a disciplined, positive mindset.   My Final Thoughts:   Every class has players that demand attention and others that quietly earn it. [player_tooltip player_id='883396' first='Nora' last='Balvitsch'] has a way of doing both. She competes with an edge that shows up in critical moments and has the ability to influence the energy of a court without saying a word. The more I watch her, the more I appreciate how often she rises when the match needs someone to take ownership of a rally. There are players who play the game, and there are players who help shape the outcome of it. Nora continues to show signs of being the latter, which is exactly why her future remains so intriguing.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: N/A     Why do you want to play college volleyball?    I want to play college volleyball because I love the game. I've played my whole life and I want to further my career. There's so much more to volleyball than the actual sport, it brings you so many friendships and memories.   What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season?    In season I have Daily practices. Then lifting and plyometrics 4 days a week. Off season is club practices and setting work 3 days a week, then still plyometrics and lifting 4 days a week.   What are your academic interests or intended major?    I want to get a nursing degree.   How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life?   I make time for my family week nights and still get to see my friends at the lake on off weekends!   My Final Thoughts:   The thing that keeps bringing me back to [player_tooltip player_id='741473' first='Reagan' last='Trudell'] is how much trust you can put in her hands. Every team wants a setter who can steady the court when things get chaotic, and Reagan has a knack for doing exactly that. She doesn't chase plays or try to do too much. She simply makes good decisions over and over again. As the No. 2 setter in North Dakota, she has proven she can manage an offense, create opportunities for her hitters, and keep her team playing confidently. The more I watch her compete, the more I appreciate how much of the game she controls without drawing attention to herself. Those qualities are difficult to teach and a big reason why she continues to be one of the most respected setters in the state.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   Highlight Link: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SyRcE">http://www.hudl.com/v/2SyRcE</a>    <h1 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It</h1>   <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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