5 Must-Know Players That Should Be on Your Radar

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">PrepDigDakotas</a> for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</h2>   After following our page, take the next step and subscribe to PrepDig! By subscribing, you'll not only stay connected to the latest coverage of your favorite events, but you'll also be helping to shine a spotlight on rising volleyball talent.   Use discount code digdakotas30 for an exclusive offer!   Year after year, Illinois produces elite athletes who bring intensity, athleticism, and leadership to the court. The Class of 2027 is no exception.   This group is stacked with players who not only perform under pressure but elevate everyone around them. From dominating at the net to game-changing defense and fearless court presence, these girls are turning heads — and this June, they're bound to be lighting up the phones of college coaches across the country.   So, who are the names you need to know? Here are some of my picks for standout players who have gone above and beyond and are ready to take the next step. Let's dive in.    [player_tooltip player_id='504014' first='Peyton' last='Heatherly'] is an elite-level setter who commands the court with confidence and precision well beyond her years. A true floor general, she runs a fast-paced offense with exceptional court awareness, quick decision-making, and a high volleyball IQ. Her ability to read blockers and deliver tempo sets to all zones makes her a consistent threat in both transition and serve receive.   Already surpassing 1,000 career assists before the end of her sophomore season, Peyton has proven she can run a high-volume offense under pressure. Whether it's a quick set to the middle, a back set to the right, or a perfectly placed out-of-system ball, her hands are clean, consistent, and dynamic.   She's vocal, poised, and a natural leader — constantly communicating, adjusting, and pushing her teammates to compete at a higher level. With excellent footwork, smooth mechanics, and a competitive motor, Peyton is the kind of setter who elevates every player around her.   College coaches — if you're looking for a high-impact setter who can run your offense from day one, [player_tooltip player_id='504014' first='Peyton' last='Heatherly'] needs to be on your radar.~@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='479571' first='Maggie' last='Kurpeikis'] is a dominant outside hitter who brings explosive power and relentless energy to every rotation. She's the kind of six-rotation outside that college coaches love — aggressive at the net, dependable in serve receive, and relentless in out-of-system situations.   Maggie terminates with authority. Her approach is explosive, her arm swing is quick and heavy, and she consistently finds seams in the block or tools it for points. Whether swinging from the pin, in transition, or off a broken play, she knows how to score. Her ability to generate pace and vary her shot selection — from deep cross to sharp angles and line — keeps defenses scrambling.   Beyond her offensive firepower, Maggie contributes with solid passing mechanics, strong defensive reads in the back row, and a high-level competitive mindset. She's a vocal leader and a high-motor athlete who thrives in high-pressure moments.   College coaches — if you're searching for a physical, high-impact outside hitter who brings both firepower and grit, [player_tooltip player_id='479571' first='Maggie' last='Kurpeikis'] should be high on your list.~@prepdigdakotas     At 6'4”, [player_tooltip player_id='529792' first='Ainsley' last='Wilson'] is an imposing presence at the net — and she knows how to use every inch of it. A true impact middle blocker, Ainsley combines size, athleticism, and volleyball IQ to dominate both offensively and defensively.   Her blocking game is elite — she reads setters well, closes the block quickly, and controls the net with disciplined hand positioning and explosive lateral movement. She's a game-changer on defense, altering attacks and shutting down opponents' go-to hitters.   Offensively, Ainsley runs quick tempos with precision and hits a heavy ball off one foot, in front, or on the slide. She's constantly available in transition and a reliable first-ball option out of serve receive. Her timing, connection with setters, and ability to terminate make her a major threat in the middle.   With her physical tools, competitive mindset, and continued growth, Ainsley projects as a high-ceiling middle with the potential to make an early impact at the next level.   College coaches — if you're looking to build your front line around size and skill, [player_tooltip player_id='529792' first='Ainsley' last='Wilson'] is the kind of middle you want anchoring your net.~@prepdigdakotas     Alexi (Lexi) Van Eekeren is a high-level setter with the skill, leadership, and poise that college programs look for. She runs a clean, efficient offense and brings a composed presence to the court that elevates the tempo and confidence of her team.   Technically sound and fundamentally sharp, Lexi delivers consistent, hittable balls from all areas of the court. Her hands are smooth, her footwork is quick, and she transitions effortlessly from defense to offense. Whether she's dishing a fast tempo to the pin or running a deceptive back set, Lexi keeps blockers guessing and her hitters in rhythm.   She's also a vocal leader who communicates with purpose — directing the offense, adjusting plays, and holding teammates accountable. Defensively, she's scrappy and smart, showing solid court awareness and a relentless effort in pursuit of second balls.   Lexi's court vision, decision-making, and competitive drive make her a standout setter in the Class of 2027.   College coaches — if you're looking for a setter who can lead a team and execute at a high level, Alexi “Lexi” Van Eekeren should be on your radar.~@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='435905' first='Taylor' last='Berg'] is an absolute force at the net — a relentless blocker with the instincts, timing, and physicality to shut down hitters at every angle. She owns the net with disciplined form, fast lateral movement, and an aggressive mentality that sets the tone for her team's front-row defense.   Her blocking presence alone changes the game, but Taylor doesn't stop there. She pairs that dominance with a powerful, explosive swing that makes her a consistent offensive weapon. Whether she's crushing quicks in the middle or attacking from the right side, Taylor terminates with purpose. She generates serious pace and brings high contact point and smart shot placement to every swing.   Taylor's intensity, work ethic, and high motor make her a player you can build around — a true two-way threat who impacts every rotation.   College coaches — if you want a physical, high-energy blocker who can also deliver kills in bunches, [player_tooltip player_id='435905' first='Taylor' last='Berg'] should be a top name on your recruiting board.~@prepdigdakotas    The Class of 2027 in Illinois is stacked with high-impact players who are already showing the skills, leadership, and grit it takes to play at the next level. From floor generals like [player_tooltip player_id='504014' first='Peyton' last='Heatherly'] and [player_tooltip player_id='586689' first='Lexi' last='Van Eekeren'], to powerful net presences like [player_tooltip player_id='529792' first='Ainsley' last='Wilson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='435905' first='Taylor' last='Berg'], and dynamic offensive threats like [player_tooltip player_id='479571' first='Maggie' last='Kurpeikis'] — these athletes aren't just performing, they're dominating.   As the summer recruiting season heats up, these are names you'll want to know — and watch closely. The work ethic, competitiveness, and sheer talent coming out of this group is something special. Don't wait until they're committed — get your eyes on them now.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @prepdigdakotas</h4>