Freshman Firepower: 2029 Outsides to Track This Summer

Use Code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/image_3fe378.png" alt="" class="wp-image-963410" style="width:383px;height:auto" /></figure>   Freshmen aren't supposed to look this comfortable on the pin—but this group is changing that narrative.   The 2029 outside hitters stepping into the spotlight right now aren't waiting their turn. They're taking swings, taking risks, and most importantly—taking ownership of their development. While they may not be in the rankings yet, they've put together seasons that demand attention and have positioned themselves for a big summer ahead.   What separates them is their growth curve. You're seeing players learn how to manage the game in real time—adjusting their approach angles, tooling the block, staying available in transition, and competing through imperfect sets. These aren't finished products—and that's exactly why they're so intriguing. The ceiling is high, and the climb has already started.    Watching [player_tooltip player_id='945330' first='Carolyn' last='Wagner'], what immediately stood out was how comfortable she looked adjusting in real time. There were multiple sequences where the set drifted off-tempo, and instead of forcing a swing, she cleaned up her footwork, stayed balanced, and still found a way to generate quality contact. I saw a hitter who is already learning how to score—not just swing hard. She mixed angles, found open space, and didn't shy away from taking big swings in key moments. As she continues to speed up her transition tempo and expand her range, she's a player I expect to keep trending upward heading into the summer. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='963888' first='Enora' last='Westbrock'] is one of those players you notice right away. Watching her, the physicality jumps—she attacks with intent and isn't hesitant to challenge the block. What I liked most was how she handled imperfect situations. Even when the set wasn't clean, she showed the ability to adjust mid-air and still get a swing off with purpose. There were flashes of a high-level terminal attacker, especially when she got in rhythm. As she continues to refine her decision-making and shot selection, Westbrock is a player with a ceiling that keeps climbing. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='939055' first='Vivi' last='Vogt']'s game isn't loud—but it's effective. Watching her, I kept coming back to how composed she was in longer rallies. She reads the court well and makes smart decisions with the ball, whether that's finding the seam, tooling the block, or extending the play. She consistently made herself available in transition and didn't force swings that weren't there. There's a level of control and feel to her game that stands out. As she continues to grow more assertive offensively and increase her tempo, Vogt is a player who can become a very steady scoring option. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='943045' first='Grace' last='Videen'] competes—and that shows up right away when you watch her. She's not backing down from any swing, especially in out-of-system situations. I saw her take tough sets and still find ways to keep the ball in play while applying pressure. Her transition work stood out as well—she resets quickly, stays engaged, and is always an option. There's a toughness and edge to her game that coaches value. As she continues to clean up her approach and expand her offensive options, Videen is a player who continues to build momentum. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='942332' first='Malia' last='Thornton'] brings an athletic presence that's hard to miss. Watching her, the explosiveness on her approach creates separation, allowing her to attack at a higher point. When she's in system, she can generate real pace on the ball and put pressure on defenses. There were flashes of a dynamic scorer, especially when she had rhythm. What I'll be watching this summer is her continued development in consistency and shot variety, because the tools are there for her to become a high-impact pin. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='951649' first='Kaley' last='Thompson'] is the type of player you appreciate more the longer you watch. She does a lot of things right. I saw a six-rotation outside who understands how to manage the game—she was steady in serve-receive and made smart decisions in transition. She doesn't force swings; instead, she uses high hands, placement, and control to stay efficient. There's a reliability to her game that stands out. As she continues to add more offensive power and expand her scoring range, Thompson is a player who will continue to climb. ~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>   Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going 🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility matters.   🎯 College Coaches Tag these athletes in University Athlete and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. 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