2028 Hitters To Keep An Eye On, Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2028 is loaded with hitting talent that looks like it could make a run at reaching the next level by the time they graduate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the outsides that haven't gotten as much pub, but you should keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765789' first='Vanessa' last='Artinian'], OH Notre Dame Prep/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Artinian shows a lot of promise, as she has good get up off the floor and an athletic swing to go with it. She shows a nice approach toward the net and stays locked in to where the ball is to get consistently strong swings. Her defense is improving by the day as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='939677' first='Lydia' last='Bell'] MB Caledonia/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell is very active at the net. Not only can she be a dominant finisher, but she's a relentless blocker. Her blocking was definitely a difference-maker this fall for Caledonia and one way that she stands out. Bell has a lot of explosiveness off the floor, which makes her dangerous in all phases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817491' first='Olivia' last='Brown'] OH/RS St. Louis/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6'2” outside that can play on either end, Brown is having a breakout school year that should only get better this club season. Her length helps set her apart from other hitters, but she has the quickness and agility to make that length an even bigger strength. You won't find many more consistent finishers than her right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='744594' first='Audrey' last='Collier'], MB/OH Rochester/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collier can play anywhere along the net and make an impact. She sees the floor really well and stays ready to put a good swing on the ball any moment. As she continues to get more reps with higher tempo and faster play, it should take her game to another level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720520' first='Alexis' last='Donovan'], OH/RS OLSM/High Performance</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Donovan is able to consistently put good pop on the ball, even when she's dealing with an out-of-system swing. She has good timing and feel for what she can do with the ball, which makes most of her attacks competitive no matter what kind of look she gets. Donovan also has a powerful serve that challenges passers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='814463' first='Johanna' last='Duits'], MB Lakewood/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Duits has a cannon for an arm. She really is able to power through the ball on her swings, without having to use a lot of energy. Duits does a nice job of high-pointing her attacks, but can also power through the block when she isn't able to get as above the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916077' first='Amelia' last='Elder'], OH/RS Michigan Lutheran/Krush</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elder is a well-balanced player that uses her explosiveness off the floor to make a difference in all phases of the game for Michigan Lutheran. She was one of the standouts in D4 this year and has some of the best kills you will see in the division. She can really get over the top of the ball, and her defensive play is also a big strength.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746527' first='Evelyn' last='Engelhardt'], MB/OH Garber/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Engelhardt shows good footwork and that is why she has the ability to slide to the outside if needed. The 6-footer stays aware and locked in while transitioning from offense to defense. Her consistency is in a good place right now as she looks to continue to sharpen her game and improve at the little details.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->