2026s Making Noise on the Club Circuit

The in-state Class of 2026 is working hard to turn heads this club season. Members of the group are finishing up their junior year of high school, an important time to impress college coaches.   The following student-athletes have done just that:    Jackson saved her best for last during the 2024 prep season. The junior held it down the back row as Heelan marched to the Class 4A state title. Jackson came up with 428 digs and added 112 assists. She's a steady performer on defense, showing an excellent feel for the game and a knack for being in the right position. Jackson's reflexes and reaction time are sharp. She's taken a step forward this club season with [program_tooltip program_id='429059' first='Midwest' last='Volleyball Power'] (MVP) and still has room to grow as a player. That should be attractive to college coaches.     Van Schepen helped Western Christian reach the Class 3A state championship match a year after the program won it all. As a junior in 2024, Van Schepen dished out 1,046 assists, the sixth most in all classes. She added 276 digs, 36.0 blocks and 45 kills. She's a well-rounded setter with quickness, athleticism and a high volleyball IQ.Van Schepen stands out for her consistency and ability to most passes into usable sets.     I've seen Messinger compete throughout this club season. She's a well-rounded volleyball player that contributes to the cause in multiple ways. Messinger is a good athlete that can jump and generate power in her swing. She shows good timing and the ability to adjust to the set. Messinger stacked up 285 kills (.251) for Washington in 2024. She showed her versatility by coming up with 244 digs. Recruiters should be an open mind with Messinger, who has next-level potential at multiple positions.     I scouted Kruse in person for the first time at January's Quad Cities Showdown. She stuck out from the jump, impacting matches and delivering impressive performances. Kruse is a powerful middle hitter with a mighty swing. She defends the net, getting the ball or altering the opponent's attack when throwing up blocks. Kruse produced 191 kills (.285) and 54.0 blocks during St. Ansgar's march to the state tournament last season.     Robbins can be overshadowed by the wealth of talent on her high school and club teams. She shouldn't be. Robbins is a difference-maker in the middle of the net. She generates impressive power with her swing and does well in reading the block. On defense, Robbins is an obstacle for the opponent attack with long arms, timing and jumping ability. As as junior in 2024, she contributed 140 kills (.390) and 75.0 blocks in helping Assumption get back to the state tournament.     I was able to scout Koch and her Impact teammates during the MLK tournament in Overland Park, Kan. back in late January. She shined as one of the better, most consistent performers on the squad. Koch does what you want a middle hitter to do. She takes advantage of her opportunities to attack with her consistent swing that can be classified as powerful. Her long arms and timing help her defend at the net. As a Nevada junior in 2024, she recorded 163 kills (.255) and 71.0 blocks. Her athleticism and overall skill set helped her add 61 digs for the Cubs.

The in-state Class of 2026 is working hard to turn heads this club season. Members of the group are finishing up their junior year of high school, an important time to impress college coaches.