The Power Position: Freshman Right Sides on the Rise

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>   The right side is one of the most misunderstood—and undervalued—positions in volleyball. For young players, it's often labeled the “other pin,” the spot players are placed instead of celebrated. But those who truly understand the game know the truth: the right side is the backbone of winning volleyball. It demands versatility, physicality, discipline, and a team-first mindset that few positions require at such a high level.   Right-side attackers are asked to do everything. They block the opponent's best outside hitter. They score out of system. They transition from defense to offense at full speed. They don't always get the perfect set—but they're expected to terminate anyway. Playing the right pin teaches players how to read the game, manage chaos, and impact matches in ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet.   For freshmen, excelling on the right side is a statement. It shows trust from coaches. It shows volleyball IQ. And it shows an understanding that impact isn't always about volume—it's about timing, efficiency, and presence. The players below have landed in our freshman rankings because they've embraced the challenge of the right pin and shown skills that translate well beyond their years.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='922291' first='Lexi' last='Gendron'] – Right Side Attacker</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='922291' first='Lexi' last='Gendron'] stands out as a right-side attacker who already understands how to play the position with purpose. She brings physicality to the pin, staying strong through contact and finishing efficiently when the set is tight. Lexi does a great job staying disciplined in her approach, allowing her to stay available in transition and remain a scoring option even when the offense breaks down. What separates her is her willingness to do the hard work—blocking, covering tips, and staying engaged play after play. Lexi plays the right side the way it's meant to be played: tough, reliable, and impactful.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='922298' first='Abigail' last='Gross'] – Right Side Pin</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='922298' first='Abigail' last='Gross'] brings balance and composure to the right pin, excelling in situations where decision-making matters most. She shows good court awareness, understanding when to take a full swing and when to extend rallies with smart shot placement. Abigail's footwork continues to improve, allowing her to stay on time with faster tempos. Defensively, she takes pride in blocking responsibilities, working hard to close seams and slow down opposing outsides. Her calm presence and growing confidence make her a right-side player who elevates the front row without forcing the moment. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='888135' first='Kiyara' last='Jinadasa'] – Right Side Attacker</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='888135' first='Kiyara' last='Jinadasa'] brings athleticism and energy to the right side, making her a difficult matchup for opponents. She transitions quickly, stays aggressive in broken plays, and shows a natural feel for attacking against the block. Kiyara's ability to stay available as an out-of-system option is a key strength—she understands that right-side attackers often get tough sets and embraces that responsibility. Her competitiveness stands out, as does her willingness to take on blocking assignments against top hitters. Kiyara's ceiling is high, and her fearlessness at the pin continues to catch our attention. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='748718' first='Finley' last='Miller'] – Right Side Pin</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='748718' first='Finley' last='Miller'] plays the right side with maturity and control well beyond her freshman status. She shows strong technical discipline in her approach and remains balanced through contact, allowing her to score efficiently without over-swinging. Finley understands spacing and timing, particularly in transition, and does a nice job staying connected to the offense. On the defensive side, she takes pride in blocking fundamentals, positioning herself well and pressing over the net to take away space. Her steady presence and volleyball IQ make her a reliable option at a demanding position. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='759619' first='Braelyn' last='Tweed'] – Right Side Attacker</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='759619' first='Braelyn' last='Tweed'] rounds out the group as a right-side attacker who brings toughness and confidence to the pin. She plays with intent, staying aggressive even when sets aren't perfect. Braelyn does a strong job reading the block and adjusting her swing to find points, whether that's attacking high hands or finding open court. Her motor is constant—she competes on every rep, covers well, and stays engaged through long rallies. That effort level, combined with her growing technical skill, makes her a right-side player coaches trust early. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why These Players Matter</h2>   What connects these freshmen is not just their position—it's their mindset. Each of these athletes has embraced the responsibility that comes with playing right side. They understand that the role demands sacrifice, awareness, and resilience. They don't wait for perfect situations; they make the most of difficult ones.   As these players continue to develop, the right side will remain a position that accelerates their growth. It teaches blocking discipline, offensive versatility, and mental toughness—qualities college coaches value deeply. These freshmen aren't just filling a spot; they're learning how to impact the game at a high level.   The right pin may not always get the spotlight—but make no mistake, it's the power position. And this next generation of freshmen right sides is proving that the future of volleyball is being built from the hardest spot on the court.   <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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