Why do you want to play college volleyball? 

I want to play college volleyball because the sport has become a huge part of who I am. it has taught me how to work hard, overcome challenges, and support others. I love competing and pushing myself to improve every day, and I want to continue growing as both an athlete and a person while representing a college program. The opportunity to be part of a team, building lasting, relationships, and pursue my academic goals alongside volleyball is something I’m excited about.

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

In-season i lift two to three times a week and we practice three times a week. For off-season i lift four times a week and also do camps along with school ball training.

What are your academic interests or intended major? 

I want to major in Business and Marketing.

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

I balance my life by making sure I plan things out but also staying present and going day by day.

My Final Thoughts:

Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD checks a lot of boxes, but what makes her intriguing is that the list keeps growing. The athletic ability is obvious the moment you watch her compete, yet some of her most impressive qualities show up away from the ball. She carries herself with confidence, embraces coaching, and approaches the game with a maturity that stands out. The more time you spend around her, the easier it becomes to understand why so many people believe she has the tools to play at the next level. Talent opens doors, but the combination of ability, mindset, and character is what keeps them open. Sylea brings all three, which is why she should be firmly on the radar as June 15 approaches. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Highlight Link: https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/sylea_sykes2?video=6546509

Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD | Outside Hitter | Class of 2028
South Dakota Prep Dig No. 10 Overall • No. 4 Outside Hitter

Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD has quickly established herself as one of the most well-rounded outsides in the 2028 class. Ranked No. 10 overall in South Dakota and the No. 4 outside hitter, she brings balance, competitiveness, and production in every rotation.

In just one season, Sylea recorded 250+ kills and 250+ digs, a stat line that speaks to her ability to impact both sides of the ball. Offensively, she attacks with confidence and intent. Her approach is controlled, her arm swing is fast, and she shows the ability to score in rhythm as well as in high-pressure moments. She continues to expand her shot range, giving her the tools to stay effective as blocks adjust.

What elevates Sylea’s game is her back-row presence. She reads hitters well, covers ground with urgency, and keeps rallies alive with disciplined defensive movement. Her ability to transition from defense to offense allows her to stay involved play after play, making her a true six-rotation option.

Sylea plays with a steady edge—composed, competitive, and engaged in every phase. She understands match flow, communicates well, and brings reliability to the floor. As her serve receive and offensive tempo continue to sharpen, her value as a complete outside only grows.

For college coaches, Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD projects as a high-motor, two-way pin with proven early production and a strong foundation to build on. Her trajectory is upward, and her impact is only beginning to take shape. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Sylea’s Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/v/2S3CMk

🏐 #8 Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD – Outside Hitter (SD #3)

As the third-ranked outside hitter in the state, Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD brings explosive firepower to the pin. She thrives in transition, attacking out-of-system balls with confidence and making something out of nothing. Her swing is versatile—capable of going deep line, sharp cross, or tooling the block.
👉 College Value: Sykes’ ability to score when plays break down makes her a clutch performer that every college coach values in high-pressure matches.
~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD is making a major impact at USAV Nationals in Dallas, showing why she’s one of the most dynamic outsides in her class. Her explosive vertical gives her the edge to attack over the block, and she’s consistently scoring with smart shot selection—whether it’s crushing cross, tooling the hands, or mixing in a sharp line when defenders cheat.

She excels in out-of-system scenarios, keeping her approach clean and delivering aggressive, controlled swings even off high balls or tight sets. In transition, she’s fast and efficient, always ready for a quick reset and explosive takeoff. Sylea also shows composure when facing double blocks—adjusting mid-air and staying patient while still putting pressure on the defense. She’s proving to be a complete offensive weapon on the pin and a high-level prospect to watch.

~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Sylea Sykes Sylea Sykes 5'8" | OH/DS/L Dell Rapids | 2028 State SD -2028

#10 Overall | #5 Outside

Sylea is the No. 5 ranked outside hitter for the Class of 2028 in South Dakota, and she’s already turning heads with her powerful presence at the net. What truly sets her apart is her exceptional ability to place the ball in the perfect spots, consistently finding openings in the defense with surgical precision.

Her court awareness and smart decision-making are far beyond her years, making her a constant, dynamic threat. Sylea’s skillset is already at an elite level, and as she continues to develop, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing her name for years to come. This is a player with a future that’s nothing short of exciting!~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

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

Sylea instantly caught my attention as I was heading to another court—before I knew it, I was staying put, and she was one of the reasons why! This 2028 standout is a queen at the service line, delivering floating serves that drop out of nowhere and powerful strikes that are nearly impossible to defend. But she doesn’t stop there—her presence at the net and on defense is beyond her years. Sylea is already on our watch list for the upcoming rankings, and she should be on yours too!~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

Sylea is a player who deserves even more recognition as the club season approaches. While I’ve mentioned her briefly before, it’s clear she’s a rising star set to make a significant impact. Coming from a strong school program and an outstanding club program, Sylea has developed the skills and mindset needed for success on the court. Her versatility and ability to excel in any role make her an invaluable asset. College coaches, don’t let her freshman status fool you—Sylea is a must-watch player this season with immense potential for the future.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas