Who’s Shouldering The Workload In D3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 prep volleyball season is now under a month away and the excitement for a new year is high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In Division 3, there should be a lot of intriguing stories and players. Some teams will be needing a returning player to rise to the occasion and lead the team early on while they piece together a new lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at six players that could be shouldering the load in D3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jess Anderson, Jr. L/DS Calumet</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Copper Kings graduated four starters on offense from its 2024 squad, so it is going to be up to the defense to step up early in 2024. Anderson returns at libero after being named All-Region last season, so she seems like a player that can handle the challenge. Anderson took on a lot of top hitters in the UP last year and looked strong in her performance. She should have a lot of confidence entering the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490361' first='Aleah' last='Brackett'], Sr. S/OH Bronson</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bracket is a player who can do everything. She's excelled as a hitter while also wanting to pursue a future as a setter. For the Vikings, a team always competing near the top of D3, Brackett is a key returning piece for a squad that lost its two kill leaders to graduation. She's capable of performing at a high level anywhere on the court, so she will definitely be a piece Bronson relies on to start the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Maya Carslon, Sr. MH Manistique</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to Calumet, Manistique is graduating some big pieces from its lineup, including a libero and two hitters. Carlson returns for her senior season after being named All-Region in 2024. Though undersized in the middle, Carlson plays with a lot of energy and can put good pop on the ball. She battles hard at the net, and should be able to handle the added reps.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='222698' first='Ashton' last='Ehle'], Sr. OH Ovid-Elsie</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marauders graduated some big contributors, so having Ehle back for her senior year should be very helpful. The Northwood commit plays with a lot enthusiasm and energy, which should be contagious for her teammates. She can mix up her shots on offense and also brings a strong defensive foundation to the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226897' first='Charlotte' last='Gramzow'], Sr. OH Lutheran Northwest</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gramzow has been a leader for the Crusaders already, but enters the 2025 prep season as arguably one of the best in all of D3. She's going to draw a lot of attention, but is ready for the challenge and is likely to find new ways to succeed. On top of being a great force at the net, Gramzow is also an elite defender. That has earned her a commitment to Northern Illinois. Her all-around skills will definitely allow her to push Lutheran Northwest to a strong season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Reagan Zuiderveen, Sr. S Kalamazoo Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Comets have been near the very peak of D3 these last handful of seasons, but graduated a lot of key contributors from its 2024 squad. One that is returning is Zuiderveen, an experienced setter that will be tasked to help the offense reestablish itself. She will be breaking in a lot of new go-to arms and getting them up to speed, which I am sure she will be able to do over the season. The Comets aren't a team that will be looking to rebuild, so look for Zuiderveen to be a key player in D3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->