The Next Wave of Senior Leaders We Should Be Watching

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Join PrepDig with 30% off using code "digdakotas30."</strong></a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakota</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every season a new group of seniors comes along to take the spotlight, and this year's class is ready for that time. They're no longer the players learning from veteran leaders. They are the ones who should be driving hard, taking charge of first contact, closing down hard, and leading their teams when the match is there to be won.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I like about this group is they've been preparing for this opportunity for the last couple of seasons. It is evident in their contest, their dialogue, and their comprehension of the game. These seniors are ready to step up and take on bigger responsibilities, whether it's becoming a go-to attacker, controlling the net, anchoring the back row, or helping set the standard for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["902263"],"_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-6a4f057de55d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emme Beer is one of those players who thinks one play ahead. What continues to grab my focus is the way she handles the game at the net. She's seen a block this season, changed her attack at the last second, and still got a point. I think her volleyball IQ will be one of her biggest strengths in the biggest moments, especially as she gets into her senior year. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1004365,"_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-6a4f057de5681"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Susannah Danielson has all the pieces to be a difference-maker up the middle this season. She closes the block with purpose, gets off the floor quickly in transition, and continues to get more confident attacking first tempo. I think this is the year her presence above the net starts to change matches, not just with kills, but with a presence that makes opposing hitters think twice about every swing. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["763668"],"_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-6a4f057de5703"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Taylor Davis has become a hitter who doesn't require a perfect set to generate offense. What I kept noticing was her composure when plays broke down, as she found ways to score on out-of-system balls instead of just keeping rallies alive. As a senior, expect her to be the player her team looks to when they need a point, no matter the situation. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1004369,"_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-6a4f057de5783"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adrianna Ball continues to develop into the middle, which every setter wants to have early. She moves well laterally, gets her hands across the net, and has become much more efficient at turning transition opportunities into points. I think the biggest jump she will have this season will be in the confidence she plays with, to be able to affect the block and the offense throughout the match. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":1004367,"_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-6a4f057de5801"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aiyana Baker offers you an edge in the middle that was visible every time I saw her compete. She's not afraid to play physical at the net; she works hard to seal seams with her blockers, and she is available after every transition rather than just standing back and watching the rally unfold. I expect her to be one of the front row leaders as a senior this year. She'll set the tone with her energy, consistency, and ability to make an impact on points above the tape. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <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> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>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!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br>The village, athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers create this journey.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In Case You Missed It</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":987083,"linkDestination":"custom"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image -->