Nine Grand Rapids Standouts For 2023
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The heart of the Grand Rapids area is one of the strongest in the state for volleyball talent.
Grand Rapids regularly represents at Kellogg Arena and this year should be no different.
Here’s a look at nine names that will be leading the way in Grand Rapids for the 2023 season.
Ella Deklyen, MB Tri-Unity Christian (2025)
Deklyn is one of the top returning players in Division 4. Though listed as a middle, Deklyen can play anywhere along the net. She’s got a lot of spring in her step and is able to power through blockers from the pins or the middle. She’s very receptive to her coaching and also is quick to recognize when she needs to adjust her swing on the fly.
Zoey Dood Zoey Dood 6'2" | S Grandville | 2024 State #131 Nation MI , S Grandville (2024)
The Grandville setter and Virginia commit has been on top of our 2024 rankings for years now. As a 6’2” left-handed setter, she brings a lot of intangibles to the floor before even showing off her light feet and athleticism. Dood also has great mechanics as a hitter when needed in that role. She’s just a great athlete that excels as a setter and is going to have a chance to be a great Division 1 college star.
Elana Erickson Elana Erickson 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #79 Nation MI , OH Forest Hills Northern (2024)
Erickson was a player that was a great asset for the Huskies in 2022, but now is going to be stepping into a primary hitting role. This fall will be a big opportunity for her to showcase her entire game. Erickson has a lot of explosiveness in her first step, which is going to help her improve on her defensive play as well. Erickson isn’t afraid to put a team on her back, so don’t be surprised to see her be one of the state’s best in 2023.
Ellie Fles Ellie Fles 6'0" | MB South Christian | 2024 State MI , MB South Christian (2024)
Fles can handle the middle or move to the outside if need be. The 6-footer is very light on her feet and stays very engaged throughout the point. She can transition quickly from offense to defense, getting a tip on a ball before moving into attack mode. Fles has also displayed impressive passing skills from a middle, and brings a lot of vocal leadership to the floor.
Kendall Hopewell Kendall Hopewell 6'1" | MB Forest Hills Northern | 2024 State #193 Nation MI , MB Forest Hills Northern (2024)
Like Erickson, Hopewell is a big-time impact player for the Huskies. A 6-foot middle that can play well above the blockers, Hopewell actually has a very underrated defensive game. Along with having good blocking skills, Hopewell can be a consistent passer as well. This season should see her open up all aspects of her game and display her diverse set of skills.
Adelee Kaiton Adelee Kaiton 5'10" | OH Forest Hills Eastern | 2025 State MI , OH Forest Hills Eastern (2025)
Kaiton took on a lot of swings for Eastern last fall, and she was able to dial up a lot of finishing points. Kaiton has great placement from her back row swings and then has a lot of pop on her attacks from the net. She’s been able to consistently power through blockers, while working the ball from pin to pin. Defensively, Kaiton looks and plays with a lot of confidence and control.
Madison Peal Madison Peal 5'8" | DS/L Grand Rapids Christian | 2025 State MI , DS/L Grand Rapids Christian (2025)
Peal has faced many of the top hitters in the state already in her young prep career and helped the Eagles remain one of the top programs in Division 2. Peal has a great competitive fire to match her athleticism and quick reaction time. She’s got a knack for covering a lot of ground quickly, making timely dives and lunges to still make an accurate feed.
Ella Taatjes Ella Taatjes 6'0" | MB East Grand Rapids | 2025 State MI , MB East Grand Rapids (2025)
Taatjes is an intimidating presence at the floor. She creates a lot of difficulties for opposing hitters with her persistence in her blocking. Offensively, Taatjes can play a power game with her size and length, but she also does a good job of taking what is given to her. She can finish points with her offspeed swings through court recognition. As the game continues to speed up for her, it only brings out the best in her game.
Avery Weslow Avery Weslow 5'11" | OH Forest Hills Central | 2024 State MI , OH Forest Hills Central (2024)
Weslow has been a player making a lot of strides over the last year. She was part of a dynamic 1-2 punch for the Rangers last fall, but now will be the go-to arm in 2023. She’s more than up for the challenge. Weslow is as solid defensively as she is on offense, and she’s a very productive attacker. Weslow also brings a great serve to the court and will find ways to make impact plays no matter what situation she is in.