Final 2026 Rankings: Seniors Who Made the Biggest Impact-Part Two

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   These athletes aren't just players—they are leaders, teammates, and competitors who bring the game of volleyball to life every time they step on the court. From grueling club seasons to high-stakes state championship matches, they've proven that talent alone isn't enough; it's heart, determination, and a relentless drive to improve that sets them apart.   Whether it's a perfectly timed block, a clutch kill, a serve that turns the momentum, or a defensive play that keeps a rally alive, these players have a way of making every moment count. They've pushed the level of volleyball in the Dakotas higher, inspiring their teammates, intimidating opponents, and leaving a lasting mark on every court they touch.   Here's a look at part two of our Top 10—the players who continue to define what it means to compete at the highest level. These athletes aren't just talented; their skill, leadership, and passion for the game make them unforgettable. From clutch kills to lockdown defense, precise setting, and momentum-shifting serves, they've left their mark on every court they've touched, raising the level of volleyball across the Dakotas and inspiring everyone around them.    [player_tooltip player_id='742823' first='Londyn' last='Smith'] — Northwest Missouri State University Commit   Ranked as the No. 3 setter in South Dakota's 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='742823' first='Londyn' last='Smith'] has been the engine behind her team's offense this season. As a true floor general, she excels at running a high-tempo system, keeping defenses off balance with mixing quick sets, slide plays, and back-row attacks. Her ability to read blockers, exploit seams, and deliver precise, consistent balls makes her one of the state's most reliable setters, capable of turning every possession into a scoring opportunity.   Smith's composure under pressure is unmatched. In tight sets and critical moments, she remains calm and decisive, orchestrating the offense with poise and precision while elevating her hitters' performances. Beyond setting, her defensive awareness and transition speed allow her to cover the court, dig attacks, and immediately turn defense into offense.   Northwest Missouri State is getting more than just a skilled setter—they're gaining a leader who controls the pace, creates one-on-one matchups for her attackers, and thrives in every high-pressure scenario. [player_tooltip player_id='742823' first='Londyn' last='Smith'] doesn't just run an offense—she dictates the flow of the game.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='725171' first='Abby' last='Gruber'] — Augustana University Commit   Ranked as the No. 1 middle blocker in South Dakota's 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='725171' first='Abby' last='Gruber'] is the kind of player who demands attention the moment she steps on the court. Watching her during club season and high school matches was one of my favorite experiences—her presence at the net is impossible to ignore. Gruber reads hitters with precision, times her blocks perfectly, and presses over the net with authority, consistently shutting down some of the state's best attackers. Offensively, she's unstoppable running quicks, slides, and combination plays, connecting cleanly and scoring with lethal efficiency.   Her dominance goes beyond skill—it's in her work ethic, intensity, and relentless effort. She's in constant motion, transitioning seamlessly from block to attack, chasing every ball, and pushing her teammates to elevate their game. In key moments, she doesn't just perform—she changes the outcome of the match. Augustana is gaining a front-row anchor with unmatched power, speed, leadership, and a competitive fire that sets the tone for every rally. [player_tooltip player_id='725171' first='Abby' last='Gruber'] doesn't just play volleyball—she owns the net.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='802191' first='Julia' last='Blom'] — Augustana University Commit   Ranked as the No. 2 defensive specialist/libero in South Dakota's 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='802191' first='Julia' last='Blom'] is the backcourt engine every team dreams of having. Her serve receive is rock-solid, consistently delivering pinpoint passes that give setters the precision to run fast, unpredictable offenses. Blom reads hitters with remarkable anticipation, covering the court with speed and agility, digging attacks that seem out of reach, and turning defense into transition opportunities.   She's more than a defender—Blom is a complete floor leader. Her quick footwork, disciplined platform, and clean passing anchor every play, while her strong serve and strategic placement create pressure and force errors. On top of that, her vocal leadership and court awareness guide her teammates, keeping the floor organized and the energy high. Augustana is adding a libero who does it all with precision, intensity, and unmatched volleyball IQ, a player who not only stops the ball but elevates everyone around her.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='809729' first='Kya' last='Keegan'] — Minnesota State University Moorhead Commit   Ranked as the No. 2 middle blocker in South Dakota's 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='809729' first='Kya' last='Keegan'] is the type of player who changes the game from the moment she steps on the court. Standing 6'4", she combines length, athleticism, and elite timing to dominate both offensively and defensively. Her quicks, slides, and combination attacks are executed with power, precision, and consistency, keeping blockers guessing and giving her hitters prime scoring opportunities.   At the net, Keegan is a blocking force, reading hitters early, controlling seams, and altering attacks with her reach and anticipation. Her footwork, court awareness, and rapid transitions allow her to contribute on every rally, turning defense into offense and keeping her team in command. Beyond her physical tools, Keegan brings a relentless work ethic and competitive mindset, the kind that elevates her teammates and makes her a true impact player. Minnesota State–Moorhead is gaining a middle who dominates the net, controls the flow of the game, and leaves a lasting mark on every match she plays.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='725174' first='Makenzie' last='Walsh'] — Southwest Minnesota State University Commit   [player_tooltip player_id='725174' first='Makenzie' last='Walsh'] has been a force from the right side all season, combining explosive power, a quick arm swing, and smart shot selection that makes her nearly impossible to defend. Ranked as the No. 1 right side attacker in South Dakota's Class of 2026, she thrives in every rotation—whether powering kills in the front row or finding seams from the back row, Walsh consistently turns possessions into points.   What sets her apart is more than just her attack—she's a complete player. Her blocking is aggressive and precise, reading setters and closing gaps to disrupt opposing offenses. Makenzie's competitive drive and volleyball IQ make her a reliable option in high-pressure situations, and her energy elevates everyone around her. Southwest Minnesota State is gaining an athlete who blends strength, versatility, and determination, ready to make an immediate impact at the next level.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">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!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area