Ella Zieske leaned into efficiency and control, managing swings with a clear understanding of the block and floor defense. She stayed patient in her approach and kept the ball in front, allowing her to make late decisions at contact. Rather than forcing high-risk swings, she used vision to place the ball, working edges and soft spots with intent. Out of system, she remained composed and delivered hittable contacts while still being a scoring option. Her value showed in her ability to extend rallies without giving away points, then capitalize when the opportunity opened.

Ella Zieske Ella Zieske 6'0" | OH/DS/L Chanhassen | 2028 State MN | Outside Hitter (6-Rotation)

A true six-rotation player, Ella Zieske Ella Zieske 6'0" | OH/DS/L Chanhassen | 2028 State MN is the type of athlete every coach values — steady, high-IQ, and relentlessly competitive. Her ability to transition from serve-receive to attack seamlessly allows her team to stay in system more often. Zieske’s court awareness and clean platform make her an anchor in the back row, while her controlled arm swing and strategic placement at the net give her consistent point-scoring ability. Look for her to continue to refine her all-around game and lead with her consistency this club season. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Check Out Highlights Here: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21312032/686039d7b576b63a7ba392c8

Ella Zieske Ella Zieske 6'0" | OH/DS/L Chanhassen | 2028 State MN – Outside Hitter – 377 Kills
There’s no question that Ella Zieske Ella Zieske 6'0" | OH/DS/L Chanhassen | 2028 State MN has been the offensive engine for her squad this season. With 377 kills and counting, she’s commanding the left pin with veteran-like poise. What stands out most is her ability to score in rhythm—whether she’s facing a double block, attacking high off hands, or threading the seam, Zieske finds a way to produce. Her approach mechanics are clean, with explosive first-step speed and a fluid arm swing that generates serious torque. She’s also developed strong court awareness, adjusting to block placement and using her vision to exploit soft spots in the back row. Zieske’s all-around play extends beyond her offense; her back-row defense and serve receive have shown steady improvement, allowing her to stay terminal without sacrificing control. She’s a legitimate six-rotation weapon and one of the most complete outsides in the Metro West right now. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Ella can jump impossibly high and swing with some serious power, but her biggest weapon might be her back-row attack. She consistently finds ways to score from everywhere on the court, threading sharp cross shots or turning the ball down the line. Combine that with her stellar defense and court vision, and she’s a player who can change the game in a heartbeat.

Ella Zieske Ella Zieske 6'0" | OH/DS/L Chanhassen | 2028 State MN was undeniably one of the most dominant outside hitters in the 2028 class at the showcase. Her ability to terminate from both pins with pace and precision made her nearly unstoppable. Ella’s explosive first step and quick arm swing gave her the edge in transition, and she consistently found seams in the block. She played with confidence, adjusted well under pressure, and brought a level of physicality and shot variety that stood out to college coaches watching. With her high ceiling and aggressive style of play, Ella Zieske Ella Zieske 6'0" | OH/DS/L Chanhassen | 2028 State MN is a top-tier outside who continues to elevate her game.

~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

The Northern Lights 15-1 team just grabbed their open division ticket at Lone Star this past weekend.  They have plenty of balance and ball control along with a cupboard full of attackers who can score points.  An athlete that can do a little bit of everything is Ella Zieske.  The six rotation outside hitter just glides on the court, she has textbook footwork where she is fast to the ball, creating favorable attack angles to score points.  She is dependable and consistent in serve receive as well as a threat to score out of the backrow as well. 

Zieske had a great tournament and is at the top of my list for the most effective 6 rotation outsides in the class of 2028 across the region. She is very poised, controlled, and consistent on serve receive and defense. She is also powerful and terminal with a mixed bag of shots to utilize when hitting out of the front row and back court. She is everything a team needs and wants in a 6 rotation outside and she delivered repeatedly this weekend.

Zieske is a true 6 rotation outside that can do so many things well. She has a lethal serve, can pass dimes, and is an electric attacker. During her first year of varsity, Zieske made a huge impact at Chanhassen being near the top of the leader board in several categories from kills, aces, to receptions. Zieske is going to be a fun pin to keep our eyes over the next couple of years.

The first thing I noticed about Ella was her ability to serve both precisely and with a lot of pace and movement. She is a six-rotation pin hitter who is just as good in the back row as she is in the front. Teams seemed to avoid serving her and for good reason; her passing is solid, especially for an 8th grader. She can pass and swing to hit very effectively on both sides of the court and is able to hit a wide range of shots with quite a bit of heat.