Who's Benefiting Most from the Michigan's 2025 Class?

<p><strong><em>Be sure to follow @lshotvb on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc">Tik Tok </a>and <a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a> for all things volleyball!</em></strong></p>   <p>–</p>   <p>This may be one of the biggest classes to have come out of the state thus far!</p>   <p>With an electric field of athletes that has seen already nearly 40 commitments, this group is stacked. While a ton of talent is still left on the table, we'll have to come back to this conversation in a years time. </p>   <p>But for now, let's take a look at who will be benefiting from this 2025 class out of Michigan!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The BIG XII Pipeline</h2>   <p>It does help that the Big XII is getting a major boost in personnel with the recent acquisition of several schools. But nonetheless, this conference seems to be the hot bed of incoming talent from the state of Michigan. We're starting to see quite the pipeline. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/izzy-busignani-pd24.png?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-540169" style="width:180px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156287' first='Isabelle' last='Busignani']</figcaption></figure>   <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Cincinnati </h5>   <p>Starting off hot, back in July, one of the top attacking prospects in the country, Izzy Busignani announced her commitment to the University of Cincinnati. One of those acquisition schools, the Bearcats are entering their second year by the way of the American Athletic Conference. With recent program success that saw the Bearcats run to a Sweet 16 appearance in 2019, a get like Busignani is one to bring back those winning ways. Out of the Marian/Michigan Elite cannons, Busignani is a sharp shooter with a great first contact. She follows in the footsteps of fellow Michigander and recent Cinci alum, <strong>Maria Mallon</strong> (C/O 2018).</p>   <p>Busignani would then be followed up by a trio of BIG XII bound announcements including [player_tooltip player_id='156321' first='McKenna' last='Payne'], [player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier'] and [player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock']. All three of which will be joining former PAC 12 schools, recently acquired by the BIG XII. </p>   <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Utah</h5>   <p>One of the top defensive products out of Michigan, Payne, will be heading to the University of Utah. This is another program who has been historically rich, but has fallen off a bit in recent years. In 2021, the Utes were led by another fellow Michigander, <strong>Stef Jankiewicz</strong> (C/O 2017). An all-time assists leader at Illinois State before using her fifth year at Utah, Jankiewicz led the Utes to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament. With a player like Payne who is well accustomed to playing on the big stages, with all the marbles on the line, this is a great get for this program entering their new era.</p>   <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Colorado</h5>   <p>Just over some mountains, Payne will be seeing a familiar foe across the net. Stand out middle blocker, [player_tooltip player_id='156299' first='Olivia' last='Grenadier'] also announced in July that she will be heading to the University of Colorado. The 6'1 MB has easily become one of the most productive middles in this class. With just about every shot up her sleeve, Grenadier is also an incredible blocker. She'll be bringing a lot of point production as well as net defense to the Buffs in the 2025 fall.</p>   <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Arizona</h5>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/Chloe-Giehtbrock.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-447865" style="width:268px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Rounding out the trio of former PACs, the University of Arizona will be welcoming [player_tooltip player_id='156298' first='Chloe' last='Giehtbrock'] to the mix in 2025. Now this was a real exciting development at the time. Giehtbrock had just concluded her first season as a full time setter, then June 15th opened up and she found herself amongst the top of many power 5 lists. A developing force in her own right, Giehtbrock has the potential to do some serious damage with the Wildcats upon arrival. </p>   <h5 class="wp-block-heading">Texas Tech</h5>   <p>And finally, capping off the current BIG XII pipeline this class has cooked up, we have [player_tooltip player_id='156307' first='Shelby' last='Ignash']. Opting for an OG BIG XII school, Ignash announced in August she'll be joining the Red Raiders at Texas Tech. Much like Giehtbrock, this was a huge get. In only her first club season playing at an open level, the new slide queen caught the attention of many high caliber programs. Aside from volleyball, Ignash is a huge multi-sport athlete. A basketball, softball and track star as well, she has led each of her teams to deep post-season runs. She's also been named All-State in each of those sports as well. To think what she could be once focused full-time to the volleyball courts is a scary thought!