Four 16U Club Teams Flying Under The Radar

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's been a lot of strong performances from 16U club teams in the state of Michigan this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at four teams that deserve a little more spotlight for the strong club years they are having.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dead Frog 16 Black</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's not terribly surprising to see this squad performing well, but they've put together a win in The Nike Classic and a runner-up finish at the Nike Shamrock Showdown in the 16 Club Division. That's an impressive resume for 2026. This team has some athletic talent at the net in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='941034' first='Ellie' last='Hammer'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850223' first='Abbigail' last='Kline']</strong> on the outsides, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='874284' first='Gianna' last='Hughes'] </strong>is an active and agile middle that comes through with some great plays through her hustle. <strong>Gianna Cary </strong>has shown the ability to make some quick connections with her hitters to keep opponents off-balanced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GLVBC 16-Blue</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Great Lakes Volleyball Club has already racked up 30 wins in 2026 as they have finished in the top five of all of their events this season while playing in 16 Club and 16 Girls divisions. That includes wins in the Presidents' Day Challenge and Great Lakes Festival. <strong>Eleanore Martin </strong>has looked solid as a setter/hitter combo, sharing running the offense with <strong>Kara Chambers</strong>. Each bring their own strengths at setter, but also have some good arms to work with in <strong>Lily Verbeke </strong>and <strong>Sammy Vansteenkiste </strong>on the outside, as well as <strong>Avery Grzadzinksi </strong>and <strong>Isabel Knutson</strong> in the middle. <strong>Samantha Harper </strong>and <strong>Peyton Kraatz </strong>leave it all on the floor defensively to help this team get to showcase its offensive prowess.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inside Out 16 Mizuno Black</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Inside Out has racked up three top-3 finishes this year in 16 Premier and 16 Girls Divisions. That includes a runner-up finish at the Queen of the Coaster event last month. This team has some powerful finishers on the outside that can rack up the kills quickly in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916037' first='Madie' last='Folkema'], Harlow Allchin, [player_tooltip player_id='697320' first='Michaela' last='Bremer'], </strong>and <strong>Austin DuBois</strong>. In the middle <strong>Karlie Church </strong>and <strong>Peyton Radel </strong>provide some versatility while adding new facets to their game. <strong>Maci Lathrop </strong>and <strong>Rileigh Fortuna </strong>are setters on the rise that are trying to elevate these hitters, while <strong>Zoe Winters </strong>and <strong>Lauren Alexander</strong> have been able to keep the ball off the floor and the hitters in-system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mid-Michigan ACES 16 Natalie</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Central/Northern Michigan squad had a very impressive 3-month run, taking home 16 Classic/Girls titles in the Presidents' Day Challenge, Lakeshore Power League and Winter Bash JVA Challenge Series. It's a balanced team with a lot of talent around the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='799537' first='Tessa' last='Weber'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888368' first='Joslyn' last='Cook']</strong> have been a great defensive duo with a lot of chemistry from their time together at Beal City. <strong>Jaleeah Anthony </strong>is a long middle that's making strides as a prospect and has a high ceiling. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='812936' first='Ella' last='Roslund'] </strong>also has a lot of nice intangibles at the position. <strong>Gemma Shooltz </strong>doesn't have the size of Anthony, but plays very explosive anywhere along the net. <strong>Makayla Webster </strong>and <strong>Alaina Verleger </strong>each display smart shot-making ability to finish points, while <strong>Bethany Block </strong>efficiently ran the offense to give each of her hitters chances to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->