High School News: Players Making An Impact In The Back Row

<!-- 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>When the game is on the line, every coach knows the back row can make or break a match. A steady libero or defensive specialist can change momentum with a single dig, turn a rally with a perfectly placed pass, or frustrate the hardest hitters by keeping the ball off the floor. These are the players I would trust in the back court — the ones who bring poise under pressure, communicate with confidence, and provide the foundation their teams rely on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, several standouts are making their presence felt, racking up digs, commanding serve receive, and showing why defense isn't just about stopping points, but creating opportunities to win them. Let's take a look at the players leaving their mark in the back row right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["801788"],"_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-68caf95aef6dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='801788' first='Gabi' last='Schumann'] is on fire this season, and it's no surprise to anyone who has watched her game mature. Recently named Minnesota's <strong>Most Valuable Teammate</strong>, Schumann has become the heartbeat of her team's defense and is now closing in on the 1,000 career dig milestone — a testament to both her consistency and relentless work ethic in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What sets Schumann apart is her platform discipline and ability to control tempo in serve receive. She reads hitters exceptionally well, adjusting her angles early and taking away seams to keep her team in system. In transition, she shows excellent first-step quickness and coverage awareness, often extending rallies with diving saves and controlled out-of-system passes that her setters can still convert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Her serve-receive accuracy, ability to dig out high-velocity swings, and court leadership make her a player every coach can trust when the match is on the line. Schumann doesn't just play defense — she turns defense into offense, fueling momentum shifts and steadying her team in pressure moments. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18841550/68c431bd1777bdd2f59c1eb5">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18841550/68c431bd1777bdd2f59c1eb5</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522737"],"_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-68caf95aef73c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='522737' first='Katie' last='Tipton'] has already entered the 200-dig mark this season, proving herself as a cornerstone in the back row. Her defensive range and ability to read opposing hitters allow her to cover seams and take away high-percentage shots. Tipton's serve-receive consistency gives her team the ability to run a balanced offense, and her ability to stay calm in long rallies makes her a reliable presence under pressure. Coaches will value her court IQ and poise, especially as she continues to refine her transition game from defense to attack. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ShgGz">http://www.hudl.com/v/2ShgGz</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490815"],"_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-68caf95aef788"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='800422' first='Kaelyn' last='Wittwer'] brings a strong defensive presence, already surpassing 200 digs this year. She thrives in high-speed rallies with her quick reaction time and platform control, often making difficult digs look routine. Wittwer's communication in the back row keeps her team organized, and she shows a veteran-like ability to handle tough serves in critical rotations. Her must-watch skill is her ability to turn a hard-driven ball into an in-system pass that keeps her team's offense flowing. She's a libero who knows how to anchor a defense. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SgdaV">http://www.hudl.com/v/2SgdaV</a></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":"Hope Kuechle","_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":"5'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Kimball","_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-68caf95aef830"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hope Kuechle's game is built on relentless effort and precision, and hitting the 200-dig milestone this early in the season highlights her impact. She excels at reading setter cues and anticipating swings, giving her an edge in defensive positioning. Kuechle's ability to cover tips and roll shots complements her digging of heavy swings, making her a complete defender. Her serve-receive steadiness provides confidence to her setters and attackers, and her energy on the floor fuels her teammates. She's the type of back-row leader who brings both skill and intangibles. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["802517"],"_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-68caf95aef934"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crossing the 200-dig mark, [player_tooltip player_id='802517' first='Laurel' last='Kolstoe'] has established herself as a defensive difference-maker. Her footwork and reading ability allow her to get to balls that many players wouldn't, and her calmness in serve receive ensures her team stays in system. Kolstoe is especially strong in out-of-system ball control, turning defensive scrambles into playable opportunities for her offense. With her blend of grit, anticipation, and clean mechanics, she is a back-row presence who can change momentum in a single rally. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Highlights:</strong> <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21098671/68c7115047411d9ca67b0b15">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21098671/68c7115047411d9ca67b0b15</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 -->