Updated Class of 2029 Rankings Released Today—-What To Expect

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want a subscription to PrepDig? Use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription! And don't forget to follow @KypPDIN on X for all of your Indiana high school and club volleyball news!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've moved on to this year's sophomores, most of which made major gains this past club season, and the elites are starting to separate from the pack of talent in this class. This week we'll spend a ton of time on new additions (Tuesday), stock risers (Wednesday) and positional breakdowns (the remainder of the week). Each article will feature five players from five different clubs from around the state, all with their own traits that set them apart from the others in this class. Some of these players you've heard of, some are brand new to you. Here are a few things to remember:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This is an opinion piece. This is NOT set in stone.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I keep saying this to every class for every quarter, but apparently the point isn't getting across. Let me make this clear—-everything in each of these rankings releases are OPINIONS, and not the make-or-break reason why athletes receive a scholarship. It's that simple. My views are my own, and yours are your own. A little respect and grace go a long way into understanding perspective. After all, these are children enjoying a game we all love.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">These rankings are a reflection of COLLEGE READINESS, not how good they are right NOW.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We spend a ton of time and article space trying to predict each of these kids' futures. Yes, your 5'5” setter from a 1A school does a great job at her school and her small, regional club. But does that 5'5” setter look ready to take on collegiate ball? Maybe not as much as someone bigger than her. Is your libero the best defender on her respective squad? Sure, but that libero should still attend college camps and make herself more marketable by putting her name out there on her own. There are literally HUNDREDS of defensive specialists here in Indiana; what sets YOUR DS apart from the others? I can only do so much—-you have to do some of the legwork as well, and some of that involves a ton of travel and an even better understanding of the difference between big time club ball and a good regional-level team. If you don't agree, that's ok. But let's not get it twisted—-some of this comes from the college coaches I chat with as well, and some of their opinions mean more to me than my own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do I move up the rankings?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not as simple as it sounds. Being on a “1s” team doesn't mean as much as you might think. That kid fits that specific team for a reason, and the team's success does not automatically make them better because of their presence on a “1s” team. As many college recruiters have told me personally, if you're THAT good, you will be found. Period. Moving up in the rankings means (1) getting on an all-tournament team, (2) having your team make it to the podium in an end-of-season tournament, (3) earning All-American status at club nationals (either JVA or USAV), (4) attending multiple college camps, hopefully invited to some elite camps as well, and (5) doing something others in your class just aren't doing. If you're special, you will be found. If you're floating along on a middling “1s” team, it's hard to find you standing out from the others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's next for me?</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This part is simple. Play your season to the best of your ability. Get your squad beyond the first round of the postseason. Up your stat level in your respective position to lead your area/region/state in that category. Play on a club team that plays the biggest tournaments, at an open level, with sustained success. All of that is up to you, and all of that cannot be denied.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Be nice.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have dealt with all types of vitriol from adults statewide concerning their particular child. Most of those complaints come because the above wasn't read. In the end, this is about the kids, and we pride ourselves on featuring everyone from the big timers to those diamond-in-the-rough types of players that should deserve more attention. This article—-and this series—-does not make or break your child's future. We are allowed to disagree; it is still legal to do so. What ISN'T legal to me is the nasty, baseless accusations and name-calling that comes with this. Be kind, and remember that this is still just a game. Thanks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->