Michigan Teams Taking over Summerfest: 15 Open
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They don’t call it Summerfest for no reason! Columbus is going to be red hot this weekend with some high level volleyball and the 15 Open is going to be bringing some heat. Some of the best volleyball coming to…
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Continue ReadingThey don’t call it Summerfest for no reason! Columbus is going to be red hot this weekend with some high level volleyball and the 15 Open is going to be bringing some heat.
Some of the best volleyball coming to the 15 Open are going be from the Mitten state. Legacy, Michigan Elite, and FaR Out have themselves some of the best athletes, arguably in the country, and I am anticipating one of these squads will be taking home the Summerfest crown just weeks ahead of AAU Nationals.
So, let’s break down why I predict these three to be potential champs.
Legacy
This Legacy squad is stacked and has already amassed a name for themselves within the last club season or two. This season has been a real big one for Legacy, earning their USAV bid super early on. And earning plenty of top five finishes along the way.
Leading the charge and a huge reason for this team’s success is setter Campbell Flynn Campbell Flynn 6'2" | S Mercy | 2025 State #4 Nation MI . 6’2 and a lefty, she is already touted as one of the top prospects of the 2025 class. She’s surrounded by some high level attackers too, two of her big guns are OH Gabriella DiVita and MB Olivia Grenadier Olivia Grenadier 6'1" | MB Country Day | 2025 State #91 Nation MI . DiVita, only an eighth grader, has been lighting up the club season with her explosive nature and whip of an arm. Grenadier is a high flier in the middle with a tough block and a love for bouncing the ball on her opponents.
Michigan Elite
I would argue this squad is a sleeper pick, a lot of early season shuffling of players and injuries. Elite has been turning the heat up lately, with a full, healthy squad, they’ve been turning some heads. Recently, placing runner-up in the Can Am 16 Open to a tough Circle City 16 squad.
Some players to watch this weekend is their tough trio of attacks, Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI , Jessica Costlow Jessica Costlow 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2025 State #142 Nation MI , and Gabriella Babinski Gabriella Babinski 6'1" | RS South Lyon East | 2025 State MI . Busignani is the team’s heartbeat, taking on a huge role in their pass and defense, but also their outlet on the left side. Costlow is a pure utility card that has become an unsung hero, passing lights out in the back row and her variety of shots at the net, whether it be in the middle or on the left is deadly. Then, you have Babinski who has recently moved to the right side and has been CRUSHING it ever since.
FaR Out
Another potential sleeper pick, FaR Out hasn’t been to many big time tournaments this season, but have been racking in some impressive wins nonetheless. Not only that, but they boast one of the best freshman hitters in the country that has been receiving some huge attention through the USAV pipeline.
Some players on this squad to watch are Navea Gauthier Navea Gauthier 6'1" | OH Shelby | 2025 State #56 Nation MI , Mallory Johnson, and Abby Pickard. That big freshman hitter in question, it’s Gauthier. She’s a complete six rotation player, but she’s really used for her offensive prowess, deservedly so. Gauthier has one heavy arm that not a lot can contain. Johnson is another big time player playing up, but she’s only a seventh grader! Her play is so high level and composed, it’s hard to believe she is this young. And running the whole show is Pickard. A really balanced setter for this squad, she has a great awareness for the court and her hot hands, and calls her own number on really timely plays.