From Underrated to Unmissable: 2027 Ranking Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every rankings release lets us shine light on players who have been quietly putting in work. This group of athletes may not have always been the most talked about names heading into the season, but their growth, consistency, and impact on the court are impossible to ignore. As the latest rankings just came out, these studs are flying under the radar no more and are getting the recognition they deserve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for up to date event coverage, stories, and more.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455600"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2c9209da47e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have been fortunate enough to have a front row seat for Fjerstad's volleyball career through both club and high school, and it's been clear for a long time that she was going to be something special. She's an extremely athletic, powerful competitor not just in volleyball, but in softball as well. Honestly, she just knows how to win in whatever she is doing. Combine her fierce competitiveness with her speed and quick arm and you have a player that is going to shine at SDSU. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["535686"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2c9209da511"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have followed Hellyer for a while now and her growth has been tremendous. She runs the floor well, has a quick release, and keeps blockers guessing with how she distributes the ball. She also covers a ton of ground and can make something really great out of nothing. What stands out most to me is her court awareness. She sees the game well and makes smart, quick decisions. Those skills should translate nicely as she moves on to play at George Mason University next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492607"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2c996254d02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was actually watching a 16U game in St. Louis earlier this club season when I found my eyes drifting over to the next court to watch Hartwick. I've seen her play several times over the past couple of years, and she's still clearly growing her game in all the right ways. Her out of system has improved, her passing has tightened up, and even though I didn't think she could add more power, she's definitely hitting the ball harder now. She's going to do really good things at Southwest Minnesota State University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["507536"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2c996254d27"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been a Mickele fan for a few years now, and it's been really fun to watch her game grow. This season, especially with her moving to the outside, you can really see how much she's progressed. Her passing and defense have taken a nice step forward, and she's a lot more comfortable hitting out of system. Because she has played a ton of middle before, she reads the ball well and gets to spots quickly, which helps her handle just about anything coming her way. She has had a strong club season, and it really feels like it's only a matter of time before she finds the right college program to call home.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["745692"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a2c996254d47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Colvin is a quick footed middle who plays with a lot of tenacity at the net. If a defender is even a step slow or mistimes the block, she makes teams pay with her ability to swing hard and terminate in style. She also brings a really effective float serve that can put pressure on opponents right away. On the defensive side, she moves well along the net and uses her speed and vertical to be a strong blocking force. Overall, she's a consistent problem for opponents because she can score, serve tough, and close the block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->