Hi-Liner Classic: Top Performers Part One

<!-- 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 Hi-Liner Classic in Valley City, ND did not disappoint. Twenty-one teams came together under one roof, and from the first serve to the final whistle, it was a showcase of grit, hustle, and high-level volleyball. The gym was electric—long rallies, aggressive swings, relentless defense, and athletes leaving everything they had on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With so much talent on display, it was impossible to capture it all in one sitting. That's why we're rolling out a two-part series highlighting the standouts who turned heads throughout the tournament. We saw players who could terminate with power, setters who controlled the tempo with confidence, and defenders who refused to let a ball drop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are athletes you need to know about—players who are already making an impact and who will continue to shape the season ahead. For college coaches, take note: this group is worth following closely. The Hi-Liner Classic gave us a preview of just how much talent North Dakota has to offer, and the bar has been set high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's dive in and check out some of the top performers you'll want to keep on your radar this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["832737"],"_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-68c7078f84a83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If there were an MVP of the Hi-Liner Classic, my pick would be freshman standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='832737' first='Hilary' last='Haaven']</strong>. For a 2029, she is already excelling at a level that rivals some of the state's top upperclassmen. Haaven's all-around game is what separates her—she can terminate from both pins, play steady in serve receive, and extend rallies with her relentless defensive coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her volleyball IQ is advanced well beyond her age. Haaven sees the block early, adjusts her swing, and mixes in shots that keep defenders on their heels. She doesn't just swing hard—she swings smart. That decision-making, combined with her quick arm and clean footwork, makes her a go-to option in pressure moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Equally impressive is her composure. Most freshmen are still finding their role, but Haaven carries herself like a seasoned competitor, taking big swings in clutch situations and never shying away from the moment. She's an impact player now, but her ceiling is even higher, and she's quickly becoming one of the names to know across North Dakota volleyball.<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727713"],"_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-68c713a3e2fe0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='727713' first='Kadie' last='Kocka'] was one of the most reliable point-scorers of the weekend, showing exactly why she's already committed to Valley City State. The senior terminates with authority from the left pin, using her strong arm to power through blocks and score in transition. Her leadership and poise were evident throughout the tournament—Kocka not only delivers kills but also steadies her team in high-pressure moments.<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["838327"],"_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-68c713a3e303b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Already featured in our rankings, [player_tooltip player_id='838327' first='Skye' last='Nielson'] is on the rise—and the Hi-Liner Classic only reinforced that trajectory. She runs quick-tempo attacks with precision, making her a nightmare for blockers trying to get set. Nielson's ability to score in system while also contributing defensively makes her a complete outside hitter. Expect her name to keep climbing as she continues to develop.<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></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":"Scarlett Satrom","_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":"null","_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":"Maple River","_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-68c713a3e30f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Scarlett Satrom showed flashes of dominance as a six-rotation outside, impacting both offensively and defensively. She's aggressive on the attack, but what stood out was her ability to keep rallies alive in the backcourt and then transition quickly into offense. Satrom has the tools and mentality to be a consistent threat every time she rotates through the front row.<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["796727"],"_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-68c713a3e3145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='796727' first='Maecy' last='Gaukler'] impressed with her quick reads and fearless defense. She anticipates well, often digging balls that looked destined to hit the floor. Her serve receive was clean and consistent, giving her setters quality touches to run their offense. Gaukler may not always show up in the kill column, but her impact on extending rallies and stabilizing first contact was huge all weekend.<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["830737"],"_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-68c713a3e318f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='830737' first='Calleigh' last='Hewitt'] brought energy and firepower to the floor. She's a physical attacker who looks to score with every swing, but she also showed good court vision by mixing in shots to open space. Hewitt's ability to adapt and find ways to score against tough defenses stood out, and she's quickly establishing herself as a dependable offensive weapon. <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></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":"Molly Welsch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32561","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Oak Grove","_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-68c713a3e3220"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most versatile players at the Classic, Molly Welsch was a threat in multiple roles. She attacked effectively in the front row, showing a fast arm and smart shot placement, but she also showcased her setting skills in the back row. That dual ability kept defenses guessing and gave her team an edge in creating offensive rhythm. Welsch has quickly moved onto our radar, and her versatility is a big reason why. <strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</a></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><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:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->