Back Row Bosses: Minnesota Showcase Standouts of ’27 & ’28

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By: Theresa Hickman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Minnesota Showcase delivered on every level! From the moment the athletes hit the court, it was clear we were in for something special. This week, we'll break down the players who commanded the spotlight—those who brought unmatched energy, showcased elite skills, and stepped up big-time against top-tier competition. Even during warm-ups, the sheer talent and confidence from the freshman and sophomores were impossible to ignore. These rising stars didn't just meet the challenge—they owned it! Let's meet some of the back row bosses!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492605"],"_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-67604ecf37a75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evelyn is a name you'll want to remember. Within the first five minutes on the court, she caught my eye and had me jotting down her number to keep tabs on. Her energy? Absolutely electric. Her hustle? Unmatched. Evelyn's footwork was precise, and her passing was nothing short of elite. As a freshman, she's already making waves, and it's clear she's destined to have a major impact. This is just the beginning for a player with her level of talent and drive. Keep an eye on her—she's going places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727997"],"_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-67604ecf37ad4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baylor once again proved why she's a powerhouse on the court. What stood out most was her exceptional court IQ—she consistently directed her hitters, calling out gaps with confidence and precision. For a freshman to demonstrate this level of awareness is nothing short of impressive. Combine that with her relentless hustle and infectious positivity, and it's easy to see why she's emerging as one of North Dakota's top prospects. Baylor isn't just playing the game—she's elevating</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["720625"],"_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-67604ecf37b1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madi is a player who demands attention. Her positivity and encouragement were contagious, setting the tone for those around her. Beyond her uplifting attitude, Madi's hustle stood out in every drill—she gave 100% every time she stepped on the court. Her work ethic and energy make her a player to watch closely as she continues to grow and develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["532491"],"_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-67604ecf37b5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><br>Delaney showed why she's a defensive standout. Going up against talented hitters is no easy task, but she found a way to make key digs when it mattered most. She was vocal in the back row, keeping her teammates engaged and focused. Her determination to improve and consistent effort were hard to miss, making her a player to keep an eye on!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522737"],"_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-67604ecf37b9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Katie proved to be the ultimate boss of coverage. She was everywhere on the court, always backing up her hitters and ensuring no play was left unchecked. Her awareness and quick reactions made her a key player, showcasing just how valuable she is in every rotation. Katie's court presence and hustle were impossible to ignore!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we close out, these five players made a huge impact, but countless others also stood out. The talent coming from these freshmen and sophomores is unreal. These back-row bosses not only took charge but did so with confidence and fearlessness. They're the definition of raw talent and drive. I'm thrilled to have witnessed such incredible performances at this showcase, and I'm excited to see what's next for all of these athletes in club season. Be sure to follow @prepdigdakotas on Instagram for all the latest on our players and their journeys!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->