Minnesota 2028: The Pins We’re Tracking This Fall

<!-- 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>The high school season is here, and this is one group I'm ready to see back on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With some serious talent, Minnesota's 2028 pin class has given us plenty of reasons to keep these juniors on our radar. Now comes another high school season, bigger roles, tougher matchups, and a chance to see who takes that next jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this group fun is that they don't all play the position the same way. Some can take over with their arm. Others shine with six-rotation play, defense, versatility, or simply finding ways to score when the ball isn't perfect. And for several of them, their game looks a whole lot different than it did a year ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["812864"],"_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-6a84f6262483c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='812864' first='Ella' last='Bair'] plays with some force on the pin. At 5 foot 9, she can work from either side, gets into her approach with confidence, and isn't looking to simply keep the ball in play when she gets a swing. Bair can drive the ball with pace and doesn't back away when there's a block sitting in front of her. Give her room to get into her approach, and she can quickly put a defense under pressure. Bair's game has a physical, aggressive side that makes her a fun junior pin to watch this fall. <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":["807141"],"_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-6a84fb1b1e8a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='807141' first='Reese' last='Majerus'] can hit a heavy ball, but she doesn't play like every swing has to be harder than the last. That's where her game gets interesting. Majerus can challenge the block with pace, see the hands, and change direction when the first option isn't there. She stays balanced through her approach, which provides her choices at contact instead of locking herself into one shot. Her game features physicality without excessive wasted swings, and she understands how to work for a point when she cannot simply overpower her opponent. <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":["442666"],"_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-6a84fb1b1e908"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='830647' first='Brynlee' last='Opland'] gives you a lot of volleyball at 6-foot. She can score from the pin, manage six rotations, and has shown that serve receive and defense are genuine strengths, not merely duties she endures. Her first contact is reliable; she sees the court well, and she can manage an out-of-system ball without turning it into a throwaway swing. That's what has continued to stand out with Opland: you don't have to work around parts of her game. She can stay on the floor, take on a lot of responsibility, and impact a match well beyond the skills. <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":1020466,"_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-6a84fb1b1e9af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When the ball comes her way, [player_tooltip player_id='1020466' first='Samantha' last='Bloomquist'] feels confident. She is ready to attack and does not hesitate, as the block has already been set. She goes into her approach, ready to attack. She won't hang around for an easy matchup; she'll run at defenders with speed and show intent behind the swing. I like that she doesn't get knocked out of the rally on the first swing as well. Bloomquist will get back into position and be ready to go again. She goes up to the pin with a fierce attitude, and it matters that a batsman wants the ball when her team needs a point. <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":["942264"],"_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-6a84fb1b1e9fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='942264' first='Rylee' last='Thielke'] is one you have to watch beyond the swing because a lot of what makes her valuable happens between contacts. Her mechanics are repeatable; she works hard back into transition and stays connected to the rally when the ball goes somewhere else. She's covering, moving, and getting herself ready in case the play comes back around. When it does, Thielke attacks aggressively and isn't afraid to go after a bigger block. The motor is real, but it's the way that effort carries into her volleyball that makes her stand out. <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":1020479,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image-8-1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1020479" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->