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<p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p>
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<p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>
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<p>The <a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/north-dakota-2028-rankings/">2028 fall rankings</a> were updated this week as we enter the fall volleyball season.</p>
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<p>When it comes to the game of volleyball, few positions carry the weight and responsibility of the outside hitter. These athletes are often the go-to option in pressure moments—the player trusted to take that final swing when the set is tight and the crowd is on edge. Outsides need to bring a combination of power, precision, and poise. They aren't just scorers; they're six-rotation weapons who serve, pass, defend, and then step up to terminate on the pin.</p>
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<p>North Dakota's 2028 class is quickly gaining a reputation for producing <strong>dynamic power hitters</strong>, athletes with the arm speed and IQ to challenge even the toughest defenses. We've already spotlighted names like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='830789' first='Cameron' last='Braun'], [player_tooltip player_id='728000' first='Olivia' last='Bratton'], [player_tooltip player_id='834062' first='Kendall' last='Mueller'], and [player_tooltip player_id='727985' first='Taylor' last='Sanders']</strong>—players who have separated themselves early as some of the best outsides in the state. But they aren't the only ones making noise.</p>
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<p>Behind them is a wave of fresh talent—players who are pushing, grinding, and showing flashes of that “next big thing” potential. They're building their game on the foundation of versatility: hitting high and hard when needed, tooling blocks with smart shots, and keeping rallies alive with relentless back-row defense.</p>
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<p>The state is watching this position group closely, and for good reason—the outside hitters of 2028 bring the kind of energy and firepower that can change a match in an instant. The question now is: <strong>who else is ready to climb into that top tier?</strong></p>
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<p>Let's check out the next group of outsides making their mark in North Dakota's Class of 2028.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#5 – 🌟 [player_tooltip player_id='725601' first='Mya' last='Glandt']</h3>
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<p>Glandt headlines this next group of outsides as a true <em>point-scoring machine</em>. At just 15, she already swings with the authority of an upperclassman, capable of terminating balls against a well-formed block. What makes her so dangerous is her ability to score in multiple ways: high and heavy cross-court, tooling the outside hand, or dropping a roll into the deep corner when defenders back off. Add in her ability to pass in serve-receive and play relentless back-row defense, and you get the complete package. With her size, arm speed, and willingness to take big swings in pressure, Glandt projects as a high-impact six-rotation outside at the college level—exactly the type of athlete recruiters need to track now.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#6 – 💥 [player_tooltip player_id='731023' first='Emma' last='Hofstad']</h3>
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<p>Hofstad plays with <em>fearless aggression</em> at the net. She thrives in out-of-system situations, turning broken plays into kills with her ability to adjust and still find angles. Her serve-receive passing continues to improve, and defensively she reads attackers well enough to keep rallies alive. College coaches will love her competitive edge—Hofstad is the type of outside who demands the ball in crunch time and finds ways to score when her team needs it most.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#7 – 🔥 [player_tooltip player_id='743638' first='Casey' last='Deng']</h3>
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<p>Deng is a <em>technician on the pin</em>. Her timing and footwork allow her to attack with efficiency rather than just brute force. She has a sharp line shot and isn't afraid to go off-speed to frustrate blockers. Defensively, she brings strong court awareness, covering hitters and keeping rallies alive with controlled touches. Deng's IQ and steady game translate to the next level—she's the type of player who can fit seamlessly into a system and elevate teammates around her.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#8 – 🚀 [player_tooltip player_id='744540' first='Macie' last='Vig']</h3>
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<p>Vig brings <em>explosiveness</em> every time she elevates. Her vertical allows her to hit over the block, and she's developing the strength to put balls away with authority. Beyond her swing, Vig adds value as a server who can score points from the line, applying constant pressure on opponents. With her athletic ceiling and determination to keep refining her skills, Vig offers college coaches a high-upside outside hitter who can become a real game-changer.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#9 – 🎯 [player_tooltip player_id='727991' first='Masiella' last='Kjelland']</h3>
