New Names on the Court: Freshmen to Watch
In this article:
Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.
Every season brings a new group of players who make us take notice of them right away on the varsity court, and this freshman class is already giving us plenty of names to watch. Some have stepped right into starting roles, while others are seeing their responsibilities grow as the season progresses. From powerful pins and athletic middles to steady defenders, these young players are showing flashes of what could be ahead. They are still developing and learning the varsity game, but their athleticism, skill, and early production have caught our attention. Here are a few freshmen who have made us take notice this fall.
Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for live event coverage, behind the scenes stories, player highlights, and the latest updates. If you want to get on my radar or feel like I may have missed you, please reach out to me on email at vanguilderamy@gmail.com. I always love hearing from players, especially Minnesota athletes and I'm always looking for new players to watch and follow!
Austin is a powerful pin who also brings plenty of finesse to her attack. She has a quick, powerful arm swing but also knows when to take something off the ball and use the line to her advantage, something she has done very well for Albany this season. She has already put down 136 kills, averaging 2.5 kills per set, while also contributing 114 digs and handling 101 serve receptions. Austin brings a nice combination of power and shot selection to the court, making her a threat in multiple rotations. She already has a strong foundation to build from and will be fun to watch as she continues to grow her game.
Highlights
Haugh is a freshman swinging from the pin for United South Central. She saw some varsity action last year but has stepped into a much bigger role this season, putting down 95 kills while averaging 1.5 kills per set. She has also added 17 aces, 68 digs, and five assists. Haugh is a versatile player who can contribute in several areas of the game and continues to look more comfortable at the varsity level. With plenty of volleyball still ahead of her, she will be a fun player to watch as she continues to develop her all around game.
Humbert has stepped into a big role as a freshman, taking over the starting libero position for Paynesville High School. She has already racked up 221 digs, averaging 4.2 digs per set, while adding 21 aces and handling 270 service receptions. Humbert moves well in the back row, does a nice job keeping her hips behind the ball, and creates solid angles with her platform to control the first contact. For a freshman playing such a demanding position, she already shows a strong defensive foundation and should be a fun player to watch develop over the next several seasons.
Jenniges is a middle with a ton of potential and plenty of versatility in her attack. She is quick and agile, can attack effectively off of one foot or two, and does a nice job varying her shots to find different areas of the court. So far this season, Jenniges has recorded 82 kills, averaging 1.5 kills per set, while also adding 37 blocks, or 2.1 blocks per match. As she continues to develop her timing, strength, and offensive range, Jenniges has the tools to become an increasingly impactful player at the net.
Fenstra is a new name to hit the courts this fall, and the young middle has plenty of upside. She is still learning the finer points of the position, but you can already see the progress in her game. She has put down 39 kills and added 29 blocks so far this season, showing she can make an impact both offensively and at the net. Fenstra looks most natural offensively when she is on the move, especially running the slide or attacking from the right side, where she can keep the ball in front of her and use her athleticism. As her footwork, timing, transition, and connection with her setter continue to develop, her offensive game should only expand making her a fun young middle to keep an eye on.
