Why These DS’s Should Be On Every Coach’s Radar

<!-- 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>A defense can change a game's result just as quickly as a big swing at the net. Defensive specialists throughout the Iowa Stock Up Showcase constantly found ways to keep rallies alive, take over serve receive, and give their teams another chance to score. They weren't chasing stats; they were running the kind of plays that kept the offense in order and frustrated opposing hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the defensive specialists who kept showing up in my notes at the Showcase. Each brought something unique to the back row, but they all made opposing offenses struggle and gave their teams confidence when the ball came their way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["880709"],"_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-6a601ac2b3927"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='880709' first='Bianca' last='Sarcone'] was one of the defensive players who brought consistent stability in the back row throughout the showcase. She was confident in difficult serve-receive situations and made controlled first contacts that kept her team in system. Sarcone also positioned herself well defensively before the attack started, giving her a chance to capitalize on balls that troubled her opponents. Whenever she took the back row, she was a steadying force, able to keep her cool under pressure, absorb hard-driven swings, and keep rallies going. <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":["998543"],"_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-6a601ac2b3989"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='998543' first='Danica' last='Brinkman'] displayed her ability to read the offense and convert defensive opportunities into long rallies throughout the showcase. She was always reading hitters, adjusting her position, and trying to affect scoring attempts. Brinkman played every defensive rep, using her skill set to cover space behind the block and make plays outside of her immediate area. She was able to create more chances for her team to move forward and score by playing well defensively and making plays on the ball. <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":["780596"],"_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-6a601ac2b39b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='780596' first='Audrey' last='Howe'] displayed solid defensive instincts in the showcase, staying calm in the back row and making excellent reads. She also had a variety of offensive attacks, while still being able to serve, receive, and get quality passes in. Howe's brilliant awareness of her surroundings before the ball arrived enabled her to make better defensive decisions. Her ability to stay consistent on long rallies kept her team alive on the offensive end. <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":["877849"],"_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-6a601ac2b39e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='877849' first='Hannah' last='Vowels'] was everywhere in the showcase, demonstrating her range and ability to extend rallies. She read swings early and positioned herself for difficult digs, covering a lot of court defensively. The Vowels kept fighting for every play, running balls down and keeping plays alive that could have easily been points. Her defensive effort and ability to create second chances made her one of those opponents they had to work around. <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":["898275"],"_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-6a601ac2b3a0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='898275' first='Sophia' last='Howarter'] gave her team a consistent defensive option throughout the showcase with her ability to handle pressure and maintain control in the back row. She delivered quality serve-receive passes, adjusted well to different offensive attacks, and stayed engaged through every rotation. Howarter's ability to make the first contact when her team needed it most helped create offensive opportunities and keep the team in system. Her performance showed the value of a defender who can be counted on in every situation. <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, along with athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers, creates 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 -->