2026’s Shining Stars In Grand Rapids, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Prep Dig Michigan will be hosting two Showcase events on Sunday, Aug. 3. You can now register for the </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1540/register/michigan-freshman-showcase"><em>Michigan Freshman Showcase</em></a><em> or the </em><a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/1521/register/michigan-stock-up-showcase"><em>Michigan Stock Up Showcase</em></a><em>. Use code “EllisDig2025” to get $10 off your registration.*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right in lockstep with Oakland County, the Grand Rapids area is one of the real hotbeds for volleyball talent in the state of Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 already has a number of D1 commits from the area, with plenty of others likely to follow. Here's the first part of our 2-part look at the top 2026 Grand Rapids talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226876' first='Finley' last='Arp'], RS South Christian/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Grand Valley State commit, the 6-foot Arp has been able to display a high finishing rate from anywhere on the floor. She's looked strongest as a right side, where she's able to be aggressive in her attack angles and mix up shot speeds. No matter where Arp has been, she has found ways to be productive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='481379' first='Rylie' last='Barriger'], S Lowell/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barriger has raised her level of play consistently throughout her high school career and is showing improved decision-making against high-level competition. She is always up against top competition and that has allowed her to learn quickly and trust in her instincts when she succeeds. Along with accurate setting and good tempo, Barriger brings a lot to the floor defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226882' first='Karis' last='Chatfield'], OH Jenison/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The East Tennessee State commit has been making her way up the 2026 rankings year after year. She always brought a polished defensive game to the court, but has really picked up her finishing rate and shot selection. Chatfield can make all the plays at the net and in the back row, and does it with great composure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237538' first='Annalise' last='Clark'], DS/L Lowell/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clark has put in the time and effort to elevate herself among a strong group of defenders in this class. Clark learns really well from each rep she takes. She isn't a player that gets beat twice and is able to adjust well on the fly. Clark has a potent serve to go along with her agile defensive play. She's a strong asset to have in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226887' first='Izzie' last='Delacher'], S Rockford/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Delcher has been well-coached since she was little, taking in a lot of information and being able to quickly apply it on the court. Delacher shows a high court IQ and makes effective decisions during frenzied rallies. She's able to make the most of her setting, defensive and serving opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='446694' first='Amelia' last='Gagnon'], OH/DS West Catholic/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gagnon can excel as a hitter or defender, which makes her a valuable asset to whatever team she is on. Gagnon has great defensive instincts and has a quick first step to get to the ball. Offensively, she applies that by being able to adapt well on the fly and still put good contact on her attacks, even with out-of-system balls.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490351' first='Quinn' last='Hanna'], L/DS Northview/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanna has been a bit of an unsung hero in the area, as her defensive play last fall was a major catalyst for Northview's rise as a program. Her experience against top hitters in the state has sharpened her as a player and leading to a lot of good traits in her play. She's not a player that is going to get rattled and lets any missteps quickly leave her consciousness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586437' first='Madalin' last='Hersman'], OH/DS FH Northern/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hersman is playing up in age this club season with Legacy, a great opportunity to raise her game heading into her senior year. Hersman was already a solid defensive player, but is bringing new intangibles to her attack over the last year. She's showing promising court vision and awareness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->