2021 Player Rankings: Top 10 Outside Hitters

<p>It was eye-popping the amount of 2021 players that had standout seasons during the fall of 2018 in the state of Michigan. The sophomore class is full of talented outside hitters that are sure to land Division 1 commitments over the next few years. Here’s a look at the 10 players that have combined their prep season with impressive club performances.</p> <ol> <li><strong> Mikayla Haut, SMCC/Michigan Elite:</strong> Haut is a complete player. She has the powerful attacks, the consistent passing, the steady block and the thunderous serve. She was First Team All-State for SMCC this fall and no plays a big role for Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno. A true star for years to come.</li> <li><strong> Addie VanderWeide, Grand Rapids Christian/MVA: </strong>VanderWeide was part of a stacked Grand Rapids Christian team and still managed 528 kills in the fall to help lead the Eagles to a D2 state championship. VanderWeide now competes for MVA 17 National Black and is holding her own against some of the best in the country, who are a year up on her.</li> <li><strong> Ashley Nordmann, Lansing Christian/Michigan Elite: </strong>Put up a tremendous 529 kills during the prep season while also amassing close to 450 digs. Nordmann can do it all and is improving her skills this club season with Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno.</li> <li><strong> Jenna Reitsma, Lowell/FaR Out: </strong>A breakout season for Reitsma this fall earned her Second Team All-State in Division 1. She put up 430 kills and is set to be one of the top hitters in the state over the next two seasons. Currently playing club with FaR Out 16 Black.</li> <li><strong> Anna Smith, Mendon/FaR Out: </strong>It would be hard to say any single player was more impactful at the state finals this season than Smith, as she led Mendon to a Division 4 state title. Capable of playing nearly any position, Smith plays with a lot of fire an intensity. She is also part of the talent FaR Out 16 Black squad.</li> <li><strong> Claire Nowicki, Clarkston/Legacy: </strong>Nowicki faces some of the best competition in the state as part of Clarkston and held her own plenty of times. Competing for Legacy 16-Elite, Nowicki looks to be making big strides to be a standout player for the fall of 2019.</li> <li><strong> Macy Brown, Cadillac/FaR Out: </strong>Just 5’10”, Brown is able to play well above her size with her accuracy and ability to change speeds. She did everything for Cadillac this fall, racking up 444 kills, 507 digs and 322 assists.</li> <li><strong> Mackenzie Gross, Grand Haven/MVA: </strong>Gross gives Grand Haven a lot of hop for the future, as she had over 300 kills this fall while leading them to a D1 regional final appearance. Competing for MVA 16 National Black, Gross is sure to be drawing a lot of college attention.</li> <li><strong> Jenna Boksha, Northville/Legacy: </strong>Boskha took on a big role as a sophomore for Northville, a Division 1 semifinalist. Now she is part of a talented Legacy 16-Elite roster that will force her to improve as a hitter. In 2019, Boksha is sure to be a name to keep an eye on.</li> <li><strong> Kaylin Collins, Mercy/Michigan Elite: </strong>Collins was lost in the shuffle of Mercy’s tremendous hitting depth at times, but she stepped up when given the opportunity. A strong club year with Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno should translate to a great junior year with the Marlins.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Others to note: </strong>Keilyn Carpenter, Sage Kissman, Sydney Palazzolo, Lauren Peal, Ella Lochbiler</p>