Nine Northern Michigan Prospects To Watch In 2023
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PrepDig is putting on the Michigan Stock Up Showcase for Class of 2024-26 prospects on July 22 in Pontiac. Click here to sign up for the event. You can use promo code “EllisDig2023” for $10 off your registration. Northern Michigan can get…
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Continue ReadingPrepDig is putting on the Michigan Stock Up Showcase for Class of 2024-26 prospects on July 22 in Pontiac. Click here to sign up for the event. You can use promo code “EllisDig2023” for $10 off your registration.
Northern Michigan can get overlooked for the volleyball talent it produces here in the state.
Coming into the 2023 prep season, there will be a number of prospects to keep an eye on. Some should be vying for MVP-level seasons.
Here’s a look at nine from Northern Michigan that will be making a splash.
Mackenzie Bisballe, MH/S Lake City (2024)
Bisballe is an impressive player to watch. She’s got a big wind up, but the delivery still feels quick, and it definitely is powerful. The 6-footer has a lot of spring off the floor and attacks the net aggressively. She also has a setter’s skillset, so she knows where to place the ball whether she’s on the offensive or feeding a teammate. Bisballe was Second Team All-State in Division 3 last fall.
Navea Gauthier Navea Gauthier 6'1" | OH Shelby | 2025 State #56 Nation MI , OH Shelby (2025)
A lot of eyes are going to be on Gauthier, who is pushing herself to be one of the top overall prospects in a talent-heavy Class of 2025. The FaR Out product can hit from any pin and is coming off a 987-kill season in 2022 for Shelby. She’s already approaching 1,600 kills as a prep player and is arguably the most dominant player in Division 3, where she was First Team All-State last year.
Elyse Heffner Elyse Heffner 6'1" | MB Traverse City Central | 2025 State MI , MH Traverse City Central (2025)
The 6’1” middle has proven she can also play on the outside if needed during her club season with FaR Out. She was Honorable Mention All-State in Division 1 last year and has a chance to be a dominant middle in Northern Michigan this year. She adjusts well to her setters and can really turn the next gear on her swing.
Fiona Moord Fiona Moord 6'2" | MB Leland | 2024 State MI , MH Leland (2024)
Moord is one of the top returning players in all of Division 4, as she was First Team All-State in 2022. Moord stands 6’2”, which makes her difficult for D4 opponents to take on. She’s got the athleticism to play well above the net and generate a lot of power in her swing. As she has dominant stretches, it has improved her confidence and made her even more dangerous as a player.
Carissa Musta Carissa Musta 6'3" | MB Cadillac | 2024 State MI , MH Cadillac (2024)
Musta is easy to spot on the court. The 6’4” middle plays with a lot of athleticism and is a dominant presence at the net. She was Second Team All-State in Division 2 last year and has built on her game with NorthShore volleyball this club season. She will have Cadillac ready to make another run this fall as she can take over a game with her powerful swing and her dominant blocking.
Avery Nance Avery Nance 5'4" | DS/L Traverse City St. Francis | 2025 State MI , S Traverse City St. Francis (2025)
Nance is a standout setter and defender that comes from the FaR Out club program. She was Third Team All-State in Division 3 as a sophomore for St. Francis. Her ability to excel at both positions is due in part to her natural leadership skills. She communicates well and knows how to direct traffic in a calm and supportive way. That also keeps her focused throughout a pressure match. She’s a quick and technically sound player.
Maddy Vaara, MH/OH Ludington (2024)
Another strong middle in Northern Michigan, Vaara was Second Team All-State in D2 in 2022. While she stands 6 feet and has all the skills of a middle, Vaara also has been very impactful as an outside. Her strikes come with a lot of speed and she can adjust her swing to attack from sharp angles. She has a technically sound swing that looks effortless at times.
Luella Whipkey, OH Oscoda (2026)
One of the notable freshman impact players in 2022, Whipkey is a player that could take a big step forward in the fall season. At 5’6”, Whipkey is a multi-sport talent with a competitive fire that drives her to be great no matter what she is doing. She’s creative and adapts well on the fly to still come up with point-ending strikes and decisions. Whipkey has the all-around game to be truly special.
Quinn Yenshaw Quinn Yenshaw 6'0" | OH Traverse City St. Francis | 2026 State MI , OH/DS Traverse City St. Francis (2026)
Another talented 2026 prospect out of Northern Michigan, Yenshaw got a lot of action for St. Francis last fall, which should lead to a big 2023 campaign. She’s got the defensive skillset covered, and is adding new dimensions to her swing. She’s improving on her consistency with her swing, as well as developing stronger blocking instincts.