Six Upper Peninsula Hidden Gems 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>The Upper Peninsula doesn't always get much chance to have the spotlight on it when it comes to the Michigan volleyball scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite that, it doesn't mean there aren't really talented prospects. Just a closer look at the Class of 2026 shows us some players with real potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ava Fischer, OH Crystal Falls Forest Park</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fischer has been a big asset to the Forest Park program and was someone the team was able to really count on to put away a key point. A big energy player that fuels the rest of her team, Fischer has a great approach to the net and has a swing that remains consistent throughout a long and high-pressure match. She's also a big defensive asset to her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553159' first='Mya' last='Hemmer'], MB/RS Ishpeming/FC Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'2” powerhouse, Hemmer has been one of the top prospects to come out of the UP in some time. She's already committed to Baylor for the fall of 2026 and has been able to establish herself with her athleticism and agility at the net. Due to her long wingspan, Hemmer has proven she can dominate a match with her attacks or her blocking ability. She mixes up her shots well, but usually is able to put down the ball with authority when it comes her way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736621' first='Kiera' last='Isaacson'], OH Dollar Bay/Keweenaw VC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Isaacson is only listed at 5'8”, but she's got a good reach and she really does a good job of climbing the ladder to make high contact with the ball. Isaacson is also a smooth defender that is able to transition from defense to offense quickly. There's a lot of film of her making a clean pass, then going on to put the ball away with an aggressive swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736629' first='Grace' last='Keranen'], MB Calumet</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keranen stays engaged in the middle, making a lot of high-IQ plays by just staying alert and prepared. She does a good job of staying within herself on her attacks, adapting well to the sets and putting a good swing on the ball without being overly aggressive when its not necessary. Keranen also brings good energy to the floor and gets her teammates fired up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='737081' first='Mia' last='Nordstrom'], OH Jeffers/Keweenaw Select</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nordstrom is able to play at either pin and be a consistent finisher. She's a well-rounded player that takes an aggressive and athletic approach to the net. Along with her attacks, Nordstrom is an improving defender, but she's also a big difference-maker from the service line. She's racked up the aces in key matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736630' first='Amiina' last='Tarnowski'], MB Calumet</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another solid middle from the Calumet program, Tarnowski is pretty agile for the position and could succeed in other areas. She does a really nice job of adapting to the play and can take a big approach to the net with her swing. Her attacks looks fundamentally smooth, and she does a nice job of seeing the court to place the ball in open areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->