Payten Diekmann Payten Diekmann 5'7" | S Rosemount | 2027 State MN isn’t going back to the line just hoping to put the ball in play. She serves with some aggressiveness and isn’t afraid to challenge the players across from her. Payten can string points together when she gets going, and that is where her serving can really make a difference. One tough serve can quickly turn into two or three, putting pressure right back on the other side. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas

Payten Diekmann Payten Diekmann 5'7" | S Rosemount | 2027 State MN runs an offense with a level of calm authority that immediately stands out. Her hands are clean, her release is consistent, and she delivers tempo that allows hitters to stay aggressive without overreaching. She does an excellent job reading the middle of the court—understanding when to establish her middles, when to spread the block, and when to lean into her pins. Payten stays square through contact, maintains strong posture, and rarely lets broken plays turn into panic. Out of system, she resets efficiently and keeps her team in rhythm. What separates her is how she manages momentum—she knows when to slow the game down and when to speed it up. College coaches looking for a setter who can step in and run a system early should make Payten a priority watch this club season. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

I’ve seen Diekmann play both as a defensive specialist and a setter and she does both very well. I also love the fact that she is willing to do whatever is needed for her team. As a sophomore she still have time to grow her game but right now she has a really solid foundation and ball control.