2029 Rankings Update: Fresh Faces Cracking the Board (Part 1)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong> <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>Sophomore year is where the recruiting picture really starts to take shape. Between off-season growth spurts, stepping into bigger varsity roles, and putting in heavy reps on the club circuit, our Class of 2029 board in North Dakota looks completely different than it did six months ago.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this multi-part series, I'm breaking down the newest sophomores making their official rankings debuts across the entire floor. We aren't locking in on just one position here—we're looking at playmakers at every spot, from pin hitters finding terminal power to setters running fast offenses and liberos stabilizing serve-receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is Part 1 of my court-side scouting notes on the fresh faces cracking the 2029 board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1010938"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef16d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1010938' first='Emeri' last='Hauck'] | 6'0" | Middle Blocker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing 6'0" as a sophomore middle instantly catches your eye on a warm-up floor, but Emeri backs up that length with quick elevation and solid movement at the tape. She gets up fast on quick-51 routes and penetrates well over the net on her block, taking away sharp angle attacks from opposing pins. As she continues to build physical strength and lateral quickness pin-to-pin, opposing setters will have an increasingly tough time scheming around her presence in the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> A legitimate 6-foot middle prospect with a high physical ceiling. Her height and reach make her a natural rim protector at the net with huge upside as her lateral speed develops.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1047926"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef1d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1047926' first='Quinn' last='Albrecht'] | Defensive Specialist / Libero</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1047926' first='Quinn' last='Albrecht'] does a lot of the little things that I appreciate in a defensive player. She watches the hitter closely and does a great job getting to where she needs to be before the ball crosses. I also like how she handles float serves. She keeps her platform steady and doesn't panic when the ball moves on her. She's quick enough to get after those tough shots down the line, and even when a play gets messy, she finds ways to keep the ball off the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> What stands out with Albrecht is her ability to read hitters and handle tough serves. She can make a difference without needing all the attention. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1004456"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef20c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1004456' first='Miranda' last='Quezada'] | 5'9" | Middle Blocker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'9", Miranda doesn't have the prototype middle height, but she plays a lot bigger than her frame because of her vertical jump and quick footwork off the net. She works hard in transition, getting loaded and ready to swing before the block can set up. She turns tight passes into points by getting her hands on the ball fast and wiping off-blocker arms.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> Fast-tempo, explosive middle who out-works bigger blockers. She moves too fast for slow-closing blocks to settle on her. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054263"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef23d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054263' first='Willow' last='Demers'] | 5'11" | Middle Blocker</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willow is brand new to the scene and easily one of the most intriguing additions to this 2029 board. She's raw right now, but she plays with an aggressive edge at the net you can't teach. She jumps well, attacks at the peak of the ball, and isn't afraid to go head-to-head with bigger blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> High-ceiling sleeper prospect. If she lands with a solid club team this spring and gets excellent technical coaching, watch out, she has the physical tools to jump up our rankings board. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1053488"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef26d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1053488' first='Mabel' last='Finnesgard'] | Defensive Specialist / Libero</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1053488' first='Mabel' last='Finnesgard'] puts in a lot of work in the back row. I like how she stays involved in rallies, especially when the ball comes off the block or a hitter tries to sneak a tip over the defense. She reacts quickly and isn't afraid to go after a ball that looks out of reach. In serve receive, she's vocal about taking her area and does a nice job getting the ball to her setter. She's one of those players who can turn a tough defensive play into another chance for her team to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> Finnesgard reads the court well, communicates well in serve receive, and keeps rallies alive when things don't go as planned. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1054247"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef29c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1054247' first='London' last='Feist'] | 5'7" | Outside Hitter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1054247' first='London' last='Feist'] may be 5'7", but she doesn't let her height limit what she can do at the net. She has a good vertical and a quick arm swing, and she isn't afraid to go after a bigger block. What I like about London is that she doesn't try to hit every ball. She uses the block when she needs to and knows how to find open corners when the defense sits back. She's an aggressive hitter, but she thinks through where she's putting the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> Feist plays bigger than her height and isn't afraid to challenge taller blockers. Her ability to mix up her shots and find ways to score is what makes her interesting to watch. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1042343"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6adb6d4eef2cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1042343' first='Aleigha' last='Schmidt'] | Setter</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1042343' first='Aleigha' last='Schmidt'] is a setter who keeps her offense moving, even when the first pass isn't where she wants it. She gets to the ball quickly, keeps her hands high, and doesn't make it simple for blockers to figure out where she's going next. I also like how she handles those tougher passes that pull her away from the net. She can still get the ball out to her hitters and give them a chance to take a good swing. I appreciate the steadiness of her game, especially when rallies start getting a little messy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Take:</strong> Schmidt has good hands, makes smart decisions with the ball, and doesn't let a difficult pass take her hitters out of the play. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you, 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 grow this positive platform 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—athletes, coaches, families, and</strong> subscribers—makes <strong>this journey possible.</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,"width":"1213px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"2.0216666666666665"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/08/image-8-2.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1020878" style="aspect-ratio:2.0216666666666665;width:1213px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->