Fall Rankings Update: 2028 South Dakota Outsides. Who To Watch?

<p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>   <p>The <a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/rankings/south-dakota-rankings/south-dakota-2028-rankings/">2028 fall rankings</a> were updated this week as we enter the fall volleyball season.</p>   <p>When it comes to building a program around elite talent, outside hitters often become the cornerstone of the offense. They are the go-to scorers in high-pressure moments, asked to take big swings in and out of system, while also contributing in serve receive, blocking, and back row defense. The best outsides aren't just powerful attackers—they're complete six-rotation players with a high volleyball IQ, capable of changing the flow of a match with one swing or one dig.</p>   <p>We've already highlighted some of the premier talents in the state with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746420' first='Wells' last='Batcheller'], [player_tooltip player_id='752363' first='Kinnley' last='Lammer'], [player_tooltip player_id='729589' first='Sylea' last='Sykes'], and [player_tooltip player_id='833417' first='Julia' last='Billington']</strong> earning well-deserved Top 10 recognition. Each of them has already proven they can elevate their teams and perform at a high level.</p>   <p>But South Dakota's Class of 2028 is deep with talent at this position, and the next 10 outside hitters on our list are just as exciting. These players bring athleticism, creativity, and grit to the court. They're versatile scorers who can tool a block, swing high hands, mix in off-speed shots, and still anchor their teams in serve receive.</p>   <p>College coaches, if you're looking for competitors who can score under pressure and still bring consistency to every phase of the game, these outsides are ones to watch.</p>   <p>Let's take a closer look at the <strong>next wave of South Dakota outside hitters</strong> who round out this class of 2028 rankings.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#5 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='745859' first='Taylor' last='Piel'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Taylor has one of the quickest arms in the class, delivering high-velocity swings from the left side that challenge even disciplined blockers. She's a high-IQ hitter who knows when to go high hands, roll, or drop in a short tip to keep defenders guessing.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Taylor projects as a six-rotation option with a fast arm that will translate well to faster college tempos.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#6 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='753570' first='Libby' last='Kranz'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Libby brings length and power to the pin, giving her team a reliable scoring threat in both system and out of system. She's improved as a passer and can handle tough serves while still being ready to terminate in transition.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> At the next level, Libby's size and athleticism make her a strong candidate to develop into a go-to outside who can handle heavy swings night after night.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#7 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='746005' first='Ella' last='Fluth'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Ella thrives in big moments, showing fearless swings against strong blocks. She has a knack for hitting sharp angles and adjusting mid-air to find open space. Her ability to contribute in serve receive and back-row defense rounds out her skill set.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Ella's competitive edge and ability to rise in pressure moments make her a great fit for programs that need clutch scorers.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#8 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='731410' first='Kamdyn' last='Borge'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Kamdyn is smooth in transition, always ready to convert digs into points with quick approaches and clean contact. Her all-around game continues to grow, especially as a passer who can stay steady when under pressure.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Kamdyn's transition ability and consistency will allow her to impact the game early in her college career.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#9 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='737434' first='Jaya' last='Engels'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Jaya is dynamic at the net, with a swing that can split seams and pressure defenses. She's explosive off the floor and adds value with her blocking presence on the left pin. Her defensive reads continue to develop, making her a more complete player.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Jaya's athleticism and explosiveness give her high-upside potential as a college-level scorer who can also slow down opposing outsides.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#10 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='745862' first='Brooke' last='Steineke'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Brooke brings balance to her team with her ability to contribute in every phase—attacking, serve receive, and defense. She isn't flashy but is highly reliable, and her smart shot selection often frustrates defenders.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Brooke's steadiness and all-around game make her the type of outside who can thrive in a system that values consistency and trust.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#11 – ⭐ Caelee LeBrun – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Caelee shows why volleyball IQ is just as valuable as physicality. She times her approach well, stays in rhythm with her setter, and makes smart, efficient choices on tough swings. She's developing into a reliable passer as well, which boosts her stock as a six-rotation option.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Coaches will love Caelee's ability to think the game and maximize every touch. She's the type of hitter who will fit perfectly in programs that value efficiency and high volleyball IQ.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#12 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='753441' first='Fiona' last='Travis'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Fiona is the definition of steady. Her first contact is clean, making her an asset in serve receive, and she transitions quickly from defense to attack. She isn't afraid to go deep corner or sharp cross when the block is late, showing strong vision on the court.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Fiona is a glue-player at the next level—she won't just fill a role, she'll raise the consistency of her entire squad.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#13 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='728811' first='Lauren' last='Poeppel'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Lauren thrives under pressure. She has a powerful cross-court swing and knows how to tool the block when out of system. Defensively, her ability to dig hard-driven attacks keeps rallies alive and adds another dimension to her all-around game.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Lauren has the mentality and competitiveness college coaches crave—she's an immediate culture-impact player who can swing, pass, and defend at a high level.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#14 – ⭐ London Backes – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>London brings heat from the pin. Her swing is heavy and forces defenses to stay honest. She has the confidence to go up against the biggest blockers and still find a way to score. Add in her growing presence in the back row, and she's turning into a complete player.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> London has the upside to be a go-to scorer in college—programs looking for a terminal left-side should keep her high on the list.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">#15 – ⭐ [player_tooltip player_id='522791' first='Keely' last='Yde'] – Outside Hitter</h3>   <p>Keely's versatility stands out. She can swing effectively from either pin and even step into the back row when needed. Her serve is a weapon, putting opponents in scramble mode, and she adjusts well to different tempos of offense.<br><strong>College Value:</strong> Keely projects as a flexible, multi-role outside at the college level—a coach's dream when depth and adaptability are key.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Others to Note</strong>:</h2>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/joslyn-stahl/">[player_tooltip player_id='753847' first='Joslyn' last='Stahl']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/josie-price/">[player_tooltip player_id='753853' first='Josie' last='Price']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jordyn-scott/">[player_tooltip player_id='814502' first='Jordyn' last='Scott']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/audrey-rupp/">[player_tooltip player_id='757235' first='Audrey' last='Rupp']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/claire-horn/">[player_tooltip player_id='790067' first='Claire' last='Horn']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/hannah-drake-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='876150' first='Hannah' last='Drake']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ella-a-olson/">[player_tooltip player_id='883201' first='Ella' last='A Olson']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jaina-johnson/">[player_tooltip player_id='790082' first='Jaina' last='Johnson']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/mia-barnhart/">[player_tooltip player_id='756879' first='Mia' last='Barnhart']</a></p>   <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jaycee-jung/">[player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung']</a><br></p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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>   <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 <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>   <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>

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