2025 Club Preview: Michigan Elite 18 Elite

<p><em><strong>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!</strong></em></p>   <p>–</p>   <p>This is another strong 2s team out of the Michigan Elite cannon. Last year, this group had a real solid outing. They would go on to just narrowly missing out on a gold bracket berth in the 17 Premier Division at AAU Nationals. This year's team looks a bit different than last year, but still has a lot of potential.</p>   <p>18 Elite returns a core of players that has driven this team to the highs it experienced a season ago. It also welcomes a strong addition of players that include a duo from the 2026 class. </p>   <p>Coached by recent State Champion winning assistant, <strong>Laine Sterling</strong>, and <strong>Anj Kaminski</strong>, this is a group that could really come together and curate a strong 18s campaign. Let's take a look at what they have to offer.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman'] - Imlay City</td><td>Grace Stoyanovich - South Lyon East</td><td>Sarai Villegas Rosa - Watterford Kettering</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='187070' first='Alayna' last='Esselink'] - Richmond</td><td>Shade Patrick - University Liggett</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='156328' first='Samantha' last='Roffi'] - Garden City</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='473958' first='Julia' last='Rodriguez'] - Frankenmuth</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='156346' first='Ava' last='Oleski'] - Croswell-Lexington</td><td>[player_tooltip player_id='156338' first='Amanda' last='Vushaj'] - Regina</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Core Four Return</h2>   <p>18 Elite returns a real solid core of athletes to work with. Starting with their duo in the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='187070' first='Alayna' last='Esselink'] and [player_tooltip player_id='473958' first='Julia' last='Rodriguez'] were two very welcomed additions to last year's team. Now, with a full year of high level club under their belt, they're looking to further build upon last year's growth. The two play a very similar game. Both as athletic as can be, there were times where one or the other played six rotations during their 17s season. That was how well-rounded these middles are. They'll surely be a pivotal part in 18 Elite's success.</p>   <p>Alongside the towerts in the middle, [player_tooltip player_id='156338' first='Amanda' last='Vushaj'] and [player_tooltip player_id='156328' first='Samantha' last='Roffi'] (Defiance) return. Vushaj is an exciting player as she adds some much needed size to the pins. She saw a lot of her time spent on the right pin a season ago, but is traditionally, more of a left side attacker. This versatility can bode well for her throughout the 18s campaign. As for Roffi, she, too, has wore MANY hats throughout her career. For this 18s season, the main focus will look to be at the defensive end. Roffi has a nice IQ for the game, given her many different positions, and it shows in her game.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2026 Duo Highlight the Newbies</h2>   <p>Onward towards the rest of the season, 18 Elite has a lot of upside. Some of its potential stems from the 'youth' they boast. Bringing on a pair of juniors in [player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman'] and Grace Stoyanovich. Both of which are coming off of impressive high school outings and looking to further capitalize on their success. </p>   <p>Bruman is one of the top rated setters in the 2026 class and has been doing a great job running the show. Stoyanovich has seemingly clamped down at the libero jersey and has continued to push her game further and further. </p>   <p>Alongside the 'youngins', 18 Elite is rounded out with the additions of [player_tooltip player_id='156346' first='Ava' last='Oleski'] (St. Clair CC), Sarai Villegas-Rosa and Shade Patrick. Oleski and SVR add some nice depth onto the pins to compliment Vushaj. </p>   <p>Oleski, at 6'0, plays a very steady game. She is showing signs of big growth as she adapts to the higher level of play and is often times playinv every rotation due to her first contact. Villegas-Rosa is in a similar boat. She plays such a well-rounded game, it is hard to take her off the court. A tad undersized at 5'9, Villegas-Rosa is finding the shots and ways to score at nice rate. As a lefty attacker, that's also comfortable swinging on the left pin, gives this team a real dynamic look with lots of options.</p>   <p>For Patrick, she can fall into a utility role with an emphasis on the middle. Patrick is another raw, athletic type player that is really coming into her own in the early goings of the season. When it all comes together, Patrick can do some nice things and her growth will only propel this team further down the road.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What to Expect Going Forward</h2>   <p>Like I said, this team has a ton of upside. With its youth, alongside its versatility across players, there is so many different ways to put this team together and find success. </p>   <p>This is a group that can really sneak up on opponents when everything is grooving. And a lot of these players are still uncommitted, which adds even more valuable for coaches to stop and see all the fun!</p>

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