</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Boosts in the Mid-Majors</h2>   <p>While there seems to be the trend of the Big XII pipeline, there is also some serious talent heading off to the Mid-Major level. For most, these aren't just any mid-major programs, these are ones that continually battle for dominance in their respective conferences. Excluding the MAC for now, we'll get to them later, here are where some of the big names are heading.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Illinois State (Missouri Valley)</h4>   <p>We talked about a former Illinois State standout already earlier in the article. From one Michigan Elite setter to the next, [player_tooltip player_id='156293' first='Ella' last='Craggs'] be another setter to grace the Red Bird program. Much like Jankiewicz and her prep career, Craggs is extremely decorated. Decorated with a multitude of accolades, what stands out most is how winning a Craggs' operated team is. For Northville, Craggs has set the Mustangs to two consecutive D1 Final Fours. With Michigan Elite, Craggs has paced her club teams to as many as 3 straight Top Five AAU finishes, including a National Runner-Up in the 16 Open. The Red Birds haven't won the Missouri Valley, or have been to the NCAA tournament, since Jankiewicz' last year (2020/21). Maybe this will be the magic touch needed to clear the hump.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Connecticut (Big East)</h4>   <p>The Big East is vastly emerging as one of the top volleyball conferences in the country. With a get like [player_tooltip player_id='443826' first='Jordyn' last='Hughes'], not only will UConn see a major boost, but so will the conference as a whole. While only standing t 5'11, Hughes may be one of the highest leapers coming out of Michigan. She pops off the ground, moves quick and can score in a myriad of ways. I could see this player moving around to different positions on the court during her team at UConn. Nonetheless, she will be a lightning rod for the Huskies.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Georgia Southern (Sun Belt)</h4>   <p>This is a program on some serious incline. Just looking at their incoming talent for the 2025 class, keep an eye out for Georgia Southern. Of those players in this stacked class, [player_tooltip player_id='156284' first='Gabriella' last='Babinski'] will be one of the biggest names to enter the scene. A 6'2 opposite out of South Lyon East/Michigan Elite, this is a real cannon of an arm. While primarily on the right side, Babinski bolsters a real nice touch on the left as well as some solid ball control. She could be quite the utility player for the Eagles.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">South Alabama (Sun Belt)</h4>   <p>It's a two-for-one deal! Another emerging program out of the Sun Belt, South Alabama is capitalizing on an incredible 2023 season to keep the ball rolling. Not only did HC <strong>Jesse Ortiz</strong> snag one, but he snagged two players out the FaR Out's highly lucrative 2025 group. Starting with [player_tooltip player_id='156301' first='Elyse' last='Heffner']. Heffner is a 6'1 middle blocker out of Traverse City who has been really catching some momentum throughout her junior year. She's growing into a well-rounded middle with both the offense and defense to back.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DSC09979.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411602" style="width:285px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='156291' first='Taygan' last='Corstange']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Joining alongside Heffner, [player_tooltip player_id='224272' first='Cambria' last='Gaier'] out of Caledonia will join her current teammate down in Mobile, AL. Gaier is a 5'9 OH/DS who could come down and really give the Jaguars some options. Whether it be for her offense or back row play, Gaier is quite the catch, The two will be joining fellow FaR Out alum, <strong>Maradith O'Gorman</strong> (C/O 2022) who will be entering her first year with the Jaguars after two seasons at Michigan State.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Wright State (Horizon League)</h4>   <p>Wright State is developing quite the nice pipeline in their own right with the consecutive classes of Michigan athletes. In the 2025 class, the Raiders add on libero [player_tooltip player_id='156291' first='Taygan' last='Corstange'] out of Gull Lake/Dead Frog. Corstange marks the third class in a row that is highlighted by Michigan prep standouts. Corstange joins Reilly Zegunis (C/O 23) and [player_tooltip player_id='110313' first='Greta' last='McKee'] (C/O 24) at WSU.