On Our Radar: High School Volleyball Players to Watch This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school volleyball season is here, and the Class of 2028 is ready to take their first swings at a higher level. This group is stepping in with solid skills, strong work ethic, and a willingness to compete. From steady defenders who track the ball well to hitters with clean swing mechanics, these players are showing they have the tools to grow into key contributors for their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out about this class is their willingness to learn and adapt—whether it's adjusting to faster game speed, improving block timing, or making smart shot choices under pressure. They've been putting in the work in the offseason, and now it's time to see how they handle the jump to high school competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll be following their progress throughout the season to see who earns more playing time, steps into bigger roles, and starts making an impact on the scoreboard. The Class of 2028 is just getting started, but the foundation is there for an exciting future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523053"],"_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-689a11d04f75e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wren Carton is a defensive specialist/libero with a natural feel for the back row. She reads the court well, stays low in her defensive posture, and moves efficiently to keep plays alive. Her platform control allows her to deliver consistent passes to target, giving her setters a quality ball to run the offense. Whether she's tracking a deep serve or reacting to a quick tip, Wren shows steady instincts and good court awareness for her age. As she adjusts to the high school pace, her ability to anticipate and communicate will make her a valuable asset in Waconia's defensive rotation.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["744808"],"_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-689a11d04f7e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='744808' first='Piper' last='Sweeney'] runs the offense with a calm, composed presence at the setter position. She delivers a clean, consistent ball to all zones, keeping her hitters in rhythm and the defense guessing. Her footwork allows her to get square even when chasing down a pass, and she makes smart decisions on when to speed up the tempo or feed the hot hand. Piper's ability to disguise her sets and connect with her attackers shows advanced court IQ for her age, making her one to watch as she steps into the high school game.<strong><em>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734831"],"_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-689a11d04f84f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='734831' first='Estella' last='Audette'] brings iq and versatility to the front row, capable of impacting the game as both a middle blocker and right-side attacker. She closes blocks quickly and takes smart angles, making life difficult for opposing hitters. On offense, Estella's quick arm swing and ability to find seams in the block give her an edge at the net, whether she's hitting quicks in the middle or driving the ball from the right pin. Her two-position flexibility makes her a valuable asset for any lineup.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["627904"],"_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-689a11d04f8b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='627904' first='Larkin' last='Rupert'] brings a steady offensive presence to the court with her ability to attack from both pins and adjust to the set in midair. She's quick to transition from defense to offense, reading the block and finding high-percentage swings. Her ball control in serve-receive allows her team to stay in system, and she has the versatility to score whether it's a fast-tempo ball or a high out-of-system set. With her court awareness and ability to create points in tough situations, Rupert is a key young outside hitter to keep an eye on this season.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["661589"],"_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-689a11d04f912"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='661589' first='Thea' last='Heiland'] brings a smooth, controlled game to the outside position, pairing clean ball control with a confident swing. She stays balanced on her approach, allowing her to adjust to any set and keep defenders guessing. In serve-receive, she holds her platform steady, giving her setters plenty of options to run the offense. Whether it's tooling the block, finding the deep corner, or rolling it smartly into open space, Heiland shows the kind of all-around skill set that makes her a steady contributor and one to track closely this season.<em><strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></em></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><em>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!</em></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:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->