Northern Michigan’s Top Underclassmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern Michigan has a handful of underclassmen that are doing big things over the last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at nine players that have caught our eye with what they have been doing on the court.</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='400074' first='Sable' last='Dankers'], MH/OH TC Central/Northshore (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dankers can play anywhere along the net and finish at a high rate. Her big wind up generates a lot of power that can work through blockers. However, she's shown more consistency to mix in her offspeed shots and find openings on the floor that way. Whenever the ball comes her way, she usually finds a way to challenge the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261147' first='Emma' last='Flick'], DS/L TC West/Northshore (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flick is a bulldog in the back row, as she plays with a lot of intensity, but that also means she's able to take on a lot of big attacks and dig the ball up. She's quick on her feet and is able to show good form on very challenging digs. Her serve can turn a match around as well. She's definitely got the mindset you want in a libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490037' first='Hadley' last='Humphrey'], S TC Central/Northshore (2027)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Humphrey is a 2027 prospect that is playing at the 16U level right now in the club season. That's helping her game make big strides, as she's working with some impressive hitters and a libero that can get her the ball with a chance to succeed often. Humphrey is doing a nice job of hitting all the key spots and she's brought the best out of her middles. She keeps the tempo quick and learns from her mistakes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Amelia Miller, L/DS Pickford (2027)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller took on a libero role as a freshman and looked really impressive for Pickford. She showed a lot of composure and maturity in the starting role and made a lot of plays you wouldn't expect from a freshman. Miller has great instincts for when to sprawl or dive for the tough dig. Her serve receive was very consistent as well. As she finds more confidence, Miller could be a dominant back-row player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490342' first='Sidney' last='Richmond'], DS/L TC Central/FaR Out (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richmond is a dark horse when it comes to top defenders in this class. She's looked really strong in the back row for FaR Out 15 Black this club season. She's able to use her added experience to excel in the 15U division. Richmond is able to play a smooth out-of-system feed to hitters, but she's also very steady with her serve receive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Makaela Steiner, S Cheboygan (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Steiner excels as a setter, but also is a great defensive presence for Cheboygan. She looks very natural in her serve receive and passing, which compliments her setting ability. As a setter, Steiner is aggressive and willing to take some chances with locations and tempo. She shows a lot of leadership skills that will come in handy for the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Luella Whipkey, OH Oscoda (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whipkey is a talented natural athlete that shows a lot of quickness. She can react well to any situation and is able to transition well from serve receive into attack. Her swing is very smooth and she elevates well off the floor to provide a lot of pop in her attacks. Whipkey plays like a veteran, which is exciting for Oscoda these next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mara Williams, OH Roscommon (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams is a big-time finisher for Roscommon. She was consistently putting down double-digit kills during the 2023 prep season, as she had a great mixture of speed and power. Williams plays with a lot of confidence and intensity. She knows she can be the one to finish a point and doesn't back down from the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220968' first='Quinn' last='Yenshaw'], OH TC St. Francis/FaR Out (2026)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yenshaw was a big contributor for St. Francis this past fall as it reached the D3 final. This club season she's been hammering down the right side of the net with FaR Out. Yenshaw can finish from either pin and has a consistent approach to the net with steady power. She plays across the court well and is showing improvement on her passing and serve receive as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->