The Standard: Meet the 2028 Elite 10

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Join PrepDig and get 30% off with 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>These ten have separated themselves, and they haven't all done it the same way. There are arms that can take over a match, setters who see things developing before everyone else does, defenders who make difficult balls look routine and athletes who are still nowhere close to their ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being in this Top 10 isn't about one big tournament or a stat line. It's about what keeps showing up. Skill. Volleyball IQ. Competitiveness. How they handle pressure. How quickly they adjust when they're coached. And, maybe most importantly, whether their game continues to hold up as the level around them gets better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["722208"],"_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-6a87639e7426a"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#1 [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] | Setter | Nebraska Commit</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There hasn't been much question for me about who belongs at No. 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've watched [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] grow into this spot, and the biggest change isn't simply size, strength, or running a faster offense. It's the command she has now. Josalyn knows what she wants to do with the ball. She can speed up the middle, move it pin to pin, and adjust when first contact takes the original plan away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then there's her presence. She looks like a setter who expects to run the court. She competes above the net, can become an offensive option herself, and doesn't disappear when a rally gets uncomfortable. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Her recruitment took off because high-level programs saw those same things. The Nebraska commitment didn't suddenly make Josalyn the No. 1 player in this class.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748785"],"_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-6a87639e742d7"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#2 [player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] | Right Side</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='790239' first='Mallory' last='Schneider'] is one of those players you remember pretty quickly after seeing her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, she's 6-foot-1. Yes, she's left-handed. And yes, putting that combination on the right pin creates a matchup you have to deal with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But I've never thought Mallory was simply a big lefty who could swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her setting background shows. She sees the floor, understands what an offense is trying to create, and processes the game well. On the right side, she can contact high, drive the ball with pace, and find angles that aren't easy to defend. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>There is a lot to work with here, and she's still developing as a pin. That's part of what makes Schneider so valuable. The physical tools are obvious. The volleyball behind them is why she sits at No. 2.</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728032"],"_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-6a87639e7432c"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#3 [player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] | Setter | Creighton Commit</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='728032' first='Logan' last='McGuire'] and [player_tooltip player_id='722208' first='Josalyn' last='Samuels'] don't play setter the same way, and that's exactly why I enjoy evaluating both of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Logan has speed to her game. Her feet are quick, the release can be quick, and she likes getting the offense moving. When the pass pulls her off the net, her athleticism really shows. She'll go get the second ball and still find a way to give someone a legitimate swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've also watched her confidence continue to grow. She communicates. She's willing to make aggressive, high-stakes decisions. She brings personality to how she runs a court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That game translates well to what Creighton does offensively. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>McGuire isn't ranked this high because she's committed to Creighton. She's committed to Creighton because she's developed into a setter at this level.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["733931"],"_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-6a87639e7437e"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#4 [player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] | #1 Middle | Southern Mississippi Commit</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='733931' first='Elsa' last='Basel'] has continued to separate herself at middle. At 6-foot-1, she has the length to be physical at the net, but what has impressed me is how much more complete her game has become. She's quicker getting into transition, more available offensively, and has improved her timing both as an attacker and blocker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Basel can score in front of the setter and work behind and force opposing middles to respect her as an offensive option. Defensively, she's becoming more disciplined with her reads and closing the block. There is purpose to what she's doing at the net now. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>Her commitment to Southern Mississippi fits the direction her game has taken. Basel has developed into a Division I middle and continues to show why she holds the top spot at the position in South Dakota's 2028 class.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758363"],"_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-6a87639e743ce"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#5 [player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung'] | #1 Outside Hitter</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung'] has earned the top outside spot because of how much volleyball she can handle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jung can score from the pin, but I've watched her do just as much when the ball isn't coming her way. She's comfortable in serve receive, covers ground defensively, and transitions right back into being an attacking option. When Warner is out of system, Jung can take a difficult ball and still find a productive swing rather than forcing something that isn't there.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her sophomore high school season gave us another strong look at that complete game. She earned First Team Class B All-State while playing a major role in Warner's run to the state championship match. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>There are bigger outsides in this class, but Jung's ability to play the entire game at a high level is what continues to separate her.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["753571"],"_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-6a87639e7441e"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#6 [player_tooltip player_id='753571' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] | #1 DS | Creighton Commit</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='753571' first='Tenley' last='Witzel'] has established herself as the top defensive player in this class through the quality of her first contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She reads the game early and puts herself in good positions before the attack gets to her. Her platform stays controlled, she covers a lot of court, and she doesn't get rattled when the pace picks up. In serve receive, Witzel can handle tough seams and keep the ball in an area where the setter still has options.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've watched her become more confident taking ownership of the back row, and that's an important part of her progression. She's not simply making defensive plays; she's helping create offense from the first contact. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>That skill set translates, and her commitment to Creighton reflects the level Witzel has reached as a defender.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737434"],"_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-6a87639e7446e"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#7 [player_tooltip player_id='737434' first='Jaya' last='Engels'] | #2 Outside Hitter</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='737434' first='Jaya' last='Engels'] has continued to establish herself as one of the strongest attacking pins in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her arm speed and ability to generate pace have always stood out, but she's becoming a smarter attacker around that physical ability. Engels can challenge the block with power and use her hands and is getting better at recognizing what the defense is giving her instead of trying to win every point with the same swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I also like the confidence she plays with offensively. Engels wants to take swings and doesn't become hesitant when there's size across the net. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>The power makes her dangerous. The continued growth in how she uses it is what keeps Engels near the top of this outside group.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752847"],"_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-6a87639e744b4"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#8 [player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] | #3 Setter</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='830542' first='Brooke' last='Larsen'] has continued to hold her place in a very strong South Dakota setter class because of her consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her location is one of the first things I notice. Larsen gives her hitters a repeatable ball and keeps the offense organized when first contact isn't perfect. She understands tempo, sees matchups, and doesn't force the offense away from something that's working.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her experience playing both setter and right-side has also helped develop her feel for the game. She understands what hitters need from the ball because she's been on that side of the connection herself. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>With Samuels and McGuire sitting ahead of her, it would be easy to overlook just how good this setter group is. Larsen belongs firmly in that conversation.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746005"],"_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-6a87639e744f7"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#9 [player_tooltip player_id='746005' first='Ella' last='Fluth'] | #3 Outside Hitter</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='746005' first='Ella' last='Fluth'] has made one of the most notable moves in this rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've continued to see more from her as an attacker. Fluth has a fast arm, creates real pace off the pin, and is becoming more confident attacking against a formed block. The difference now is that we're seeing more than the hard swing. She's using her hands better, finding different areas of the court, and making adjustments when defenses start taking something away.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's what moved her. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>There has been clear progression in Fluth's game, and she's forcing us to reevaluate where she belongs every time we see her. Her move into the Top 10 and the No. 3 outside spot was earned by what she's continued to show on the court.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["729589"],"_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-6a87639e74539"} --> <!-- wp:heading {"className":"text-gray-700"} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading text-gray-700"><strong><em>#10 [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] | #4 Outside Hitter</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'] has continued to prove that her size doesn't limit the level at which she can play the pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5-foot-8, she has to create advantages differently, and she does. Sykes is explosive off the floor, has a quick arm, and competes aggressively against bigger blocks. She doesn't shy away from attacking because there's length across from her; she works to find another way to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Her motor is also a major part of her game. Sykes transitions hard, stays involved through long rallies, and continues to make herself available after the first attack doesn't finish the point. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong><em>She's had to earn everything against bigger players, and she keeps producing. That's why Sykes remains among the elite pins in this 2028 class.</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":1020878} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image-8-2.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1020878" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->