2022 Presidents’ Day Challenge Preview: 15s and 16s
Coming to the TCF Center will be 500 of the best teams in the Midwest. Detroit will host some big name talent, but what makes this tournament most exciting is the under-the-radar athlete that will be on display. A lot…
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Continue ReadingComing to the TCF Center will be 500 of the best teams in the Midwest.
Detroit will host some big name talent, but what makes this tournament most exciting is the under-the-radar athlete that will be on display. A lot of local clubs are coming to go toe-to-toe with some of the premier clubs in the country and could even give them a run for their money!
Here are some of the big names to watch out for in the 15 and 16s divisions.
Navea Gauthier Navea Gauthier 6'1" | OH Shelby | 2025 State #56 Nation MI (2025) | 6’1 OH | FaR Out
This is a name you should be well aware of by now, if not, here’s your introduction. But no introduction will be needed when you watch Navea Gauthier Navea Gauthier 6'1" | OH Shelby | 2025 State #56 Nation MI play. Gauthier is an athletic attacker that can soar well above the competition. This is her second year with the FaR Out’s top 15s squad, as she played up a division last season. Look for Gauthier to turn heads in the Open division.
Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI (2025) | 5’7 OH | Thumb Fusion
It’s hard to give a preview to this athlete due to her sheer athleticism and versatility in all positions. Kacee Gray Kacee Gray 5'7" | OH Cass City | 2025 State MI excelled well beyond her years during the fall with Cass City as a six-rotation outside hitter. She’s a great defender and passer, with a great eye for the opponents defense. But don’t be surprised if Gray sees some time as a setter or libero throughout the weekend.
Shelby Ignash Shelby Ignash 6'1" | MB Cass City | 2025 State #124 Nation MI (2025) | 6’1 MB | Thumb Fusion
One of the top rookies of the 2021 high school season, Shelby Ignash Shelby Ignash 6'1" | MB Cass City | 2025 State #124 Nation MI is joining forces with Gray on Thumb Fusion. The two proved to be magic in the fall for Cass City and have been pretty impressive for Fusion this season. Ignash is a raw athlete with a lot of upside to her game. She can run one of the best slide attacks of anyone you’ll see in this division and excels as a six rotation player.
Sarah Howard Sarah Howard 5'8" | DS/L Bad Axe | 2024 State MI (2024) | 5’8 OH/L | Thumb Fusion
With the theme of this team, Thumb Fusion is full of athletic, well-rounded players. Sarah Howard Sarah Howard 5'8" | DS/L Bad Axe | 2024 State MI is another one that can be slotted in different positions when needed. In the fall season she was projected to be one of the top libero’s in the thumb. Due to injuries and positional shifts, she filled in as a hitter and did quite well. Howard could do the same for Fusion and keep their play at a high level.
Isabelle Swiercz Isabelle Swiercz 6'2" | OH Hudsonville | 2024 State #110 Nation MI (2024) | 6’1 OPP | FaR Out
FaR Out really has a team on their hands with this 16 Black squad. Isabelle Swiercz Isabelle Swiercz 6'2" | OH Hudsonville | 2024 State #110 Nation MI is one of the most exciting names on the list full of lethal attackers and defensive dandies. Swiercz is one of the most promising athletes out of Hudsonville. Swiercz boasts a lethal arm on the right side and can attack some serious angles.
Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI (2024) | 5’10 OH | FaR Out
On the flip side of Swiercz is Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI . The combination of Swiercz and Weslow is a damning duo at the net. Weslow, while undersized a tad, brings a huge jump to her game. She can leap out of the gym and bring the hammer down on her rivals. Her back court play is as impressive as her front row.
Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI (2024) | 5’4 L | FaR Out
One of the premier defenders in the state of Michigan, Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI is a top five ranked player in the class of 2024. In the fall, she led Lakewood Odessa to a Division 2 final four match and was superb throughout the season. Piercefield has a great sense for her opposing attackers’ tendencies and can take up a lot of space in the reception line as well.