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Northern Kentucky (Horizon League)</h4>   <p>This is another program who has had their fair share of Michigan influence in recent years. Joining the party is current Lakewood/FaR Out standout, [player_tooltip player_id='224597' first='Abby' last='Pickard']. Pickard is one of the premier setters of this class, which is saying quite a lot given the talent in this class. She'll be heading to Northern Kentucky alongside current teammate, [player_tooltip player_id='110305' first='Kendall' last='Hopewell']. The two have curated quite the connection over the last few seasons and will surely continue that with the Vikings.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Purdue-Fort Wayne (Horizon League)</h4>   <p>One of the more recent announcements heading to the Horizon League, [player_tooltip player_id='288965' first='Lili' last='Smith'] out of Michigan Elite will be joining Purdue-Fort Wayne in the fall of 2025. This is an exciting prospect to keep an eye on. Smith has consistently throughout her career has worn multiple hats, as both a setter and an attacker. Smith will join fellow Michigander, [player_tooltip player_id='443797' first='Jaelyn' last='Hall'] (C/O 24) in the fall of 2025.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Oakland (Horizon League)</h4>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/DSC_6288-1.jpg?w=867" alt="" class="wp-image-395623" style="width:218px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='261152' first='Grace' last='Cooney']</figcaption></figure>   <p>Moving back home, Oakland is picking of duo of really promising players out of this 2025 class. Starting off with [player_tooltip player_id='156325' first='Molly' last='Reck'] out of Northville/Legacy, this is a player that has saw her stock rise exponentially over the course of her prep career. Equipped with steady ball control and an ever growing arsenal of offense, Reck could step in and be a nice all-around player. Joining Reck, [player_tooltip player_id='261152' first='Grace' last='Cooney'] out of Hartland/L2 joins the party. Another huge pick up, this may be one of those that turns a lot of heads throughout her collegiate career. Cooney has been rock solid for L2 throughout her two years with the program and continues to show signs of top notch play at the net.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">More MACtion</h2>   <p>We couldn't forget about the Mid-American Conference when talking about the powers of the Mid-Majors. Given the three MAC institutions that are in-state and the many that are nearby. This is a conference that has forever been a huge landing pad for Michigan prep standouts. Let's take a look at who from the 2025 class will be joining.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Toledo</h4>   <p>This may be one of the best gets out of all of them from this class. Not too far from home, the SMCC native, [player_tooltip player_id='156292' first='Jessica' last='Costlow'] will be heading to the University of Toledo. This is a player who could play virtually anywhere on the court and find success. Her high flying ways lead me to believe that Costlow would make the perfect six rotation dynamo for the Rockets. Albeit, she has the perfect first contact in both receive and defense that cooks her up a great argument to be a standout 'bro at the next level.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Western Michigan</h4>   <p>Western Michigan is riding a huge wave of momentum right now. After a huge 2023 season that saw them run away with the MAC and finding themselves in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, they're bringing in an exciting 2024 freshman class. What's more exciting than that is what they're bringing in, in 2025. [player_tooltip player_id='472798' first='Cassidy' last='Pratley'], a name not known by many for a long time, announced in October her commitment to the nearby program. A standout at Harper Creek, Pratley not only excels greatly on the volleyball courts, but on the basketball courts and track as well. Without playing any high level club ball, this is quite the get for the Broncos. Much like fellow middle blocker, Ignash, with a full focus on volleyball, Pratley could turn out to be a huge power player for Western.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Ball State</h4>   <p>A recent announcement out of the FaR Out cannon, [player_tooltip player_id='288946' first='Alana' last='Bailey'] will be getting in on all the MACtion in 2025. Yet, another exciting player to grace the middle position in this class. Bailey is quite the athletic piece that has shown signs of big time play throughout her time on FO's 18 Black team this spring. Bailey will be joining another Michigander, <strong>Josie Bloom</strong> (C/O 2022).