Under-the-Radar Middles Climbing in Dakotas: 2028 Rankings Update

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">More than 150 college coaches shared this article. Join PrepDig and get 30% off with code "digdakotas30."</a>   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakota</a>   The 2028 middle group looks different than it did a year ago.   A few players who were further down my board have made me go back and take another look. They're getting to the attack quicker, becoming more disciplined at the block and finding ways to stay involved instead of disappearing for stretches in the front row. That kind of progress can change where a middle fits in the rankings.   And with this position, I don't think we're close to finished yet. These are some of the 2028 middles who have changed the conversation with how they've played.    [player_tooltip player_id='847829' first='Bryn' last='Koistinen'] plays with a pace that has changed how I look at her in this class. She works off the net quickly, gets back into transition, and gives her setter a real option before the defense has time to settle. She's just as active at the net, moving with the play, working to close and getting herself ready for the next contact. Koistinen isn't spending much time standing in the middle and watching the rally happen around her. She's moving with it. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='932632' first='Ella' last='Story'] knows how to keep the opposing middle honest. She gets available early enough that the blocker has to account for her rather than immediately releasing to the pins, and Story doesn't need many openings to make that matter. When her setter finds her, she's quick into the attack and can beat a late block. Even on possessions when she doesn't touch the ball, Story can help create a better matchup somewhere else on the net. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='932648' first='Allegra' last='Vanderwerf'] has become much harder to beat at the net. She's patient enough to see what's developing, then gets across and puts her hands into the attacker's space. Vanderwerf can take away an area, force a hitter into another shot, and create touches that give the defense behind her another chance. Her size certainly helps, but it's how she's learning to use it that has changed her blocking game. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     When [player_tooltip player_id='932592' first='Evy' last='Carney'] gets going offensively, you have to respect her in the middle. She gets up quickly, has a fast arm, and can put some heat on the ball when the setter finds her in rhythm. Carney is also working to become available when the pass isn't sitting perfectly, which keeps her involved in more of the offense. Let her get established early, and suddenly it's not quite as easy to take the reins off.~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     With [player_tooltip player_id='737897' first='Kendyl' last='Fischer'], watch an entire rally instead of one contact. She'll move with the block, get off the net, and work herself right back into the offense instead of stopping after her first job is done. She's reading before she moves and getting across better to close space at the net. Then she's transitioning and making herself available again. Those little pieces start adding up, and they're a big reason Fischer looks different than she did a year ago. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple: to highlight athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to pursue their passion for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   Please help us keep growing this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe to PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   The village, along with athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers, creates this journey.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It </h2>   <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>

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