Aaliyah Hjelmstad Aaliyah Hjelmstad 5'5" | DS/L Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2027 State ND anchors the floor with advanced read progression, strong platform angles, and the ability to control first contact off high-velocity swings. She tracks hitters early out of serve receive and transition, reads shoulder direction and arm speed well, and consistently takes efficient angles to dig balls clean into target zones.

Technically, Aaliyah stands out in serve receive and live-ball defense. She stays quiet through contact with a stable base, controls her platform line, and routinely delivers in-system passes to the setter window. In defense, she shows excellent floor vision — reading seams, adjusting depth, and using soft hands to absorb pace and redirect digs. She also brings value on second contact, making smart decisions when taking the second ball and keeping tempo alive.

She communicates early, organizes coverage, and maintains discipline in base and perimeter defense. Against high-level competition, she continues to show she can absorb pressure, extend rallies, and create transition opportunities. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Why Recruit Her: Aaliyah Hjelmstad Aaliyah Hjelmstad 5'5" | DS/L Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2027 State ND offers advanced defensive reads, elite platform control, and system-stabilizing consistency — a libero/DS who raises the standard at the next level. 🔥

Aaliyah Hjelmstad | Defensive Specialist

Aaliyah Hjelmstad made her mark in the AM wave with one of the most impactful serving performances of the day.

She wasn’t just consistent from the service line — she was disruptive. Her serve location was intentional, targeting seams and forcing out-of-system passes that immediately limited offensive options. She showed excellent pace control, mixing deep, aggressive serves with well-placed short balls to keep passers off balance. Several key runs shifted momentum entirely in her team’s favor.

Beyond the service line, Hjelmstad was composed in the backcourt, reading hitters well and controlling first contact. But her serving is what separated her. She understood score management, applied pressure at critical points, and maintained confidence without over-serving.

Point after point, she stepped back with purpose.

One of the top serving performances of Day One — controlled, strategic, and momentum-changing. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Aaliyah Hjelmstad Aaliyah Hjelmstad 5'5" | DS/L Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2027 State ND had a standout performance in today’s matches, anchoring the back row with calm, consistent, and precise play. She reads hitters quickly, moving explosively to track and dig attacks, while her platform control delivers accurate passes to the setter, even under pressure. Hjelmstad’s court awareness, quick reactions, and ability to cover large portions of the floor make her a stabilizing force in both serve-receive and transition defense. College coaches, if you’re looking to strengthen the back row on your roster, get her on your call list—her defensive instincts, ball control, and consistency make her a player you won’t be disappointed in evaluating. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Aaliyah Hjelmstad Aaliyah Hjelmstad 5'5" | DS/L Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2027 State ND – DS/L | Ranked #4 in North Dakota (2027) | Uncommitted
Aaliyah Hjelmstad Aaliyah Hjelmstad 5'5" | DS/L Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2027 State ND is a scrappy defender with a relentless motor. Ranked #4 DS/L in the state, she brings toughness to the floor every rally. Her quick footwork allows her to cover deep corners and adjust on late tips, and her ability to transition seamlessly from defense to serve-receive gives her an edge. Aaliyah has a strong jump-float serve that can keep opponents out of system, and her aggressive mentality makes her a momentum-shifter. She’s the type of DS/L who wears opponents down over time by refusing to let the ball touch the floor.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Aaliyah plays like a veteran on the court. She can do it all for her team and is especially skilled at stepping in to deliver a great out-of-system set to either pin. She is gritty and relentless on every play, laying out for impossible balls and making huge hustle plays in the back row. Keep an eye on Aaliyah for the rest of this club season—she’s a player you won’t want to miss!

Aaliyah Hjelmstad Aaliyah Hjelmstad 5'5" | DS/L Hillsboro-Central Valley | 2027 State ND -Class of 2027

#39 Overall | #2 DS/L

Aaliyah has solidified her spot as North Dakota’s #2 DS/Libero for the Class of 2027, and she continues to impress every time she steps on the court. She’s been on our watch list since school season, and her impact is just as strong in club play.

Aaliyah leads by example—her presence is calm, composed, and commanding. She reads the game with precision, always positioning herself to make clean, controlled passes. Her platform is textbook, delivering consistent, high-quality balls that keep her team in system.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21698351/65ddacc1578def0e743674d2

Aaliyah is definitely a player to watch this weekend. She is a standout in the back row, showcasing her ability to read the ball effortlessly. Her hard work and quick reactions in coverage make her a vital asset on the court. With her determination and skill, Aaliyah is a player to keep an eye on this season!~Theresa @prepdigdakotas