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<p>Kjelland shines with her <em>shot-making versatility</em>. She has a knack for finding open space—whether that's tipping over the block, threading down the line, or ripping crosscourt. Defensively, she works hard to stay in plays and shows quick reactions in the back row. Her balanced skill set makes her attractive to college programs looking for a reliable six-rotation player who doesn't just swing hard, but swings smart.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#10 – 🏐 [player_tooltip player_id='831546' first='Elin' last='Skaar']</h3>
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<p>Skaar brings <em>stability and grit</em>. She's the kind of outside who doesn't shy away from the grind of serve-receive, consistently giving her setter quality touches. Offensively, she keeps blockers guessing with a blend of finesse and power, making her tough to defend. Her willingness to do the “dirty work” in transition and defense makes her invaluable on the court—college coaches will see her as the glue player who helps teams win championships.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#11 – ⚡ [player_tooltip player_id='748629' first='McKenna' last='Colter']</h3>
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<p>Colter is all about <em>relentless energy</em>. She hustles for every ball and plays with an edge that ignites her teammates. Her swing is fast and direct, putting constant pressure on defenses, and she's learning to add range with sharp angles. As she continues developing her all-around game, her motor and drive already stand out as college-ready intangibles. Coaches will notice that her effort never dips—she's the kind of athlete who changes momentum just by being on the floor.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#12 – 🔨 [player_tooltip player_id='826810' first='Kendal' last='Ray']</h3>
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<p>Ray is a <em>physical presence</em> on the outside, able to generate heavy pace on her swings. She has the size and strength to terminate consistently, especially in high-ball situations. Defensively, she uses her frame well on the block to shut down hitters and create transition opportunities. Her ceiling is high, and her physical tools alone make her a name that should be highlighted on college recruiting lists moving forward.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#13 – 💪 [player_tooltip player_id='839925' first='Kennedy' last='Havelka']</h3>
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<p>Havelka plays with <em>composure and confidence</em> beyond her age. Her court vision allows her to place balls with precision, making her tough to read as a hitter. She brings value behind the service line as well, delivering tough serves that disrupt rhythm. Coaches will love her poise in big moments—Havelka doesn't just swing hard, she swings smart, and that volleyball IQ will translate well at the college level.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#14 – 🏹 [player_tooltip player_id='728605' first='Hudsyn' last='Hubrig']</h3>
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<p>Hubrig is a <em>true competitor</em> who thrives in long rallies. She's not afraid to grind defensively, throwing herself after balls and keeping plays alive. Offensively, she finds creative ways to score, using roll shots, tools, and sharp angles to her advantage. Her versatility and willingness to battle for every point make her a player with long-term value to a college program looking for grit and skill in one package.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">#15 – 🔥 [player_tooltip player_id='828742' first='Adalyn' last='Effhauser']</h3>
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<p>Effhauser rounds out the rankings with her <em>well-rounded impact</em>. She's dependable in serve-receive, scrappy in defense, and confident at the net. Her consistency makes her a stabilizing force, the kind of outside coaches can trust to execute under pressure. Effhauser may not always make the flashiest plays, but she delivers winning ones—college recruiters will see her as a steady presence who elevates her team in all phases.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Others to Note</strong>:</h2>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/grace-groninger-2/">[player_tooltip player_id='742870' first='Grace' last='Groninger']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/aria-ryg/">[player_tooltip player_id='773809' first='Aria' last='Ryg']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ally-strobel/">[player_tooltip player_id='883408' first='Ally' last='Strobel']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/adalyn-gaube/">[player_tooltip player_id='744544' first='Adalyn' last='Gaube']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/lila-pladson/">[player_tooltip player_id='745942' first='Lila' last='Pladson']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ruth-thompson/">[player_tooltip player_id='746268' first='Ruth' last='Thompson']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/morgan-weisbrich/">[player_tooltip player_id='742766' first='Morgan' last='Weisbrich']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/stella-batzer/">[player_tooltip player_id='740868' first='Stella' last='Batzer']</a></p>
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<p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/aubrey-karsky/">[player_tooltip player_id='742561' first='Aubrey' last='Karsky']</a></p>
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<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>
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<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>
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<p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>
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