A Look at the Top 5 Liberos in the 2026 Class: Michigan
In this article:
Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball! – The latest rankings update is up and LIVE! For the class of 2026, we are coming into a HUGE year. Not only do we have the…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBe sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!
–
The latest rankings update is up and LIVE!
For the class of 2026, we are coming into a HUGE year. Not only do we have the sophomore year of club on the horizon, but even further in the distance, we have that illusive June 15th date that every prospect looks to. June 15th is when the floodgates of recruiting go live, and this class is up next. 2023 was a pretty big year for these prospects, but 2024 will be even bigger!
With all of the excitement from 2023 coming to a close, let’s take a look at the top 5 liberos in the rankings.
No. 6 Meredith Martin Meredith Martin 5'7" | DS/L Marian | 2026 State MI – Orchard Lake St. Mary’s/Legacy
This player brings a lot of fire to any court she steps on. One of the feistiest defenders in the gym, Meredith Martin Meredith Martin 5'7" | DS/L Marian | 2026 State MI always has her eye on the prize. 2023 proved to show a lot of growth for Martin’s overall game. After leading one of the top 15s teams in the country to top finishes at both AAU and USA Nationals as a libero, Martin transitioned to the pins this fall. With Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Martin was the go-to arm when in trouble play. On top of carrying such a load offensively, Martin managed to hold it down in reception, receiving 2-man serve receive nearly every rotation!
This coming club season is going to be a really big one for this player. Considered one of the top defensive prospects, not only in Michigan, but nationally, she’ll be on every scout’s watch-list.
No. 15 Kayla Ostrander Kayla Ostrander 5'8" | DS/L Utica Eisenhower | 2026 State MI – Eisenhower/Legacy
Legacy has quite the depth of top-tier players in nearly every position in this class. If you so happen to make it past their net defense, good luck finding the floor with this stellar back court. Kayla Ostrander Kayla Ostrander 5'8" | DS/L Utica Eisenhower | 2026 State MI is a kid that needs to be on everyone’s radar this coming club season. While a point of emphasis for Legacy, Ostrander was arguably the IT girl for Utica Eisenhower this fall. One of the most prolific defenders in Michigan, she led the entire state with over 6 digs per set this fall. Between her and Martin, I’d be shocked to see anybody score on them.
Riding all of this momentum into the Winter, Ostrander could be an X-Factor for Legacy. They had some missteps late in the season that held them from reaching championships at Nationals, but with Ostrander playing at a whole other level to go with this team’s offense, they could be virtually unstoppable.
No. 17 Charlotte Gramzow Charlotte Gramzow 5'10" | OH Lutheran Northwest | 2026 State MI – Lutheran Northwest/Michigan Elite
Charlotte Gramzow Charlotte Gramzow 5'10" | OH Lutheran Northwest | 2026 State MI is another ‘bro turned outside this past fall. Albeit, it’s hard to say which position is Gramzow’s true position – she is just so solid in either. Last club season saw her take the sole reigns of the off-colored jersey for Mayssa Cook‘s 15 Mizuno and thrive in the role. Fast forward to the fall, she was Lutheran Northwest’s key player that led them to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in Division 3. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Gramzow wave in and out of roles this club season, but one thing is for certain, her back court play is top notch.
As you can tell, Gramzow is very much a player on the up and up. She’s developing a really strong overall sense of the court. From her experience as a libero and outside attacker, this experience can really aid her well going into a highly-coveted club season.
No. 28 Annalise Clark Annalise Clark 5'4" | DS/L Lowell | 2026 State MI – Lowell/FaR Out
FaR Out is another club that really stacks up on some serious defensive talent. Annalise Clark Annalise Clark 5'4" | DS/L Lowell | 2026 State MI is a burgeoning talent in the back court. During club season, she was the impact DS for 15 Black. A team that finished atop the 5 best teams in 15 Open at AAU Nationals. This fall, she was the dandy in the back for Lowell, a much storied program.
Clark is coming into the club season with a lot of great momentum on her side. She’s a finish later.
No. 30 Amelia Gagnon Amelia Gagnon 5'5" | DS/L West Catholic | 2026 State MI – West Catholic/FaR Out
This has been a huge year for Amelia Gagnon Amelia Gagnon 5'5" | DS/L West Catholic | 2026 State MI . While club season saw Gagnon as one of the top defenders in her division, she followed that up with a historic season at Grand Rapids West Catholic. In a historic run, Gagnon found herself against one of the top libero’s in Michigan in the Division 2 Final Four. Needless to say, this player more than held her own against the veteran across the court. As only a sophomore, she plays with a lot of poise and leadership. Characteristics that proved crucial down the stretch of the post-season when GRWC had their backs against the wall in the Elite 8.
A power player in her own right, i don’t think this will be the last we hear of Gagnon whatsoever. An All-Prep Dig honoree, she’s going to be a big one to keep an eye out for at FaR Out throughout the club season.