Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD  – Outside Hitter (Ranked #1 Overall & #1 OH in SD Class of 2027 | Committed: University of Oregon)

When you talk about players who have elevated the profile of South Dakota volleyball, Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD is a name that quickly comes to mind. The 2027 standout outside hitter has continued to stack accolades throughout her career, earning USA Volleyball NTDP recognition, JVA All-National Team honors, First Team All-State selection, and an invitation to the prestigious UA Next stage. Her impact at the high school level has been nothing short of remarkable as well, already surpassing 2,100 career kills and over 1,100 digs with another season still ahead of her. That combination of production, versatility, and consistency ultimately led to her commitment to the University of Oregon, where she will continue her career at the highest level of Division I volleyball.

Henry’s game is defined by her ability to take control of rallies from the outside pin. She attacks with a high contact point and explosive arm swing, giving her the ability to score in system with power and pace. However, what truly makes her difficult to defend is how composed she remains when plays break down. Henry shows advanced body control and court awareness, adjusting mid-air to tool the block, drop controlled off-speed shots, or find the deep corners of the court. In serve-receive she is steady and reliable, allowing her team to stay in system, and her ability to transition quickly from passer to attacker makes her a constant threat on every rally. Defensively, she adds another layer of value, reading swings well and contributing key digs from the backcourt.

What separates Henry even further is the way she leads within her program and community. She competes with intensity, holds herself to a high standard, and consistently sets the tone through her preparation and work ethic. Her leadership isn’t just vocal—it’s visible in how she trains, how she competes, and how she represents her team. Younger athletes look up to her, teammates rely on her, and coaches trust her to deliver in big moments. Henry represents everything you want in a top-ranked player—production, presence, and leadership that elevates an entire program. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Madelynn Henry was named MVP at the Kansas City camp and has the opportunity to earn a ticket to the All-America Game in Orlando.

1. Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD | 2025 | OH | Committed to Oregon

Henry sits atop the leaderboard with 124 kills and counting, and she’s proving why she’s bound for the Pac-12. Her arm speed and ability to terminate from multiple angles make her nearly unstoppable in system, while her control and elevation allow her to score out of system against tough defenses. Henry thrives in high-pressure rotations, consistently side-outing her team with clean first-ball kills. Add in her back-row attack range, and she’s one of the most complete offensive threats in the region.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD – Outside Hitter (Ranked #1 Overall & #1 OH in SD Class of 2027 | Committed: University of Oregon)

Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD is the undisputed top-ranked overall player and outside hitter in South Dakota’s Class of 2027, and her verbal commitment to the University of Oregon underlines her elite potential. Standing at 5’11”, she brings a complete offensive and defensive package, backed up by standout stats: in her high school career at Dell Rapids, she’s racked up 1,537 kills, 833 digs, 203 aces, 79 total blocks, and 60 assists.

On the court, Madelynn delivers a high-contact, explosive swing that can dominate in-system plays, but her real edge comes when the offense breaks down—she adjusts mid-air to tip or tool blocks, rips heavy roll shots, and places cross-corner kills with precision. Her serve-receive platform is solid, allowing setters to run various tempos, and she transitions quickly to deliver big swings even off quick ball. With her offensive arsenal and court IQ, she not only elevates her team’s attack—but also plays lockdown defense in the back row.

From high-stakes tournament swings to the state championship spotlight, Madelynn brings a blend of power, technical finesse, and volleyball intelligence that college programs dream of. The University of Oregon is getting a complete outside—one who will both anchor and elevate their pin attack.

Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Currently ranked No. 1 in South Dakota’s 2027 class, Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH SD is rewriting what it means to be a young, high-impact outside. Already with 1537 career kills, she’s well on track to eclipse 1,000 kills before her high school career is over—a rare feat, especially this early. Henry plays like a veteran: terminal in transition, lethal out-of-system, and smart enough to expose the block with off-speed and high hands. Her ability to read the court, stay in rhythm, and score under pressure makes her one of the most complete offensive weapons in the state.

