The Countdown: Plains Region Top 15 PPV Performers in the 2028 Class

The Plains Region continues to prove that high-level talent isn’t limited to the traditional coastal hotbeds. Spanning North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, this region consistently produces athletes with strong physical profiles, competitive toughness, and rapid developmental upside. Using PPV as our primary evaluation tool, we’ve ranked the top 15 players in the 2028 class from the Plains Region. This list highlights a group that features elite setters, physical pins, and impact defenders. Many of whom are already emerging on the national radar and trending upward as the recruiting cycle begins to take shape.

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15. Bailey Dinger, Libero – VOLT Volleyball (Elite Orange)

 Good size for the libero position and makes strong angles in serve receive. Fearless defender who isn’t afraid to hit the floor and put her body on the line.

14. Gillian Pfeiffer, MB – HPSTL (Elite Orange)

 Brings really nice size and a quick, efficient swing that gets the ball to the floor. Played some OPP during the high school season, but the middle looks like her long-term position at the next level.

13. Sloane Rattay, OH – Oklahoma Charge (Elite Orange)

 Had a strong showing at the first Tour of Texas stop. Quick off the ground with a clean swing, plays six rotations, and shows a very steady passing platform.

12. Loyrn Piening, MB/OPP – Nebraska ONE (Elite Orange)

 Very strong athlete who has put in the work to develop her slide, which she now runs well. Can also contribute on the right side and does a great job shutting down opposing attackers.

11. Elle Hatlevig, OH – Iowa Premier (Elite Orange)

 Good size with a solid jump and a fluid, powerful swing. A true six-rotation outside with excellent platform and passing technique. Very complete skill set.

10. Addison Waldorf, Setter – Iowa Premier (Red)

 Good size at the setter position and competes hard on both sides of the ball. Physical at the net, aggressive offensively, and shows quick wrists with a strong connection to her hitters.

9. Ava Nowling, Libero – Premier Nebraska (Red)

 Possesses the size many programs are now looking for at libero. Confident defender who isn’t afraid to stand in and make tough digs. Out-of-system setting is a high-level strength.

8. Rilynn Wingenbach, MB – HPSTL (Elite Red)

 Has the desired size and strength for the middle position. Heavy arm, hits sharp angles, and is an NTDP veteran who continues to impact the game at the net.

7. Jensen Kubik, OH – Dynasty (Elite Red)

 Very strong all-around outside. Passing stands out, paired with a good jump and the ability to score consistently. Reliable six-rotation presence.

6. Nyah Harris, Setter – KC Power (Elite Red)

 Athletic setter with a good tempo and high volleyball IQ. Builds strong connections with her pins and middles and does a nice job managing the offense.

5. Averi Bridges, Libero – VC Nebraska (Elite Red)

 Good size and length for the position and an NTDP veteran. Extremely active defender with a nonstop motor, currently playing up on a 17s roster.

4. Molly McGovern, OPP – Dynasty (Elite Red)

 Big, physical right-side with excellent size and length. Heavy arm, strong blocking presence, and a true terminal option on the pin.

3. Mya Lee, OH – KC Power (Elite Red)

 Elite-level athlete with a high jump and powerful arm. Six-rotation outside who can be terminal with even the smallest opening. Dynamic and explosive.

2. Josalyn Samuels, Setter – Kairos (Diamond)

 Ranked as the No. 2 setter in the entire 2028 class and a top-10 overall recruit nationally. Her size, hands, tempo, and athleticism clearly separate her from the field.

1. Shayla Rautenberg, MB – Nebraska ONE (Diamond)

 Not only the top player in the Plains Region, but our No. 1 player nationally in the entire 2028 class. Already in the national team pipeline, Rautenberg checks every box with elite size, lateral mobility, a dynamic arm, and a high-level slide. A true difference-maker with a very bright future.