2029 Early Look: FaR Out’s Top Prospects

<!-- 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>As the 2025 club season inches toward the finish line, it's time to start taking a look at the 2029 prospects that will be stepping into the Michigan high school spotlight in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we've seen with recent classes, the Class of 2029 looks like it should produce some of the best volleyball players in the nation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>FaR Out has brought together a lot of the top 2029 talents from the Grand Rapids area. That has led to a lot of success for FaR Out 14 Black this club season. The team has three runner-up finishes this year with two other top-5 finishes in Open events.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the top players from this squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='776808' first='Brynn' last='Johnson'], OH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson looks to be the complete package as a six-rotation outside hitter. She can put the ball down at a high rate from anywhere on the floor, including the back row. Johnson has great form on her swing and an emphatic finish. Defensively, Johnson moves smoothly around the floor and just looks like a natural in all phases of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Izzy Brown, L/DS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Brown leads the FaR Out defense, she is a versatile prospect that may be doing some setting or hitting at the high school level. Brown is a talented athlete that knows how to play any position on the floor and that has helped her excel as a defender. She gets in great position and knows where the setter needs the ball. Brown is also a very talented server.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Catie Jilek, S/RS</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jilek has a compact swing that generates good power and she stays active at the net. She is a dominant force on the right side and has great length as a setter, which allows her to run a smooth offense that can push a fast pace. Jilek also has been a force from the serving line, making her a threat in multiple phases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888953' first='Kennedy' last='Thomas'], MB/S</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas is another versatile player that can play anywhere along the net as a hitter, but also can run the offense at setter. Thomas stays very alert and follows the action well, allowing her to make some great hustle plays to finish points. She light on her feet and quickly reacts to what is happening. Thomas is a proven difference-maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888951' first='Piper' last='Vugteveen'], OH</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vugteveen looks solid from either pin, as she has a long reach that allows her to play the ball at high points, and over blockers. She's also a force with her blocking, as she times out her jumps well and creates a lot of space over the net. As Vugteveen continues to get more reps at high levels of play, she should continue to improve on her overall performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->