BACK COURT BUZZ: Class of 2029 Defenders to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 back row continues to get more interesting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of these names have been on the Prep Dig radar for a while, while others are starting to make themselves known. Either way, this group brings energy, instincts, and the willingness to go get the next ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense is about more than simply making a dig. It is about reading the play, trusting your movement, communicating with teammates, and finding a way to keep the rally alive. These five athletes continue to show those qualities every time they step on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's check in on some Class of 2029 defenders creating some Back Court Buzz!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cadyn Pletkovic</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1002290"],"_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-6a9dc2302543d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pletkovic continues to show a mature feel for the back row. She reads the play early, stays connected to the action, and does a nice job adjusting to whatever comes her way. Her platform is dependable, but it is her anticipation that really stands out. She consistently puts herself in position to make the next play instead of scrambling to catch up to it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Brooklyn Nelson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["998070"],"_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-6a9dc230254b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nelson brings confidence to her movement, and it shows in the way she attacks the ball. She is willing to cover ground and does not hesitate when a tough pass takes her outside of her initial position. Additionally, she stays balanced through contact and gives her setter something workable to run with. Her trust in her footwork allows her to play freely and make difficult balls look much more manageable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gianna Clark</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932344"],"_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-6a9dc2302552a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clark may not be the biggest player on the court, but her presence is impossible to miss. She brings tremendous energy for both herself and her teammates and is always ready to jump into the next play. Clark is willing to cover her space and help in the seam, while also understanding when a ball needs height versus when she can push tempo and keep the offense moving. She is a newer name on the radar, but definitely one to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Harper Wilson</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["993731"],"_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-6a9dc23025580"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wilson is quick, low, and prepared to move. She consistently uses a split step throughout her game, whether she is in serve receive or digging in defense. That preparation gives her a strong first move and allows her to react quickly when the ball changes direction. Wilson also plays with confidence in her platform and is not afraid to chase down a difficult ball to extend the rally. Keep this Class of 2029 defender on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Finlee Holman</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000244"],"_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-6a9dc230255cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holman has been a familiar name around Prep Dig, and she continues to bring reliability to the back row. She stays light on her feet, communicates well with those around her, and approaches serve receive with confidence. Her ability to control difficult contacts helps keep the offense organized, even when the first ball is not perfect. Holman continues to show why steady, dependable defenders are so valuable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">More Names, More Buzz</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 continues to add depth, especially in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pletkovic, Nelson, Clark, Wilson, and Holman each bring something different defensively. Some are newer names entering the conversation, while others continue building on what has already caught our attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, rankings, and scouting coverage, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->