~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

http://wwww.hudl.com/video/3/16481615/6803d4c22b345a37ffc78d9f

Kicking off this elite Day 3 list is Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH Dell Rapids | 2027 State #82 Nation SD , the youngest athlete in this group—yet one of the most impactful. A true six-rotation outside hitter, Madelynn is already nationally ranked and has committed to the University of Oregon, and it’s easy to see why. She brings explosive vertical to her long, powerful approach, and her ability to attack every zone—both from the front and back row—makes her a complete offensive threat.

On Day 3, her line shots were sharp and heavy, consistently beating the block and challenging defenders. She mixes pace and placement with maturity, and her court vision and tempo continue to impress. Whether she’s swinging out of system or terminating in transition, Madelynn makes high-level plays that separate her from the rest.

~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

When you’re talking about elite-level outside hitters in the 2027 class, Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH Dell Rapids | 2027 State #82 Nation SD is a name that has to be at the top of the list. Her vertical is explosive, giving her the ability to rise above the block and hammer balls with a heavy, high-contact swing. Combine that with a long, powerful approach and she’s nearly unstoppable in transition and out of system.

Madelynn isn’t just an offensive weapon—she’s the complete package. Her defensive instincts are advanced beyond her years. She reads hitters like a seasoned libero, positions herself early, and isn’t afraid to lay out for tough balls. She closes blocks with great timing and is constantly communicating on the court.

Hardworking, fiercely coachable, and a leader in every sense— Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH Dell Rapids | 2027 State #82 Nation SD is the type of six-rotation outside that top college programs build around. Mark it down now: she’s going to make a massive impact at the next level.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

http://www.hudl.com/v/2J0f6z

Why do you want to play college volleyball?

~I have seen both my brothers go through the process of playing college sports. I love playing volleyball, and competing at a high level. The process of getting better everyday is something I find enjoyable!

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

~In high school season I lift 2-3 times a week around practices, and in the club season I lift 3-4 times a week depending on my tournament schedule. During the club season, I get into the gym as much as possible to get extra serve receive reps in!

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

~When I am not training I am usually doing homework, working (I do nails), or spending time with my family and friends. I try to have people in all areas of my life. I think it’s important to have friends outside of my sport because they help remind me there is more to life than just volleyball. I balance everything by trusting Gods plan for me and my future. Sometimes when I get overwhelmed or anxious about what the future will hold, I just take a breath and remind myself that this is all Gods plan for me!!

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?

~I would say one of my big strengths is staying level headed. I try to stay in a zone when I play to truly stay focused on what’s in front of me. When I am focused and having fun, I perform my best. I would say one of my weaknesses is not knowing when my body needs a break. I always want to go go go, and I have a hard time knowing when I really just need to rest.

What are your academic interests or intended major?

~I am looking at sports psychology, business, or coaching right now. I am not 100% sure exactly what I want to do yet, but it would be something alone these lines!

Madelynn Henry Madelynn Henry 5'11" | OH Dell Rapids | 2027 State #82 Nation SD -2027

#1 Overall | #1 Outside

Madelynn is the clear-cut number one athlete and the most dominant outside hitter in South Dakota’s Class of 2027. She possesses a rare combination of power, precision, and athleticism that makes her a nightmare for opposing defenses. With an incredible 120-inch jump touch, she soars above the net, delivering explosive swings that are nearly impossible to defend. Her ability to mix up her shots—whether hammering the deep corner, tooling the block, or executing a finesse shot—sets her apart from the rest. Beyond her offensive firepower, Madelynn’s court vision and high volleyball IQ allow her to read the game and adjust in real-time. She thrives under pressure, consistently stepping up in clutch moments and finding ways to score. College coaches are already taking notice, and it’s only a matter of time before she lands at a top program. The question isn’t if she’ll play at the next level—it’s where.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

http://wew.hudl.com/video/3/16481615/65e4d461c1245005c484b113

Madelynn is a player I was beyond excited to watch, and she did not disappoint. From the moment she stepped on the court, it was clear—she’s one of the best players I’ve seen. Competing at a high level with Kairos is no easy task, but she rose to the challenge with confidence and dominance.

Her attacks were explosive, her serves nearly unpassable, and her defensive reads were on point. What stood out most? Her ability to execute under pressure—when her coach called a play, she delivered flawlessly. Madelynn is a force on the court and a player that demands attention.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas