Central Michigan’s Sterling Seven 2026 Talents

<!-- 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 we get closer to the 2025 prep season, there are upcoming seniors around the state eager to show what they can do on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the Central Michigan area, there are seven soon-to-be seniors in the Class of 2026 that have made a name for themselves and looking to leave a lasting impact for their schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kylie Hutchins, MB Mt. Pleasant</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An undersized middle, Hutchins uses her athleticism and savvy to succeed against her larger opponents. Hutchins has a real knack for blocks, utilizing good timing to disrupt a lot of opposing shots and slowing things down for her defenders. As a hitter, Hutchins recognizes openings and makes sure the ball gets there, with speed or finesse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ella Kokaly, S Garber</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kokaly played a wonderful junior season, aiding Garber to make a run to Battle Creek in Division 2. She had over 1,250 assists while also being the team leader in aces. She also was among the dig leaders, as well. Kokaly had two powerful arms to work with, but she was very consistent in getting them the ball where they need it. She didn't take a step back during high-pressure matches, either.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kharman Loya, DS/L Mt. Pleasant/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Loya is coming off a strong junior season where she tallied over 430 digs. She's been building off that during the club season, showing a lot of good composure in the libero role. There isn't much wasted movement from Loya, as she tracks the ball well and has a feel for where the attack will be coming from.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mia Maxwell, L Freeland/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maxwell is relentless in her pursuit of a dig and she usually gets to the ball. She can rack up digs as quickly as anyone in the state, but also does it with accuracy to keep her team in-system. Maxwell keeps herself in ready position while moving around the floor so she doesn't often have to rely on a last-second sprawl or dive to make a play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mia Robinson, OH Swan Valley</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson has quietly put up big kill numbers, tallying consistent double-digit totals each match she is in. There's a lot of pop and velocity to come off her hand as she plays solid angles and has an athletic follow through. Opponents often know the ball is going to Robinson, but she still finds ways to put the ball away anyway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Isabel Rookard, DS/L MP Sacred Heart</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rookard was a defensive ace for Sacred Heart last fall. The Irish made another trip to Battle Creek thanks to her efforts. She had over 550 digs on the season while being a steady threat from the service line. Rookard plays with a lot of energy and heart. She is going to leave it all on the floor trying to get to every ball she can.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jayla Trepanier, S Shepherd</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trepanier looks very much in control when she's on the floor. As a setter, she runs a smooth offense, but is always a threat to call her own number. She's piled up a solid number of kills just through deception and being able to read the court at a high level. Shepherd has a setter that makes a lot of high-IQ decisions and it has paid of for the players around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->