'26 Michigan Commitment Catch-Up: What's Next? (Pt. 3)

Be sure to follow @lshotvb on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc">Tik Tok </a>and <a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a> for all things volleyball!   <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7629874575886568718?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7621309005139035661">HOW ARE THESE PLAYERS ONLY 13 YEARS OLD!? 🤯 </a>   --   These last few weeks have been red hot for the commitment catch up! There has been a wave of big time announcements from across the state.   From the Division 1 powerhouses to the NAIA programs, we have had it all. These announcements have made it nothing short of an exciting time to see where some of the state's most promising prospects have decided to go to next.   In this next edition of the catch up, we have a GLIAC heavy update! The powers of one of the strongest conferences in Division 2 have made their marks on the future of their programs, here's where some of them are going!   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='526729' first='Elizabeth' last='Nordstrom'] to Davenport</h2>   6'0 MB - Salem/Michigan Elite   This athlete has become somewhat of a silent assassin over the years. She has steadily made her way up the ranks and has found herself having quite the fantastic junior campaign in the club circuit. Elizebeth Nordstrom has really found her stride and has made a significant jump in play. This is only music to the ears of Davenport HC Charley Andrews, as the Panthers have also become somewhat of a dark horse in the GLIAC Conference.   Nordstrom in the middle is as steady as they come, she can run routes from just about anywhere along the net and she brings a very stout blocking presence as well. If you dig deeper though, you'll also find that she is quite the versatile athlete, capable of making big swings on the pins and being a serviceable defender in the back court. Needless to say, both parties have endless upside and with one another, they could find the right recipe for success.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='442228' first='Avery' last='Thorp'] to Grand Valley State</h2>   6'0 MB - Plainfield/MVA   This is another middle blocker that has really come together over the last few years. From bouncing around clubs, [player_tooltip player_id='442228' first='Avery' last='Thorp'] has found herself at MVA this year and doing quite well in the middle. She's a fast twitched arm that, when connecting with the ball, can score at a high efficiency.   For Grand Valley State, this is a program that has been relishing in high caliber middles over these last few years with local standouts in Kennedy Arp (South Christian/FaR Out) and Paige Sanders (Grandville/FaR Out). Thorp will be one that will have big shoes to fill, but can surely fill them well in Allendale.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='226942' first='Ashley' last='Verhey'] to Kent State</h2>   5'11 OPP - Milford/Legacy   Who doesn't love some MACtion up in the chat?! This commitment was kind of a curve ball, but one that could see good return of investment down the road. [player_tooltip player_id='226942' first='Ashley' last='Verhey'] has been grinding on the low over the last few years on the 3s team for Legacy. This year, the left handed opposite received the call up to the 2s and found herself having a great last go around.   Kent State is a program that has been on the building block for the last few years under HC Haley Eckerman. With Verhey's game continuing to ascent and blossom, this is the exact kind of recruit that could catapult the Golden Eagles into the MAC Rankings.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='769601' first='Mara' last='Williams'] to Ferris State</h2>   5'9 OH/DS - Roscommon/Mid-Mich Aces   Speaking of athletes who have found themselves booming in their level of play, you have to talk about [player_tooltip player_id='769601' first='Mara' last='Williams']. Williams has been the driving force to the surge of Roscommon volleyball in the state of Michigan. As an undersized outside hitter, Williams is the kind of player that drives teams mad. She's not only a scrappy defender, but she's a scrappy point scorer. No way is off limits when it comes to keeping the ball alive or putting the point away with this one.   This kind of rise in attention has caught quite the few eyes in the local Michigan scene including the likes of Division 2 powerhouse, Ferris State. This is not out of the ordinary for this program either. Coach Tia Wilhem has become notorious for her eye of local talent that may fall under the radar and create extreme success for them and her program.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='471313' first='Nellie' last='Alves'] to Ferris State</h2>   5'11 S - Novi/L2   Right alongside Williams, Ferris State grabbed themselves a setter that could do some serious damage at the next level in [player_tooltip player_id='471313' first='Nellie' last='Alves']. This is a player that has really fallen under the radar but has proven time and time again to just how strong of a player she is. Alves plays the game with a lot of grit and tenacity, always looking for ways to better her game. This is the kind of player that flourishes in a system like the Bulldogs'.     --   <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7622821264234777887?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7621309005139035661">WHO HAD THE BEST BLOCK FROM THE MLV ALL STAR GAME?! </a>💫

Be sure to follow @lshotvb on Instagram, Tik Tok and Twitter for all things volleyball!