Beyond the Kill: Heart, Hustle, and Drive in the 2029 Class

<!-- 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>When I'm scouting Class of 2029 hitters, kill totals only tell me so much. I want to see how they actually play the position. I look at their approach, arm speed, how high they make contact, and what happens when they get a set that's too tight or pushed off the net. I love watching hitters who can recognize a double block, find the seam, or change their shot instead of trying to power through everything. And when they get stuffed? I want to see how they respond on the very next ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That's what I enjoy about this group. They all bring something different, but they compete with a lot of heart and fight. Some of the best things I see from these players don't even show up on a stat sheet. These hitters have earned their places in our 2029 rankings, and I want college coaches to take a closer look at some names here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992639"],"_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-6ae3e6f6d54b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carmella McWilliams brings the middle of the game into focus. Quick transitions off the net, getting her feet underneath her, and being ready to attack are all part of what makes a middle effective. The quicker she can get into her approach, the less time the opposing block has to react. She also has to stay involved when the first attack doesn't go as planned. Carmella is part of a talented 2029 group, and her middle work will be key as the competition gets stronger. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["894379"],"_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-6ae3e6f6d5518"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='894379' first='Veda' last='Vanderhagen'] brings another dimension to this group of 2029 hitters. Playing outside isn't always about hitting the ball as hard as you can. Recognizing a block, finding the open court, and changing the direction of a swing can be just as effective as power. A well-placed shot down the line or a ball worked off the blockers' hands can completely change a rally. Veda has earned her place in these rankings, and having different ways to attack will be important as she faces bigger and more experienced blockers. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["887983"],"_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-6ae3e6f6d5568"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='887983' first='Tenley' last='Claire Norrie'] is another outside hitter who belongs in this 2029 group. So much of a successful attack starts before the hitter even leaves the floor. Good approach footwork, getting behind the ball, and making contact out in front can make a big difference in how much control a hitter has over her swing. It's especially important when the setter pushes the set inside or off the net. Tenley has an opportunity to build on those details and become a more versatile offensive option. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952820"],"_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-6ae3e6f6d55b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='952820' first='Harper' last='Ulmer'] brings hustle to the middle. A lot happens around the net, and the work doesn't stop after the first attack. Getting into coverage, reacting to a blocked ball, and getting back up quickly are all key parts of the position. Those second efforts can shift a rally's momentum and give a team another chance to score. Harper has earned her spot among the ranked 2029 hitters, and that willingness to stay involved in the play is exactly what makes the middle position so valuable. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["957689"],"_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-6ae3e6f6d5614"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='957689' first='Sydney' last='Anderson'] brings another name to this talented group of 2029 hitters. There's a lot to like about a middle who can be aggressive at the net while still having the control to make adjustments. Being able to attack a quick ball, find the open space behind the block, or change the direction of a swing gives a middle more ways to score. I also like how important it is to stay ready when a rally extends. Getting back into position and being available for another attack can put a lot of pressure on the opposing defense. Sydney has earned her place in these rankings, and she has many chances to stand out in this class. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</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>This journey is created by the village, athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</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":987083,"width":"1214px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"2.026711185308848","linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_5b1fa1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-987083" style="aspect-ratio:2.026711185308848;width:1214px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->