Ann Arbor’s 2026 Standouts, 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 Ann Arbor area is putting together an outstanding group of senior leaders coming into the 2025 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the first part of our 2-part look at what 2026 talents are leading the way in the Ann Arbor area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261135' first='Clare' last='Beazley'], MB Saline/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently committed to Davenport University, Beazley has made a real name for herself in the last year. Listed at 5'10”, Beazley has proven she can hang with any other middle through her athleticism and quickness. She's got a lot of lift off the floor and can power through the ball to work through blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='240701' first='Giselle' last='Burlingame'], DS/L Northville/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burlingame is the current standout defender in the Northville program, and her career is likely heading to the next level, as she's proven she can come through in high-pressure situations. Burlingame was one of the major keys to Northville claiming the D1 championship last fall. Her positive attitude and clutch play make her one of the best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523816' first='Riley' last='Copenhaver'], RS/MB Brighton/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Copenhaver has committed to Duke and it's easy to see why the Blue Devils want her in the program. She is very explosive on the right side and has the length to play the middle as well. She seems as if she is able to float in the air before uncorking on the ball for a violent kill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226884' first='Faith' last='Cullen'], DS/L Brighton/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cullen is a player coming off an injury that led her to miss her junior season, but she's put in the work and rehab to bounce back this fall. It will be a great opportunity for Cullen to reestablish herself as one of the best defenders in the class. The timing and form was always there, but her drive is even stronger now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='487242' first='Lexi' last='Cummer'], S Chelsea/HVVC</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cummer is a setter that also has a lot of DS experience and can handle playing either position. She plays with good, positive energy that her teammates can feed off of, and she doesn't get down on herself if a bad play occurs. She bounces back well and learns from mistakes. Cummer is quick in her reactions and able to come through with difficult plays during tense rallies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='445679' first='Taylor' last='Dahms'], MB Saline/L2</strong> </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'3” middle, Dahms immediately grabs your attention when watching her on the floor. However, her length isn't all she brings to the court, as she has impressive footwork that allows her to play anywhere along the net. Dahms doesn't need much space or time to still generate a powerful attack, either.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->