Who To Watch On The 2025 Watch List

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>The </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1124/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1136/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em> are coming to Pontiac on Aug. 4, and in Grand Rapids on Aug. 17. You can get $10 off your registration when you sign up by using code “EllisDig2024.” Be sure to register today.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2025 is coming into its senior year and Michigan has a lot of talented players that have made a name for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's also some players on the Watch List that could be in line for a big fall now that they have some experience under their belts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the notable Watch List 2025 prospects.</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='502206' first='Bianca' last='Bower'], DS/L Hudsonville/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bower saw limited action for Hudsonville in the fall, but put together some strong outings to end the club season with FaR Out. Bower is an agile defender that puts a lot of effort into her play, allowing her to make some impressive digs. Bower is likely to catch some eyes as she continues to get more opportunities to showcase her talent. She's definitely got a strong technical foundation to build upon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502207' first='Lauren' last='Bower'], MH Hudsonville</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bower is a middle that is approaching 6-foot. She was a steady contributor for Hudsonville last fall, averaging about one kill per set. Her finishing rate improved throughout the year, and she displayed the ability to play with a lot of tempo. As a multi-sport talent, Bower already has good footwork and she can spring off the floor. She should definitely be an offensive factor for the Eagles this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156312' first='Keira' last='Krans'], S/RS Heritage/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Krans is a well-rounded player that has shown the ability to make an impact in all phases of the game. She's stepped up her decision-making at the setter role, knowing the right times to call her own number. Defensively, Krans does a good job of supporting her hitters and making tough plays during scrambles. Krans also has an impressive serve that has been able to spark rallies for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='288964' first='Anya' last='Rankin'], OH BC Lakeview</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rankin is definitely a hitter flying under the radar, as she's shown the ability to put up big kill numbers. Rankin puts a good swing on the ball from the back row and both pins. She does a nice job of mixing up her locations and working sharp angles to avoid blockers. As a good all-around athlete, Rankin can also come through with key digs to keep a point alive and then transition to take on a big swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156329' first='Sidney' last='Shepherd'], S/RS Whitehall</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shepherd is a left-handed setter that can also play on the right side. Being left-handed, Shepherd is able to confuse defenses and be deceptive with her attacks. She's got great arm speed when she takes a swing. As a setter, Shepherd is able to locate the ball well to both pins to get high-percentage swings. She's a clear leader on the floor as well, communicating well and bringing a lot of energy to her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='202486' first='Jonae' last='Swift'], MH Cass Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swift is a good energy player that is willing to battle at the net. She improved her offensive and defensive production for Cas Tech as a junior. She's got steady power and remains active on defense to disrupt attacks. One area that Swift was able to really make an impact was from the service line. She average nearly an ace per set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156335' first='Ella' last='Thayer'], OH/DS Kenowa Hills</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thayer shows a lot of balance on the floor in terms of her consistency on offense and defense. As a hitter, she shows good patience and makes the most out of each opportunity. She's got the athleticism to adjust to the ball, but also has the arm speed to dial up a highlight-reel kill. Defensively, Thayer stays engaged and puts herself in position to make a high-percentage pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='156341' first='Mairin' last='Ziegler'], OH/RS GR Catholic Central/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ziegler is a talent with a high ceiling. She showed a lot of flashes of being a takeover hitter for GRCC. She covers a lot of ground in her approach to the net and then can unload on the ball with a quick arm swing. She seems to take the intensity up another level when she gets rolling and that makes her a big threat from either pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->