Lansing Area’s 2026 Players To Watch, 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>The Lansing area can get overlooked when it comes to volleyball talent, but the Class of 2026 has produced a great group of players that deserve some attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the first of our two-part look at the 2026 talents in the capital area that should be making plenty of noise this upcoming fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='438529' first='Mckenna' last='Boykin'], MB/RS Portland/Domination</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boykin is a prospect that still has a high ceiling and is a talent that could be an asset to a college program. She's got a lot of spring off the floor, which allows her to attack the ball at a sharp angle. Her swing looks effortless, as does her jump, which leads to impressive kills. Boykin has also shown she can play the right side with effectiveness. As the speed of the game picks up, it should bring even more highlights for Boykin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226890' first='Emma' last='Duffy'], S Lakewood/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duffy is a polished setter that can go somewhat under the radar because of how laser-focused she can be. Duffy is able to make all the sets and has strong consistency with her location and ability to get great swings out of her hitters. Duffy also applies herself well defensively, and brings a tough serve to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222698' first='Ashton' last='Ehle'], OH/DS Ovid-Elsie/LHVBA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ehle has really picked up her production level over the last year and her play didn't go unnoticed, as she landed a home with the Northwood program for 2026. Ehle wants the ball coming to her in big moments, and she has proven she can take on a big workload and come through time after time. She racks up great kill numbers, finishing on both pins or the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Makayla Evansen, OH/MB Portland/High Performance</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evansen improved in all areas of the game her junior season with Portland and played up in age level with High Performance this club season. She's shown she can finish from the pin or in the middle, providing her team with roster flexibility. Evansen is a slick athlete that can use her athleticism to make powerful kills, or crafty digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728154' first='Nikki' last='Fedewa'], MB Pewamo-Westphalia/Attack</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fedewa comes through the talented P-W program, that has been able to develop college-level talent. At 6'1”, Fedewa brings great length to the net, where she is able to be disruptive with her blocking and her attacks. Her timing and speed of play keeps improving with each match she's in. It bodes well for a big fall season for Fedewa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Elle Hengesbach, DS/L Pewamo-Westphalia</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high-motored dig machine, you never have to question Hengesbach's effort. She stays light on her feet and communicates well with her team. She seems to be everywhere on the court all at once, as there's few attacks she doesn't get a touch on. Not only is she able to pile up the digs, but she's able to do so while getting the ball to the setter with accuracy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732290' first='Abigail' last='Hoag'], OH Eaton Rapids</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hoag had a monster fall with Eaton Rapids, as she had over 450 kills for the Greyhounds. When the team needed a big play, it was Hoag that was coming through. Her swing was a picture of consistency and never slowed down during a length match. But, she didn't just finish with power. Hoag had a nice mixture of offspeed placement. Her serving and defense also are a bright spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->