Uncommitted 2026 to Watch at Navy Pier Asics Championship

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>If you loved this article, please follow our Instagram page,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">PrepDigDakotas</a>&nbsp;for exclusive content and behind-the-scenes action.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After following our page, take the next step and&nbsp;<strong>subscribe to PrepDig</strong>! 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Use discount code <strong>digdakotas30</strong> for an exclusive offer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Locked in and ready. As travel day kicks off and teams gear up, I've been deep in the film room — watching highlights, reviewing rosters, and responding to messages. All eyes are on the upcoming <strong>Navy Pier ASICS Championship in Chicago</strong>, and with talent ranging from 13s to 18s, this tournament is going to be loaded.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches — this is your chance. I've got a list of uncommitted players who are ready to compete, make an impact, and find the right program to call home. Let's dive in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["723110"],"_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-6840e3e84d823"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keep your eyes on <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='723110' first='Payton' last='Barendsen']</strong> this weekend at Navy Pier. A true <strong>6-rotation weapon</strong>, Payton brings power, precision, and poise to the court. She's not just a terminal attacker — she's also a gritty defender who reads the game well in serve receive and back row coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a high volleyball IQ, consistent first contact, and the ability to take smart swings under pressure, Payton is the kind of player that holds her own in any rotation. She has the court awareness to find seams, tool the block, and deliver in clutch moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>College coaches</strong> — if you're looking for a steady, high-impact outside with leadership qualities and all-around versatility, [player_tooltip player_id='723110' first='Payton' last='Barendsen'] needs to be on your watch list.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["732282"],"_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-6840e3e84d8a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Kate Vanappledorn</strong> is a name you'll want to circle heading into the Navy Pier ASICS Championship. An <strong>aggressive attacker at the net</strong>, Kate brings relentless energy to the front row with a fast arm and fearless mentality. She challenges the block every time she takes off and isn't afraid to swing hard in high-pressure moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separates Kate is her ability to <strong>terminate in transition</strong> and her consistency in <strong>pin-to-pin execution</strong>. She plays with intensity, tracks blockers well, and has a natural feel for finding open space on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coaches looking for a <strong>high-impact offensive threat</strong> who brings fire every point — <strong>Kate Vanappledorn</strong> is the competitor you'll want to keep an eye on this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["739622"],"_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-6840e3e84d903"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='739622' first='Victoria' last='Anderson'] is a force to watch in the middle this weekend at the Navy Pier ASICS Championship. Standing tall and playing even bigger, she brings dominance at the net with fast lateral movement and an explosive first step that makes her a constant blocking threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Victoria times her quick attacks with precision and transitions seamlessly from block to approach. Her ability to read the setter and close the block effectively puts pressure on opposing hitters, often forcing them into errors. Offensively, she brings heat on the slide and quick sets, making her a dual threat in both tempo and power.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you're a coach in search of a middle who can anchor your net defense and score in tempo, [player_tooltip player_id='739622' first='Victoria' last='Anderson'] is one you won't want to overlook.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["546314"],"_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-6840e3e84d95d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='546314' first='Charlotte' last='Borzenski'] is one of those players you can't help but notice on the court. Whether it's her court awareness, relentless hustle, or ability to make big plays in clutch moments, Charlotte brings an intensity that elevates everyone around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's smart, competitive, and reads the game with a high IQ—making split-second decisions that lead to points. Charlotte consistently displays strong ball control, crisp movement, and a leadership presence that makes her a glue player on any roster. She's vocal, confident, and locked in from the first serve to match point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">College coaches: if you're looking for a versatile athlete with grit, skill, and the drive to win, [player_tooltip player_id='546314' first='Charlotte' last='Borzenski'] is one to keep on your radar this weekend at Navy Pier.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["546321"],"_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-6840e3e84d9b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='546321' first='Jada' last='Clark'] is a dynamic pin hitter who brings firepower and versatility to the court. Whether she's swinging from the left or right side, Jada delivers a heavy ball with smart shot selection and the ability to terminate in high-pressure situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's the type of player who plays above the net, uses her footwork and explosive approach to create separation from the block, and finds the seams with precision. Jada doesn't just attack—she competes. Her court presence is confident, and she brings energy every single rep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Add in her ability to contribute in serve, receive, and transition quickly from defense to offense, and you've got a well-rounded weapon ready for the next level. Coaches, [player_tooltip player_id='546321' first='Jada' last='Clark'] is a high-impact attacker you'll want to keep an eye on this weekend at the Navy Pier Championship.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't know about you, but I am ready for this weekend!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <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&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/"><strong>PrepDig.com</strong>.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @</em></strong>prepdigdakotas</h4> <!-- /wp:heading -->