1st Annual Premier Nebraska MLK Invitational-What To Expect

<!-- 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:paragraph --> <p>The first whistle of the 1st Annual Premier Nebraska MLK Invitational will signal more than just the start of another club tournament—it will launch a new benchmark event for the Midwest volleyball landscape. With <strong>37 elite teams</strong> competing across the <strong>13–17 Open divisions</strong>, this weekend is stacked with high-level systems, nationally ranked athletes, and programs that consistently produce college-ready talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This isn't a warm-up event. This is a proving ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Programs like <strong>Premier Nebraska</strong>, <strong>Nebraska ONE</strong>, <strong>KC Power</strong>, <strong>Kairos 17</strong>, <strong>Iowa United</strong>, and <strong>IA UTD 16 Elite Timmerman</strong> bring structure, tempo, and depth that mirror what athletes will face at the next level. Expect disciplined serve-receive, fast-paced offenses, organized blocking schemes, and rallies that demand execution from the first touch to the last. These are teams built to play in-system and punish mistakes—every match will matter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For college coaches, this weekend offers efficiency: multiple divisions, elite competition, and a concentration of athletes who already understand how to compete at speed. For families and fans, it's a chance to see what “next-level volleyball” looks like—where every point is earned and every rotation is tested.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And the players? They're ready.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players to Know</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This event is loaded with athletes who have already made their mark—and many who are just beginning to. From committed Juniors to rising underclassmen, this field represents the future of the game in the Midwest. Here are just a few players to check out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ava Waters | Setter | Class of 2027 | University of South Dakota</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Waters runs an offense with confidence and tempo. Her hands are clean, her release consistent, and she keeps attackers engaged across all zones. She manages pace well and thrives in transition, turning broken plays into scoring opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Campbell Capece | Libero/DS | Class of 2027 | University of Evansville</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capece controls the back row with composure. Her platform is quiet, her angles disciplined, and she consistently delivers first contact that allows offenses to operate. She reads servers early and extends rallies with range and urgency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828352' first='Ruthie' last='Robinson'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2027 | Creighton University</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson brings physical presence and efficiency to the net. She closes quickly, presses over the plane, and finishes first-tempo with authority. Her timing and footwork make her a constant factor in both phases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725196' first='Bergen' last='Stiff'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2027 | Harvard University</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stiff plays the middle with intelligence and edge. She reads offenses early, closes seams with discipline, and stays balanced through contact. Offensively, she's a reliable tempo threat who scores in rhythm.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725206' first='Mya' last='VanWesten'] | Libero/DS | Class of 2027 | South Dakota State University</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>VanWesten brings stability and energy to the backcourt. She handles pace in serve-receive, takes efficient routes in transition, and consistently turns defense into opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='360642' first='Sophia' last='Austen'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2027 | Iowa State University</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austen is a six-rotation presence with range and composure. She attacks with purpose, reads the block well, and remains effective in transition. Her ability to score under pressure separates her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Addison Bollier | Libero/DS | Class of 2027 | Samford University</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bollier plays with urgency and control. She stabilizes rotations with clean first contact and brings relentless pursuit in defense. Her ability to extend rallies changes momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493652' first='Kaitlyn' last='Hardie'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2027</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hardie brings physicality to the pin. She attacks with range, stays aggressive in transition, and continues to develop as a six-rotation contributor with growing confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='893732' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432170' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432088' first='[program_tooltip program_id='431000' first='Madison' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='Hoffert'] | Setter | Class of 2027</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoffert manages tempo with poise. She connects well with hitters, keeps offenses balanced, and shows strong feel for when to accelerate or reset the pace of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828243' first='Heather' last='Hingst'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2027</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hingst impacts the net with timing and discipline. She runs efficient routes, closes with purpose, and gives her team a dependable first-tempo option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='738151' first='Flynn' last='Peterson'] | Libero/DS | Class of 2030</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson plays beyond her age. She reads well, stays composed under pressure, and delivers clean first contact. Her court awareness and range are advanced for her class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Brynlee Zachariasen | Outside Hitter | Class of 2030</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zachariasen attacks with confidence and rhythm. She shows early understanding of shot selection and continues to grow as a terminal option on the pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nora DeJong | Setter | Class of 2030</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DeJong brings creativity and command to the position. She moves well off the ball, delivers playable tempo, and keeps hitters engaged in every rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='750513' first='Caylee' last='Jensen'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2029</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jensen is developing into a strong net presence. She closes space efficiently and continues to grow as a first-tempo threat with improving timing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='754537' first='Amelia' last='Guinn'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2029</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Guinn plays with edge. She attacks aggressively, competes on every rally, and brings confidence to high-pressure moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='771601' first='Kaitlyn' last='Amman'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amman brings balance and control to the pin. She mixes power with placement and continues to develop as a six-rotation option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Josephine Austen | Right Side | Class of 2029</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Austen thrives behind the setter. She closes well in the block and finishes in transition, giving her offense a true right-side presence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='845755' first='Kennedy' last='Klein'] | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Klein plays with rhythm and range. She stays aggressive in system and continues to grow as a dependable scorer on the pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765334' first='Meryl' last='Sandholm'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2028</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandholm brings presence and efficiency to the middle. She closes with discipline and shows confidence running first-tempo routes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Reagan Wallraff | Outside Hitter | Class of 2027 | Creighton University</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wallraff is a high-level six-rotation outside. She scores with intent, handles serve-receive with composure, and thrives in high-tempo systems.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Malorie Boesiger | Setter | Class of 2027 | University of Nebraska</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boesiger commands the floor. She runs fast, balanced offenses, reads matchups well, and keeps hitters in rhythm. Her ability to manage pace and pressure is elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why This Weekend Matters</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Premier Nebraska MLK Invitational is more than a tournament—it's a snapshot of where the game is headed. You'll see systems that mirror college tempo, athletes who understand spacing and rhythm, and teams that execute under pressure. Every court will feature athletes competing for opportunities, growth, and separation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For college coaches, this is a weekend to build boards.<br>For players, it's a chance to test themselves against the best.<br>For families and fans, it's a front-row seat to the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is what elite club volleyball looks like—and it's just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 -->