</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bowling Green</h4>   <p>it's another two-for-one deal in the 2025 class. Bowling Green nabs two from the Legacy 17-2s team. Starting off strong with [player_tooltip player_id='185683' first='Alivia' last='Brown'] in the fall, BGSU recently added another one to a growing roster in [player_tooltip player_id='261176' first='Kendall' last='Williams'].</p>   <p> Brown is player that will step in and offer the Falcons some options. For Legacy, she has been holding down the fort as the six rotation outside hitter who will clean up the passing and put away the trash. I would not be surprised, given her touch on the first ball, if Brown makes a run at a DS/L spot in college. For Williams, this player has grown leaps and bounds throughout her time at Legacy this season. Lengthy at the net, Williams has been putting on some muscle in not only her net defense, but her offense as well. The two have become quite the duo to deal with at Legacy, they will surely continue those ways at Bowling Green. </p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Eastern Michigan</h4>   <p>In the new era of Eastern Michigan volleyball, the Eagles are spending no time in grabbing onto some exciting talent. After a good 2024 class, they keep the ball rolling with nabbing two from home. First, from the Bedford/L2 cannons, [player_tooltip player_id='261174' first='Kaylin' last='Schroeder'], and then [player_tooltip player_id='156339' first='Layna' last='Waselewsky'] from Forest Hills Eastern/FaR Out. </p>   <p>Schroeder has been lighting it up in both the HS and club scene the last several months. Last Summer, Schroeder took on AAU Nationals by storm and went on to lead L2's 162s team to a top ten finish in 16 Premier. This being the first ever top ten finish in the club's history. In the fall, Schroeder led Bedford to an SEC title before falling short in the Regional Semifinals. </p>   <p>On the other side of the state, Waselewsky has fallen under the radar a bit but made some big noise as of recently. With FO's 16 Black squad, she was huge in their Top 5 finish at AAU Nationals. After a promising fall with FH Eastern, Waselewsky has missed a majority of the club season with 18 Black due to injury, unfortunately.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Mercy-vs-Clarkston-VB-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-485493" style="width:245px;height:auto" /></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Big Ten Trio</h2>   <p>And finally, we've made it to the Big Ten. This class has three players heading to the college volleyball mecca. All of which will be donning red! Let's take a look at who.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Nebraska</h4>   <p>And taking the number one recruit is... Nebraska! This isn't the first time that the Cornhuskers nabbed the top prospect coming out of the Michigan. Just look back at the 2023 class... (<strong>Harper Murray</strong>). [player_tooltip player_id='156295' first='Campbell' last='Flynn'] has been the undisputed face of this 2025 class for years now. And she only continues to get better. Not too long after her commitment to the Nebraska, Flynn went on an absolute terror of a fall. After leading USA to a U19 World Championships, she went on to pace the U21 squad to a sixth place finish before returning home and winning a state title with Mercy! This is a player that ONLY knows how to win. This is music to the ears of <strong>John Cook</strong>.</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Ohio State</h4>   <p>Now, who gets the number two recruit? Look no further than the Buckeyes of Ohio State. Picking up another huge arm for this emerging powerhouse, [player_tooltip player_id='156343' first='Navea' last='Gauthier'] marks yet another top fifty ranked player nationally in the last few classes. She is a cannon of an arm that can score on just about any set she gets. I mean, 800+ in two consecutive high school seasons is absolutely insane! A couple of top five AAU National finishes and an Emperor Cup Natty isn't too shabby either!</p>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Indiana</h4>   <p>Rounding out the trio of the Red Tens from the 2025 class, [player_tooltip player_id='288945' first='Victoria' last='Gray'] is heading to Indiana! In one of the most interesting developments of the 2023 volleyball seasons was Gray. A former basketball standout that took a chance of volleyball. Turns out, she was an even better player on these courts than she was the other. And she was a dang good one on the other! After getting a taste of the club life with Michigan Elite's 18 Mizuno squad, Gray dove all in and joined 16 Mizuno. From here, not only did she help 16Miz to a 16 Open Runner-Up at AAU Nationals, but she become one of the top MB prospects in the nation. </p>

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