High School News: Underclassmen Who Think and Play Like Veterans

<!-- 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>It's always exciting to see the next wave of talent stepping onto the court, and this week, underclassmen are proving they can compete at a level that often looks like it belongs to seasoned veterans. These young athletes aren't just showing flashes of potential—they're delivering consistent performance, making smart decisions under pressure, and executing key plays when it matters most. From setting up perfect attacks to locking down the back row, they're impacting every aspect of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With their combination of skill, poise, and volleyball IQ, it's clear that the future of high school volleyball is in good hands. Let's check out who we are watching this week—and so should you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759052"],"_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-68c9b0acaa515"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='759052' first='Kenzie' last='Van Beek'] – 5'11”, Class of 2029, MB/RS</strong><br>Van Beek thrives in a fast-paced, high-tempo offense that keeps opponents constantly on their heels. Her ability to transition from defense to a quick attack makes her a dynamic threat, and she reads the setter's intentions with an almost instinctual sense. One skill that stands out: her explosive quick attacks in the middle. Van Beek consistently finds seams between blockers, often turning seemingly impossible situations into points. Beyond her power, she also brings court awareness and hustle, making her a player who energizes her entire team every time she steps on the court.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SgVxj">http://www.hudl.com/v/2SgVxj</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["721058"],"_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-68c9b0acaa583"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='721058' first='Madelynn' last='Reinhardt'] – 5'3”, Class of 2029, DS/L</strong><br>Though smaller in stature, Reinhardt plays with the confidence and court awareness of a seasoned veteran. She covers the back row with speed, agility, and precise platform control, often neutralizing what appear to be unplayable hits. Her must-watch skill is her ability to dig even the hardest-driven attacks and deliver perfect passes to her setter, effectively turning defense into offense. Reinhardt's energy and communication also help orchestrate the back row, keeping her teammates in rhythm and making her a quiet but essential leader on the court.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23943145/68c6bac1d54522d550a71cd9">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23943145/68c6bac1d54522d550a71cd9</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774455"],"_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-68c9b0acaa5d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='774455' first='Nora' last='Holmgren'] – 5'11”, Class of 2029, MB</strong><br>Holmgren's versatility separates her from the pack. She excels at both blocking at the net and stepping in to set when the play breaks down, making her a true multi-dimensional threat. Must-watch skill: her quick middle slide sets, which create fast-paced offensive opportunities and force opponents to react instantly. Holmgren's style combines strategic thinking with athleticism, allowing her to read the defense, anticipate rotations, and make split-second adjustments that turn tight situations into scoring chances. Her presence adds a layer of unpredictability to her team's offense.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746320"],"_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-68c9b0acaa62c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746320' first='Lila' last='Schlichting'] – 5'10”, Class of 2029, OH/MB</strong><br>Schlichting blends height, athleticism, and intelligent shot selection, making her dangerous from multiple attack positions. Her style emphasizes controlled aggression; she waits for the perfect opportunity to hit around or through the block, making her attacks both powerful and precise. Must-watch skill: her ability to read the opposing block and deliver precision tips or sharp cross-court swings. Beyond her offense, Schlichting contributes defensively, tracking down loose balls and transitioning quickly, making her a complete and reliable player every rotation.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24537511/68bba8f110125b1789265c3d">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24537511/68bba8f110125b1789265c3d</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["757149"],"_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-68c9b0acaa67f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='757149' first='Ruby' last='Zubich'] – 6'2”, Class of 2029, MB</strong><br>Zubich's imposing presence at the net makes her an immediate matchup problem for any opponent. Her style is methodical yet dominant — she reads hitters, positions herself for closing blocks, and attacks with calculated power. Must-watch skill: her ability to control the middle with both timing and authority, often shutting down entire rotations with a perfectly placed block or a quick slide attack. Beyond her height and reach, Zubich brings consistency and patience, showing a maturity in court management that is rare for her class year. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SeyET">http://www.hudl.com/v/2SeyET</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746173"],"_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-68c9b0acaa6cf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746173' first='Amelia' last='Schluender'] – 5'9”, Class of 2029, MB/OH</strong><br>Schluender's versatility is one of her strongest assets, allowing her to contribute effectively in multiple roles. Her dynamic style combines explosive swings with smart decision-making, making her unpredictable and difficult to defend. Must-watch skill: her seamless transition from back-row defense to front-row attack. Schluender not only keeps rallies alive with solid passing and digs but also immediately converts those plays into scoring opportunities. Her combination of agility, power, and volleyball IQ makes her a player who can impact every rotation.<strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23343588/68aa8ddede3ec453e7f1c560">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23343588/68aa8ddede3ec453e7f1c560</a></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 -->