Resolution 17/18s Game Changers

<p>The Prep Dig Resolution in Appleton always sets the tone for the club season, and the 2026 event was no different. The 17/18s divisions were packed with athletes ready to make a statement, but a few specific players separated themselves as true game changers while I was watching—athletes who can turn the tide of a match with a single swing, block, or defensive save.</p>   <p>Here are six players who elevated their teams and proved to be essential playmakers at the Resolution.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brozek was a force at the net for [program_tooltip program_id='428591' first='FC' last='Elite'] 18 White. Standing at 6'1", she combines excellent lateral mobility with a high volleyball IQ, allowing her to close blocks against even the fastest offenses. Throughout the weekend, Brozek wasn't just a defensive presence; she was a reliable transition option, making herself available for quick attacks that kept opposing middles on their heels. Her ability to control the net allowed her pin hitters to swing more freely, proving she is the anchor this 18 White squad needs.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='435842' first='Vivie' last='Dempsey'] is an electric six-rotation outside hitter who brings undeniable energy to the court for Elevate. At 5'11", she has the length to terminate at the net, but it's her complete game that stands out. Dempsey was a primary passer in serve receive, handling heavy topspin with poise before transitioning quickly to attack.1 Her arm speed is elite, allowing her to beat the block or tool it effectively. She showed the "clutch gene" in tight sets, demanding the ball when the game was on the line.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">I love watching an "athlete" grow into being THE athlete, and you can't teach the natural advantage of a heavy lefty arm swing that Medenblik has. The 6'2" right side for FeVA was a matchup nightmare all weekend. Opposing outside hitters struggled to find lanes around her massive block, and offensively, she hammered the ball down the line and sharp cross-court. Medenblik has developed into a dominant terminal attacker who can bail her team out of out-of-system situations, making her one of the most high-ceiling prospects in the gym.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='810906' first='Anastasia' last='Ratner'] provided a spark for Fox Valley Performance with her hustle and aggressive play at the net. A 2027 middle hitter from Kaukauna, Ratner plays with a high motor that is infectious. She worked hard in transition to be an option, drawing attention even when she didn't get the set. Her ability to read the setter and get touches on blocks slowed down opposing offenses significantly. Ratner's growth is evident, and her active presence in the middle was a key factor in FVP's competitive weekend.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>    <p>Sobolewski is a pure point scorer. The Newman Catholic product brought her heavy arm to [program_tooltip program_id='428662' first='Wisconsin' last='Ice'] 18 National, serving as a go-to outlet on the left pin. Sobolewski does a great job of mixing up her shots and finding deep corners when the power angle isn't there. Beyond her attacking, she provided stability in the back row, proving she can handle the defensive workload of a high-level 18s player. When [program_tooltip program_id='428662' first='Wisconsin' last='Ice'] needed a side-out, Sobolewski was often the one delivering the kill.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>   <p></p>   <p></p>

The Prep Dig Resolution in Appleton always sets the tone for the club season, and the 2026 event was no different. The 17/18s divisions were packed with athletes ready to make a statement, but a few specific players separated themselves as true game changers while I was watching—athletes who can turn the tide of a match with a single swing, block, or defensive save.