Why do you want to play college volleyball? 

Volleyball has been a huge part of my life since I was young and it’s brought me so many amazing friendships an d opportunities. I love the sense of family that being on a team brings you, and I love having something that I’ve worked so hard for be worth it. I want to play college volleyball because I want to continue playing the sport I love.

What does your training schedule look like in-season and off-season? 

We don’t have much of an off season but we typically have a couple weeks inbetween school and club season in the summer, but those weeks are filled with college camps, lifting, school open gyms, and club skill camps. Then, during school season, we have practice Monday-Friday from 4-6, with lifting on Mondays and Wednesday, and games usually on Tuesday and/or Thursdays. With the occasional Saturday practice. Then in club season we usually practice 3 times a week for 2 and a half hours, with sometimes the additional middle training for an hour before that. Then, in the summers we have conditioning after practice. During our busiest time we will have a travel tournament, with a minimum of a 4 hour drive, every other weekend. It is a big commitment but I love it and it’s so worth it.

What are your academic interests or intended major? 

I was raised by two doctors so I’ve always been interested in the medical field, specifically becoming a CRNA, NP, or PA. I would want to major in biology or nursing most likely. I also really like talking to others and helping people which I think would be a good fit for nursing. In general, I just want to have a job that works with others.

How do you balance school, sports, and your personal life? 

It is difficult to balance intense sport schedule with my social life, on top of a rigorous course load, but my parents are super supportive and offer me all the help I need. Our long practices during the week make it hard to find time after school to get my homework done, especially during track season, so I try to do as much work as I can and be efficient with my time during the school day. I try to focus on one thing at a time so I don’t get overwhelmed and so I have a specific plan of action to get everything done. Also, I find time to hang out with my friends on the weekends I don’t have tournaments when I have more time, and on days where I don’t have practice because they are freer (except I still have lifting those days).

My Final Thoughts:

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD is one of the top middle blockers in this class because of how complete her game already is. The more I watch her compete, the more you notice the details. She understands timing, reads the game well, and consistently puts herself in position to impact points. Whether she’s closing a block, running a slide, or staying available in transition, she plays with a level of confidence and awareness that is difficult to teach.

What stands out most is how polished she is offensively. Her slide attack is one of the best you’ll find in this class, and she continues to be aggressive at the net while still making smart decisions. She doesn’t need everything to be perfect around her to be effective. She finds ways to stay involved, create opportunities, and keep pressure on opponents throughout a match.

For college coaches, this is the type of middle blocker you want to evaluate early. Elsa combines volleyball IQ, offensive versatility, consistency, and a strong understanding of the position. When June 15 arrives, she should be one of the first middle blockers on your contact list.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Highlight Link: https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/elsa_basel?video=6557398

Click To See: Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD | Middle Blocker | Class of 2028
South Dakota Prep Dig No. 4 Overall • No. 1 Middle Blocker

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD is a middle blocker who immediately impacts match flow with her ability to control space at the net. As the top-ranked middle in South Dakota’s 2028 class, she brings a combination of size, timing, and discipline that translates cleanly to the next level.

At 6’0”, Elsa shows advanced blocking mechanics—strong eye sequencing, efficient lateral movement, and consistent hand penetration over the net. She reads attackers rather than guessing, closes seams with urgency, and takes away high-percentage angles. Offenses are forced to adjust because she changes where and how hitters can score.

Offensively, she is becoming a reliable first-tempo option. Elsa transitions efficiently, runs clean routes, and maintains balance through her approach, allowing for high contact and controlled swings. She presents in system and remains available out of system, creating stability for setters and keeping the middle engaged. Her presence opens space for pins and improves overall offensive efficiency.

What stands out most is her consistency and intent. Elsa stays engaged through long rallies, understands match rhythm, and impacts the game without needing volume. She plays with purpose, processes quickly, and brings a competitive edge that elevates the front line.

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD projects as a middle who can anchor a block, stabilize tempo, and influence matches on both sides of the ball. She is a high-upside 2028 prospect with tools that align with collegiate systems and demands. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Elsa’s Highlights-Check Them Out: http://www.hudl.com/v/2TNeSg

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD – 37 Blocks – Middle Blocker
Elsa has been an absolute force at the net, leading the way with 37 blocks already this season. She reads hitters with precision, times her jumps perfectly, and takes away the most dangerous angles. Her presence changes how opponents game-plan—she’s that dominant. Elsa doesn’t just block; she sets the tone, turning defense into instant momentum. Any coach looking for a middle who can own the net should have her name highlighted.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

🏐 #9 Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD – Middle Blocker (SD #1)

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD owns the title of top middle blocker in South Dakota’s 2028 class, and she’s a dominant presence at the net. Her block timing is advanced, shutting down quick attacks and reading setters with precision. Basel runs quick-tempo routes like the “1” and “31” with explosiveness, forcing opposing middles to stay honest.
👉 College Value: Basel’s net dominance provides programs with a defensive anchor who can also add immediate offensive firepower in the middle.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

At USAV in Dallas, Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD is making her presence known at the net. As a middle blocker, she’s quick off the ground, closing blocks with precision and reading hitters like a veteran. She times her transitions well, beating the block on quicks and executing slides with power and control. Elsa’s court awareness is elite—she tracks the setter, adjusts to tempo, and brings nonstop energy every play. Her ability to own the middle and impact both sides of the ball makes her a force coaches can’t overlook.

~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Elsa Basel Elsa Basel 6'1" | MB/RS Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2028 State SD -2028

#14 Overall | #2 Middle Blocker

Elsa is a middle hitter you need to see in action. As a freshman, she is already executing slides with precision and excelling at them—a skill that sets her apart at this stage. Her blocking timing is on point, making her a strong presence at the net. Offensively, she specializes in hitting deep corners, consistently finding ways to score. With her natural talent and continued development, Elsa is a player who will undoubtedly climb the rankings and make a name for herself in the years to come.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Elsa is a middle blocker who demands attention this club season. Standing tall at 6’0″ as a freshman, she’s already showcasing the skills and work ethic needed to excel at the next level. Elsa’s dedication to refining her lateral footwork and executing strong push blocks sets her apart on the court. She’s a name you’ll be hearing a lot about—make sure to keep her on your radar!~Theresa @prepdigdakotas