Who’s Shouldering The Workload In D1, Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are just a month out from the start of the 2025 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Division 1, there's plenty of great talent to keep an eye on. However, there's a handful that will have to step up in a big way for their team due to graduation losses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's the second part of our two-part look at which D1 players that will be shouldering a bigger workload in 2025 as their team works in new starters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807779' first='Isabelle' last='Lawhorn'], Jr. OH Lake Orion</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawhorn was the offensive spark for the Dragons as a sophomore and returns as the lone outside with a lot of varsity experience this fall. The 6-footer has a great family pedigree of success in volleyball and Lawhorn has been showing continued progress in her all-around game. This could be a nice breakout year for Lawhorn to show she's among the state's best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226906' first='Reagan' last='Lesley'], Sr. OH Chippewa Valley</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lesey has been making a big impact for Chippewa Valley throughout the years and 2025 will have to be no different if the team hopes to contend with the top squads in the Macomb Area Conference. The Michigan Tech commit plays big at the net and utilizes her length well to be a hitter that can take over a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226907' first='Eva' last='Long'], Sr. S/OH Fenton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long is accustomed to pressure, as she's played in some of the most tense matches as anyone in the state over the last three years. This fall, Long returns for her senior year after guiding Fenton to a D1 semifinal appearance. This season, she's the returning leader in almost every key stat, as she can do it all. Fenton will be relying on the N.C. State commitment as they find new pieces to the lineup, but she's proven she can shoulder that load.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='459740' first='Aubrey' last='Reynolds'], Jr. OH Caledonia</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caledonia had a strong 2024 season in a crowded Grand Rapids area. However, the squad graduated most of its offensive production. One who is returning is junior [player_tooltip player_id='459740' first='Aubrey' last='Reynolds'], a well-rounded outside that can deliver some explosive attacks. Reynolds is likely to see a large workload on offense this year, but seems prepared to take on that challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442967' first='Addison' last='Stepp'], Jr. DS/L South Lyon East</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>South Lyon East has been known for having towering power at the net in recent years. However, graduation has hit the Cougars hard the last two years. Now, with a relatively inexperienced offense, East is going to be turning to Stepp to help in the transition. The All-American defender has shined on the national stage during club season and won't be rattled by the added pressure. She's committed to Alabama already for a reason, because she's as good as they come at the position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804803' first='Avery' last='Stewart'], Jr. OH Midland</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chemics were competitive in the Saginaw Valley League last year, but graduated three All-Region talents that were leaders for the squad. Stewart joined those three as a sophomore, but now has to shoulder a bigger leadership role this fall as Midland looks for new starting contributors. Stewart showed the ability to finish anywhere along the net, and the 6-footer will have to show new aspects of her attack as opponents key in on her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->