D1 Preseason Title Poll: Top 5 Votes
In this article:
Last week we put the question out to the people: Who will win the Division 1 state title in 2023? It seems fitting that today marks the first practices for the new prep season, as here we are looking at…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLast week we put the question out to the people:
Who will win the Division 1 state title in 2023?
It seems fitting that today marks the first practices for the new prep season, as here we are looking at which five teams got the most votes in our D1 preseason title poll.
1. Hudsonville (39.73%)
A semifinalist in 2021 and a regional finalist in 2022, Hudsonville has been knocking at the door of a state championship in recent years. This year, the Eagles certainly seem like a top contender again. Led by one of the top outsides in the state, Isabelle Swiercz Isabelle Swiercz 6'2" | OH Hudsonville | 2024 State #110 Nation MI (Central Michigan), Hudsonville is going to be able to bring some solid heat to the net. Setters Megan Beemer and Lexi Armstrong Lexi Armstrong 5'8" | S Hudsonville | 2025 State MI are also back to help develop some new top hitters to compliment Swiercz. Also, Hudsonville could be one of the strongest defensive teams in the state. Gianna Bender Gianna Bender 5'6" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI (San Diego State) can make an argument as being the top libero in the state. She’s also got experienced DS teammates like Hayley Carr Hayley Carr 5'4" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI and Ava Ford Ava Ford 5'4" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI by her side. Hudsonville on paper should be one of the top teams in the Grand Rapids area, which makes them one of the top D1 contenders.
2. Traverse City Central (28.64%)
A regional finalist in 2022, Traverse City Central definitely has held down Division 1 volleyball in the north and has to be viewed as a contender in 2023. This will be an experienced roster for the Trojans that has veteran leadership all around the court. Elyse Heffner Elyse Heffner 6'1" | MB Traverse City Central | 2025 State MI is a power arm that is coming off an All-State season in 2022. She’s got a great compliment in Phoebe Humphrey Phoebe Humphrey 6'0" | OH Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI to give TC Central a dynamite 1-2 punch. Marley Richmond Marley Richmond 5'6" | S Traverse City Central | 2025 State MI is a returning setter with a lot of experience, and the same goes for libero Natalie Bourdo Natalie Bourdo 5'3" | DS/L Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI , who can hold down the back row and keep her team in-system against the top hitters.
3. Clarkston (6.08%)
Being a point away from advancing to Battle Creek in 2022, Clarkston should be as motivated as any squad entering the 2023 season. The Wolves are going to bring a lot of experience and promise to the court this year. Cayla Cogan Cayla Cogan 5'10" | OH Clarkston | 2024 State #96 Nation MI (George Washington) is part of a strong senior class for Clarkston. Cogan has as powerful a swing as anyone in the state and she will look to build on her improved play as a junior. Emery Kuebler Emery Kuebler 5'7" | S Clarkston | 2024 State MI (Frostburg State) returns as a senior setter, while Kiley Gallagher Kiley Gallagher 5'5" | DS/L Clarkston | 2024 State MI (Oakland) returns as a senior libero to provide great play and leadership at key positions. Addison Newblatt Addison Newblatt 5'9" | OH Clarkston | 2025 State MI on the outside and Isabelle Henry Isabelle Henry 6'1" | MB Clarkston | 2025 State MI in the middle are returning juniors that can be consistent compliments to Cogan at the net. The Wolves also could bring in some freshmen talent this year, including Marlie Smith Marlie Smith 5'10" | S Clarkston | 2027 State MI . Smith was one of the Gamechangers at our Freshman Showcase last month. As a setter/hitter combo, Smith plays with the talent and maturity well above her freshman classification.
4. Marian (5.59%)
The three-time defending state champs appear to have their toughest path to the title since this run started. But, make no mistake that the Mustangs are still likely to be a major factor in the title picture when all is said and done. Isabelle Busignani Isabelle Busignani 6'1" | OH Marian | 2025 State #73 Nation MI (Cincinnati) returns for her junior season as a top 2025 prospect in the Midwest. The outside proved she can lead a team to a state title last year. Danielle Mertz Danielle Mertz 5'11" | OH Marian | 2024 State MI is in for a bigger role offensively this fall and she showed flashes of what she can do as a junior outside. In the middle Mckenzie Swanson Mckenzie Swanson 6'3" | MB Marian | 2024 MI (Butler-basketball) is still a major presence at 6’3” and her younger sister Ella Swanson is the same height and poised for a breakout year as a sophomore. The same could be said for Jayla Zayti Jayla Zayti 6'0" | MB Marian | 2026 State MI , another 2026 prospect that is ready to step up for the Mustangs. At setter, Allie Davison Allie Davison 5'10" | S Bloomfield Hills Marian | 2026 State MI could be the one to step into the big shadow of the starting setter role as a sophomore. Chloe Giehtbrock Chloe Giehtbrock 6'2" | S Marian | 2025 State MI (Arizona) also transferred to Marian in the offseason, but may not be eligible this fall. If the 6’2” setter/outside can play, it’s a huge boost for Marian’s title hopes. Marian also is going to have a loaded 2027 class coming in, so don’t be surprised if they have a breakout freshman in the mix.
5. South Lyon East (3.28%)
Last fall, South Lyon East had to go up against Miss Volleyball in district play, which led to their exit. This fall, South Lyon East draws 2022 runner-up Northville for a district location. Not ideal, but the Cougars certainly won’t be a team that will go down quietly in 2022. East is loaded up with hitting talent this year, including one of the strongest Class of 2025 groups in the state. Junior Gabriella Babinski Gabriella Babinski 6'1" | RS South Lyon East | 2025 State MI was one of our leading vote getters for D1 Player of the Year in the preseason. She’s joined by middles Addison Williams Addison Williams 6'2" | MB South Lyon East | 2025 State MI , Lauren Johnson Lauren Johnson 6'2" | MB South Lyon East | 2025 State MI and outside Makayla Credit Makayla Credit 5'8" | OH South Lyon East | 2025 State MI as being ranked in our latest 2025 Player Rankings. East also has senior outside Katie Berry Katie Berry 5'9" | OH South Lyon East | 2024 State MI , who is a polished all-around talent. Setters Katelyn Koch and Makenna MacDonald are also back, which means this offense is going to be fast and furious throughout 2023.