The Outside Hitters Who Completed North Dakota’s 2026 Top 10

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>   Outside hitters carry some of the most demanding responsibilities in volleyball. They take the bulk of out-of-system swings, stabilize serve receive, score under pressure, and often serve as the emotional pulse of a team. It's a position that requires grit, volleyball IQ, and the ability to turn tough balls into point-scoring opportunities.   This group of North Dakota's 2026 outside hitters rounding out the Top 10 didn't just rise to the moment—they lived in it. They grew through long seasons, battled high-level club play, and continued refining their approach footwork, timing, shot range, and first-contact reliability. Their development this past year showed what separates a good outside hitter from a great one: consistency, adaptability, and the courage to take big swings when it matters most.   Here's a deeper look at Nos. 3–10—eight athletes whose growth, leadership, and all-around skill stamped their place among the state's best.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 3 — [player_tooltip player_id='807954' first='Isabelle' last='Thompson'] Central Cass</h2>   Few players embraced pressure swings the way [player_tooltip player_id='807954' first='Isabelle' last='Thompson'] did this season. As a six-rotation outside, she became Central Cass's heartbeat—taking high-volume attempts, elevating in out-of-system rallies, and finding ways to score even against disciplined blocks. Thompson's approach tempo tightened significantly this year; she consistently beat the block with well-timed last two steps and improved torso control that helped her stay over the ball.   Her serve receive was another area of major growth. Thompson handled tough zones, passed with stability, and gave her setter clean platforms to run tempo. Defensively, she read tip coverage early, dug with confidence, and positioned herself like a true back-row leader. Her competitiveness and improved shot-making—especially her deep corner and hard cross—put her firmly among the state's elite.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 4 — [player_tooltip player_id='916747' first='Jenna' last='Nelson'] | Dickinson</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='916747' first='Jenna' last='Nelson'] took a big leap in her offensive maturity this year. Known for her explosive approach, she refined her arm path and became a more efficient, smarter attacker. Nelson learned how to read block positioning mid-air and attack where the defense wasn't—mixing sharp angles with high hands and tooling blockers on tight sets.   She stepped into a leadership role at Dickinson, helping organize serve receive patterns and keeping her team locked in during tough stretches. In transition, Nelson became far more dynamic—getting off the net quickly and staying available for fast-tempo swings. Her back-row defense also elevated; she dug with intent and turned those digs into quality swings on the second ball. Nelson's growth was the product of both effort and film study, and it showed.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 5 — [player_tooltip player_id='727713' first='Kadie' last='Kocka'] | Committed to Valley City</h2>   Athletes like [player_tooltip player_id='727713' first='Kadie' last='Kocka'] make the left side look effortless. Her consistency in first contact set her apart—serve receive, free-ball passing, and controllable touches kept her team in system more than almost any hitter on this list. Kocka's footwork discipline improved dramatically this year, allowing her to approach in rhythm even when the pass drifted off the net.   Offensively, she excelled at creating depth on the court, using smart roll shots, sharp wrist-away swings, and out-of-system control that kept defenses honest. Kocka also turned into one of the quieter emotional leaders—steady, composed, and always ready to take the next swing. Valley City is getting an athlete with court IQ and a team-first mentality that translates quickly to the next level.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 6 — [player_tooltip player_id='833618' first='Kambree' last='Long'] | Bismarck Century</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='833618' first='Kambree' last='Long'] brought one of the strongest physical presences to the outside hitter role this season. Her explosive jump and heavy arm made her a go-to scoring option for Century, especially in late-set moments. Long's biggest growth was her ability to terminate out of the back row—she refined her timing from Zone 6 and added a strong pipe attack that expanded Century's offensive options.   Her block reading also took a step forward. Long closed seams faster, pressed over the net, and created more disciplined block-touch transitions. Off the court, she brought intensity and competitive edge that pushed her teammates. Her fire, combined with her improvements in shot variety, made her one of the most impactful outsides in Class of 2026 volleyball.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 7 — [player_tooltip player_id='845219' first='Ava' last='Leingang'] | Fargo Davies</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='845219' first='Ava' last='Leingang'] had one of the most complete all-around seasons of any outside in this ranking. She played with poise, discipline, and a tone-setting presence in serve receive. Leingang's passing platform grew steadier throughout the year, giving Davies the freedom to run faster play sets and open lanes for their middles.   Offensively, she thrived in both tempo and high-ball situations. Her approach mechanics became more efficient—strong torque, fast arm, and a quicker transition step helped her beat blockers to the pin. Leingang's defense was equally impressive; she read hitters early and dug tough balls with confidence. She was a stabilizer, problem-solver, and reliable leader in every rotation.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 8 — [player_tooltip player_id='831721' first='Elli' last='Lloyd'] | Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier</h2>   With one of the highest volleyball IQs in this group, [player_tooltip player_id='831721' first='Elli' last='Lloyd'] showed how powerful smart, steady outside hitters can be. She doesn't force; she chooses. Lloyd excelled in locating open space and breaking defenses with range—tipping with intention, hitting seam with precision, and scoring in long rallies.   Her serve receive was a cornerstone for EKM. She communicated well, covered large zones, and consistently delivered playable balls even under heavy-serving opponents. Lloyd's leadership shined most in tight matches; she kept her team grounded, calm, and ready for the next play. Her growth this year was more than physical—it was a masterclass in composure and execution.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 9 — [player_tooltip player_id='816852' first='Mataya' last='Messer'] | Bismarck St. Mary's</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='816852' first='Mataya' last='Messer'] ascended this year by embracing the work—reps, film, and footwork. Her improvement in approach mechanics was significant; she built more consistency in her swing path, allowing her to hit sharper cross and cleaner hard angle. Messer's block coverage also stood out—quick reflexes, disciplined positioning, and the willingness to lay out for momentum-shifting digs.   She became a player St. Mary's could rely on in transition. Whether she was taking a tough OOS swing or making a down-ball defensive read, Messer handled pressure with newfound maturity. Her competitiveness and steady upward trajectory made her one of this year's biggest climbers.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">No. 10 — [player_tooltip player_id='839930' first='Abby' last='Baukol'] | Fargo South</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='839930' first='Abby' last='Baukol'] earned her spot with grit, hustle, and continuous development on both sides of the ball. She became one of Fargo South's strongest transition attackers—fast off the net, quick to load, and intentional in her swing choices. Baukol's serve receive was another major area of improvement; she held her angles, trusted her platform, and reduced passing errors significantly.   Her ability to score from tough sets—especially tight balls and high OOS scenarios—made her invaluable. Baukol also played with relentless defensive energy, covering tips and seams like a libero. Her all-around growth proved she is far more than a quiet worker—she is a difference-maker.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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

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