Lansing Area’s Top Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lansing area can be somewhat vast, but one thing that is clear is that the state's capital isn't far from some great volleyball talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at nine players that show a lot of potential to shine at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Players listed alphabetically</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438529' first='Mckenna' last='Boykin'], MH Portland/MVA (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boykin is listed at 5'8”, but plays much taller as she has good length and can really explode off the floor. When she's on, Boykin can deliver one of the hardest-hit balls in the class. Her blocking instincts are solid as well. The key for her going forward will be consistency and finishing rate. The ball is going to come her way a lot in the next few years, so the opportunity is there to prove she's a next-level player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156345' first='Taylor' last='Cook'], OH St. John's/MVBTA (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cook has been able to finish at either pin and has an emphatic finish to her swing that helps generate that last little bit of power to get through blocks. She has a good approach to the net and has been a big power arm for St. John's. Cook puts a lot of effort and energy into her defensive play as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222698' first='Ashton' last='Ehle'], OH Ovid-Elsie/MVBTA (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ehle has been a reliable hitter for Ovid-Elsie, able to score from the net or the back row. She stays patient with her swings and make sure she can keep the rally going on out-of-system swings. Ehle is composed defensively as well and makes a lot of nice digs in tough rallies. The key for her will be finding that next level of intensity going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222646' first='Kyden' last='Ehle'], S Ovid-Elsie/MVBTA (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashton wouldn't be able to excel as a hitter without the help of Kyden, the elder of the two. Kyden definitely has established herself as a leader and she is a fierce competitor at the net. She battles hard to win 50-50 balls and also does a good job to recognize when she needs to finish the point. Her setting is consistent and she locates well at the pins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='224597' first='Abby' last='Pickard'], S Lakewood/FaR Out (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the great setters in the state, Pickard has been everything Lakewood could ask for in recent years. She gives her team an imposing presence at the net, as she's an aggressive setter that can work fast and set up punishing kills. The Northern Kentucky commit has a very good feel for the game and has all the leadership skills you need at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732275' first='Annika' last='Platte'], OH Pewamo-Westphalia (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Platte stepped up as a sophomore to help keep the P-W offense as one of the best in Division 3 last fall. She's looking to be a focal point of the team going forward after graduating a big senior class. Platte has great arm speed and follow through on her swing. She routinely was putting down emphatic kills last fall and showed she can finish from either pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='224600' first='Cali' last='Stevons'], S DeWitt/MVA (2025)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stevons brings a lot of good intangibles to the setter position. She's an energy player and a vocal leader on the floor. She can come through with a key serve or defensive play to swing a game as well. That's on top of her already strong plays as a setter. Stevons can hit all the locations and keep the defense on its heels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sara Tolfree, L/DS Lansing Catholic/Attack (2027)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tolfree plays with a lot of confidence as a young defender, but with good reason. She's got a smooth delivery and is very consistent is getting the ball cleanly to her setter. Tolfree anticipates well and gets low to the ground to have an accurate feed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790522' first='Kyra' last='Vukovic'], MH Lansing Catholic/Attack (2027)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A name to keep an eye on is the 6'3” Vukovic. She's put up some dominant performances this club season as she's finding her groove in the sport. Vukovic doesn't need much explosion to get above the defenders, but she's still got some impressive athleticism. She's been finishing from the middle and the outside and is obviously a big force with her blocking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->