Wisconsin and Illinois Hidden Gems of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026s are ready to start their recruiting process. They are just over a month away from being able to officially talk to college coaches. Coaches and athletes will be building their "list" of who to reach out to. There are some athletes who are trending up in their club season and would be ones to keep tabs on. Some of these hidden gems become steals at the next level where they can really make an impact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1779138877241917778","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1779138877241917778 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388453"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I remember Aaononsen during the high school season and then got to see her again at the Prep Dig Madness in Miltown earlier in April and she is a mismatch nightmare.  She is 6'0 middle blocker with plenty of length and athleticism, she can attack off one foot and a very solid blocker.  Oh, and she's left handed.  Yes, her primary position is middle blocker and her setters do a great job of getting her the ball with various tempos.  She has a fast, loose arm where she can just go get the ball and cause a lot of chaos for the other side.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fb5c"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":486021,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/89-Cassidy-Pohlman.jpeg?w=1022" alt="" class="wp-image-486021"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["237019"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Pohlman preps at Monona Grove High School out of the Madison area and has been the libero for 608 Juniors 16 Elite.  She was a top performer at the Prep Dig Champions Cup at the beginning of March where she showed she was consistent in serve receive, anticipates well, and has a controlled platform.  She has plenty of quickness that allows her to have quite the range.  She will be one to keep tabs on among liberos in the Class of 2026.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fbd1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":486047,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/116-Zoe-Wockenfus.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-486047"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["249692"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Wockenfus has been a key player for Appleton East since she started her freshman year.  She is a dynamic athlete where she can play on the outside or could have a future at the next level as a DS/libero.  With her background as an outside hitter as well as plenty on the sand, she has a mature volleyball IQ.  She has great platform awareness and footwork where she knows how to get in position to put up a three point serve receive or pass for her setters to get in system.  If she is in the DS role, she is definitely an outlet for her setter to attack out of the backrow where she has a variety of shots to get the defense out of system or score points.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fc2d"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["388589"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Leach preps at Burlington High School in Wisconsin and plays for [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'] 161 Elite out of Rockford, IL.  This group can be found in the open division where they know how to compete against high level competition.  I was able to see Leach at the Mideast Qualifier in Indianapolis where she was wearing the libero jersey for [program_tooltip program_id='429175' first='VC' last='United'].  She is another one who has a strong volleyball IQ and is able to get herself in position to put up a pass for her setter to make it happen for their attackers.  Burlington will be in the hunt again for another state tournament appearance where the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='178024' first='Kati' last='Berezowitz'] and Leach will anchor the back line.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fc82"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":536184,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/06/Vivie-Dempsey-crop-3196x2099-1714418315.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-536184"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["435842"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Dempsey packs a huge punch with her swing where she plays for the Elevate 17s out of Tomah/West Salem area in Western Wisconsin.  I saw Dempsey at the Prep Dig Battle at the Bay in 2023 and multiple times since.  She has typically played an age group up and has been successful.  She is a hidden gem among the attackers from 2026 in Wisconsin where she can flat out score points and isn't afraid to take a big swing.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fcd4"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325505"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Speaking of big swings, [player_tooltip player_id='325505' first='Savanah' last='Weathers'] can drop the hammer where the pin attacker can score points from anywhere on the court.  She does it from the outside and right side where she explodes off the ground and has a violent arm swing.  With her hops and big arm, she still manages to be an efficient player where she can keep the ball in the court.  I was able to see Michio at MEQ and Windy City where they have continued to see plenty of improvement over the course of the season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fd24"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["233278"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Toliopoulos is one the other side of the net needs to know where she is at all times.  She is 5'9 and extremely dynamic where she can get her feet to the ball, receive the ball high, and set all the tempos in front and behind her.  She will attack if needed in their 5-1 system, but does a nice job of making sure to find the open attacker.  She will look to push tempo when the situation presents itself.  She is one to keep tabs on in the Class of 2026 and could have any exciting summer.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fd74"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["323996"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Barton is a middle blocker for [program_tooltip program_id='432009' first='Sky' last='High'] and preps at Jacobs High School in the Chicago burbs.  What is apparent about her game is how well she sees the court.  She is very intentional with all of her attacker where she can find the deep corners or tip out to zone four.  She will take the ball left or right, varying her angles, and is very active at the net with her block.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fdc2"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Isabelle Axelson ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32924","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"I saw able to see Axelson and her [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] 16 Black team at the Mideast Qualifier in Indy this past March.  There is a lot of upside to this team where they are extremely balanced with their attackers.  One who is highly efficient out of the middle is Isabelle Axelson.  The 6'0 2026 prospect has the IQ of knowing what shots to use and when. She is very fundamentally sound with her footwork out of the middle where she can set a strong block, transition and be ready to attack.  She is another one who isn't afraid to take a big swing or use the block to her advantage.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-662ff3b26fe6a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->