Watch List Alert: 2029 Where the Next Breakouts Begin

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In the volleyball world, rankings tell part of the story—but the <strong>Watch List</strong> is where momentum truly lives. This is the space reserved for athletes who are already turning heads, whose skill sets are translating, and whose trajectories are trending sharply upward. These are players college coaches pay close attention to because development doesn't happen overnight—it happens in reps, in growth, and in competitive moments when athletes begin to separate themselves.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Watch List matters because it identifies players on the edge of a breakthrough. These athletes have shown flashes of high-level execution, strong volleyball IQ, and positional tools that project to the next level. They've earned their spot through consistency, coachability, and skill sets that continue to evolve. With club season approaching, this group represents some of the most exciting upside in the region. Here's why these athletes are firmly on our radar—and what we're most excited to see from them this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913904' first='Harper' last='Andera'] – Pin Hitter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='913904' first='Harper' last='Andera']'s pin play has steadily gained attention thanks to her attacking confidence and willingness to take big swings. She shows strong approach mechanics, creating good separation from the block and attacking with intent. Harper's arm speed allows her to score cleanly when in system, and she's shown growth in using range rather than forcing low-percentage shots. What excites us heading into this season is her continued development in transition—her ability to stay aggressive on broken plays and become a consistent scoring option when the offense is under pressure. Harper's upside lies in her attacking ceiling, and this club season will be a big opportunity to show that growth. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='895065' first='Zoey' last='Ann Raba'] – Defensive Specialist</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='895065' first='Zoey' last='Ann Raba'] brings toughness and composure to the back row, earning her spot on the Watch List through reliable defensive play and strong court awareness. She reads hitters well, stays balanced through contact, and uses efficient platform angles to keep her team in system. Zoey doesn't just dig balls—she makes them playable. What we're excited to see this season is her continued expansion as a defensive leader, particularly in serve receive and court communication. Defensive specialists who can stabilize first contact are invaluable, and Zoey's ability to control tempo from the back row puts her squarely on the radar. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='843582' first='Macy' last='Claussen'] – Right Side Pin</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='843582' first='Macy' last='Claussen'] has shown flashes of being a difference-maker on the right side, using her physicality and timing to score against the block. She attacks with confidence and has demonstrated the ability to terminate both on tempo and in transition. Macy's blocking presence also adds value, as she understands positioning and hand placement along the net. Heading into this season, we're excited to see her continue refining her shot selection and becoming more consistent as a go-to option from the right pin. Her combination of strength and aggressiveness makes her a player to watch closely as her game continues to mature. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='920399' first='Alex' last='Cody'] – Outside/Right Side Pin</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='920399' first='Alex' last='Cody']'s versatility is one of the main reasons she's firmly on the Watch List. Comfortable attacking from either pin, she brings lineup flexibility that college coaches value. Alex attacks with balance and control, adjusting well to different tempos and set locations. She shows strong body awareness in the air and the ability to score without forcing the ball. This upcoming season, we're excited to see Alex continue expanding her offensive range and asserting herself as a primary scoring option regardless of where she's lined up. Her adaptability and growing confidence make her a high-upside pin prospect. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754853' first='Hannah' last='Crowther'] – Right Side Pin</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='754853' first='Hannah' last='Crowther'] has earned attention through her ability to impact the game from the right side with consistency and purpose. She plays the position with a strong understanding of spacing and timing, allowing her to score efficiently against set blocks. Hannah's approach is disciplined, and she shows good patience when attacking, choosing smart shots rather than relying solely on power. What excites us this season is her potential to increase offensive volume and become a more dominant presence in high-pressure moments. Right-side attackers who can score and stabilize the front row are highly valuable, and Hannah continues to trend upward. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='755774' first='Myken' last='Gerdeman'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='755774' first='Myken' last='Gerdeman']'s presence on the Watch List is driven by her ability to manage the offense and elevate hitters around her. She delivers consistent tempo, keeps the ball hittable, and shows an understanding of how to distribute based on matchups. Myken's hands are clean, and she's shown improvement in running offense in transition—one of the most critical skills for setters at the next level. What we're excited to see this season is her continued growth as a floor leader, taking more command in pressure situations and pushing the pace of the offense. Setters who can control rhythm and decision-making are always in demand, and Myken is trending in the right direction. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='913902' first='Maddison' last='Hirschfeld'] – Middle Blocker</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='913902' first='Maddison' last='Hirschfeld'] has caught attention through her presence in the middle and her ability to impact both sides of the net. She shows good footwork along the net, closes blocks with intention, and understands timing against opposing hitters. Offensively, she's effective when running tempo and continues to grow in her ability to stay available in transition. This season, we're excited to see Maddison become even more assertive as a middle—both as a blocker who sets the defensive tone and as an attacker who demands attention. Middles, who control space and bring energy, are essential, and Maddison's development is one to watch. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790081' first='Blakely' last='Hogue'] – Defensive Specialist/Libero</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='790081' first='Blakely' last='Hogue']'s consistency and effort level are what place her firmly on the Watch List. She plays defense with confidence, showing strong anticipation and a willingness to pursue every ball. Blakely's platform control allows her to deliver quality passes under pressure, and she's shown growth in reading hitters and adjusting positioning accordingly. What excites us heading into this season is her continued development as a vocal leader in the back row. Defensive players who bring energy, reliability, and communication are difference-makers, and Blakely continues to build that identity. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874834' first='Ellie' last='Holmberg'] – Setter</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='874834' first='Ellie' last='Holmberg'] rounds out this Watch List with a strong foundation as a setter who understands the game. She shows clean mechanics, consistent release, and the ability to set her hitters up for success. Ellie's decision-making continues to improve, particularly in recognizing when to spread the offense and when to feed a hot hand. This upcoming season presents an opportunity for her to take a bigger leadership role and further refine her tempo in transition. We're excited to see Ellie continue to grow into a setter who can control the flow of the match and bring confidence to her offense. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- 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 -->