Scouting Report: Day 3 AAU Nationals in Orlando Florida

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>‼️<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Day 3 at <strong>AAU Nationals in Orlando</strong> did not disappoint—high-paced rallies, fierce net play, and athletes showing why this is one of the most important stages of the summer. From <strong>NAIA coaches to D1 recruiters</strong>, this is where programs find the game-changers, and today's performances delivered just that.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I spent the day tracking tempo, watching hitters adjust mid-air, setters run the floor, and defenders lock down coverage. Some of these athletes are already committed and showing exactly why they're next-level material. Others? Still up for grabs—hungry, competitive, and ready to prove they belong in your program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are my Day 3 picks—players who stood out with their skill, IQ, effort, and presence. These are names that need to be on your radar heading into the final stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cecilia Spaeth","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32564","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Kokoro","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685aa5d803c56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cecilia Spaeth continues to shine at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>, bringing energy and precision to every rotation. She plays with quick feet, which allows her to stay balanced through her approach and make fast adjustments on out-of-system balls. Cecilia is aggressive on the attack, showing confidence swinging down the line, hitting deep corners, and tooling the block when needed. Her movement off the net and commitment in transition make her a dependable, high-IQ pin attacker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["453086"],"_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-685aa5d803cb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Already committed to <strong>Michigan State</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='453086' first='Ellery' last='DeBoer'] is putting on a clinic at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>. She's running the court with total command—tempo, location, and decision-making all on point. Her volleyball IQ is off the charts, consistently outsmarting the block and keeping the defense guessing with smooth set distribution and perfectly timed dumps. Ellery leads with poise and confidence, showing exactly why she's one of the elite setters in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741104"],"_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-685aa5d803cff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='741104' first='Sophia' last='Schlinger'] is a true workhorse on the court at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>, covering every inch of the floor and keeping her offense in rhythm no matter the situation. She hustles in transition, chases down tight passes, and still delivers a consistent ball with great tempo. Sophia plays with intensity and purpose, showing strong communication and leadership at the setter position. She's a rising 2027 who brings grit, effort, and court command—definitely one for college coaches to keep on their radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["749516"],"_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-685aa5d803d3e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='749516' first='Laila' last='Stein'] is more than just a setter—she's an all-around competitor who can impact the game from anywhere on the court. Her versatility is elite—whether she's setting, defending, serving, or even attacking, there's no role she can't handle. Laila brings leadership, hustle, and smart decision-making with every touch. For a college coach looking for a do-it-all player with grit and high-level instincts, Laila is one to circle and connect with now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["724966"],"_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-685aa5d803d7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='724966' first='Kinley' last='Pedersen'] is the steady force in the back row, playing a key role in her team's hunt for gold at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>. She brings calm, control, and confidence to every rotation—reading attackers early, holding her platform, and making clean, efficient plays in serve receive and defense. Kinley keeps her team grounded in pressure moments and leads with her voice and poise. She's a reliable libero with the kind of presence every championship-caliber team needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["509917"],"_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-685aa5d803dba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='509917' first='Sailor' last='Friedly'] is a high-impact outside hitter making waves at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>. She attacks with a fast, fluid arm swing, and her ability to terminate in transition sets her apart. Sailor reads the block well, using sharp cross-court angles, deep corners, and high hands to consistently score. She brings energy, confidence, and shot variety—a must-watch for college coaches looking for a smart, dynamic pin hitter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490148"],"_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-685aa5d803df6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='490148' first='Kayla' last='Nawrocki'] is a standout 6'1" setter who is commanding the floor at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>. Her clean hands and consistent release allow her to run a smooth, balanced offense, keeping all attackers in rhythm. Kayla does an excellent job of controlling the tempo, adjusting pace based on match flow, and making smart decisions under pressure. With her size, poise, and technical skill, she's a setter that's making a strong impression this week in Orlando.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Aiyana Baker","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Big Lake","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Crossfire","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685aa5d803e71"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aiyana Baker is an absolute force at the net at <strong>AAU Nationals</strong>, putting up a blocking clinic on Day 3. She plays with great timing and footwork, forming a solid wall that shuts down attackers and takes away angles. Aiyana reads the setter well and consistently closes blocks with strong penetration and fast lateral movement. Her presence at the net is disruptive, and her ability to change the momentum with big blocks makes her a key difference-maker on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my 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.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>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/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></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 -->