Five Thumbprints In the Class Of 2026

<!-- 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>Michigan's Thumb area has been a location that's produced some of the state's best volleyball talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Class of 2026, it's already got multiple talents headed off to Division 1 college programs just over a year from now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at five 2026 players helping keep the Thumb's print on volleyball in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525571' first='Cierra' last='Betson'], DS/L Unionville-Sebewaing/Five:1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Betson has been racking up the digs during the club season as she's stepped up her level of focus and intensity on the floor. She's anticipating the ball well and not wasting movement, which has led her to making some challenging digs. Betson also is improving on her ability to lead in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490335' first='Makayla' last='Bruman'], S Imlay City/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of two 6-foot setter options for Imlay City, Bruman has been able to improve on her tempo and accuracy each year. Her length allows her to connect quickly with hitters and leave blockers on their heels. Defensively, Bruman is showing improved anticipation in her blocking and movement around the floor to come through with difficult digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226888' first='Aubree' last='Deshetsky'], OH North Branch/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most productive high school players in MHSAA history, Deshetsky has proven she can shoulder the load and carry a team to great success. She's as well-rounded as they come when it comes to having an elite defensive game to accompany a great offensive arsenal. The Wofford commit also has tremendous poise in pressure situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226904' first='Emma' last='Keeping'], S Imlay City/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6-foot setter has really shined in the last year and secured herself a commitment to Wake Forest. She's got all the skills you look for in a setter and has the ability to deliver a fast-paced offensive with a lot of movement. Keeping is also a great defensive asset that can stuff a lot of opposing attacks while also coming through with some tough digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732293' first='Ella' last='McMillan'], OH/MB Croswell-Lexington</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMillan can play anywhere along the net, which gives her teams some roster flexibility. She does a nice job of high-pointing the ball, which allows her to make an attack that challenges the defense on a consistent basis. Her footwork allows her to get into position and adjust to various setters and locations well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->