New Names on the Court: Freshmen to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong>&nbsp;<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>Some of the things that impress me most about young volleyball players never show up on a stat sheet. It's the middle who keeps working to get in position, the setter who chases down a tough pass, or the defender who refuses to let a ball hit the floor. It's also how players respond to coaching, encourage their teammates and handle themselves when a match gets difficult. This next group of North Dakota 2030s brings a mix of positions and different strengths to the court. They're still learning and developing, but their effort, attitude and the way they compete have given me plenty of reasons to keep their names on my radar. Sometimes it's the little things that leave the biggest impression.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["917376"],"_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-6ac7cd6a03fa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='917376' first='Molly' last='Mccomb'] has quick feet, and that makes a difference in how she moves around the net. She doesn't get caught standing in one spot waiting for the ball to come her way. Molly works laterally to get in front of attackers, then gets herself off the net and ready to transition into offense. I like how she uses her footwork to stay involved in the play, especially when things start moving quickly. For a young middle, being able to cover ground and get herself into position is a big part of the job, and Molly is showing that movement in her game. <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":["1047646"],"_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-6ac7cd6a04015"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1047646' first='Blake' last='Nicholas'] brings the kind of leadership you want from someone running your offense. She's vocal, she's involved, and she doesn't leave her teammates guessing about what's happening on the court. What I really like is the hustle that goes along with it. Blake will work to chase down a tough first contact and give her hitters an opportunity, even when the pass isn't where she needs it. She doesn't check out after a difficult rally, either. She's right back communicating and getting her team organized for the next ball. That combination of leadership and effort is something I appreciate in a young setter. <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":["1047649"],"_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-6ac7cd6a04068"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1047649' first='Hallie' last='Overby'] is a middle who makes you pay attention to what's happening at the net. Blocking is a big part of her game, and I like the way she works to get herself in front of the attack. She's looking to take away space from opposing hitters rather than simply jumping and hoping to get a touch. Getting her hands over the net and working to close the block are important parts of what she brings defensively. Hallie gives her team someone who is willing to challenge attackers, and that presence at the net is what keeps bringing my attention back to her. <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":["1047634"],"_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-6ac7cd6a040b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1047634' first='Reanna' last='Schlecht'] isn't backing away from a hard-driven ball, and I love seeing that mentality from a young defender. She reads hitters well, which helps her get into position before the ball comes off their hands. Instead of waiting until the attack is already coming at her, Reanna is watching the hitter and anticipating where the ball might go. That gives her a chance to get her platform behind some tough swings and keep the rally alive. There is a toughness to the way she plays defense, and when you combine that with her ability to read the attack, she becomes a player worth watching in the backcourt. <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":["1047635"],"_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-6ac7cd6a04103"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Timing and footwork are two things that stand out when watching [player_tooltip player_id='1047635' first='Ilaina' last='Schmidt'] in the middle. She works to get herself into the right position, and I like how those movements come together when she's preparing for an attack. A middle has to be able to get off the net, find her approach and meet the ball at the right point, and Ilaina is showing good pieces of that coordination. She's not relying on just getting up in the air. There is attention to how she gets there, and that makes her movement at the net something I enjoy watching. <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":["1047623"],"_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-6ac7cd6a04158"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1047623' first='Haven' last='Schommer'] has a calmness to her game that I really like from a setter. Even when a rally gets a little messy, she doesn't look rushed trying to make something happen. She works to get herself to the ball and gives her hitters a set they can actually do something with. Her placement is a big part of what stands out. She's giving attackers opportunities to get into their swings instead of constantly having to adjust to the ball. That ability to settle things down and deliver a hittable set is valuable, especially from a young player who is responsible for directing the offense. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /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 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>The village, along with athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers, creates this journey.</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 -->