Top Defensive Outside Hitters in Class of 2027

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Being a top outside hitter is about more than just putting the ball away. Coaches at the next level also want a player that is going to put in the effort to be a defensive standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the top outside hitters when it comes to defensive play in the Class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839917' first='Sarah' last='Giroux'], Flat Rock/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You don't earn D2 Player of the Year honors without being a great defender on top of a dominant hitter. Giroux leaves it on the court every match, and it shows in her hustle and communication while playing in the back row. She wants to get to every ball and will take some bumps and bruises to try.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454366' first='Jordyn' last='Jones'], Richmond/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Belmont commit, Jones is going to be a player that can excel at the next level as an outside or a DS. She shows a lot of drive and passion to be the best in the back row during her rotations and is someone you can count on to make accurate first contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski'], Mercy/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Ohio State commit is the total package for a six-rotation outside. She's one of the best offensively, but her improvements in defense put her in an elite class. This fall, Mercy made an adjustment during the state final to have Kalczynski contribute more defensively and it arguably led them to the championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='458372' first='Jeana' last='Lenhard'], Garber/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lenhard takes on a big offensive workload, yet still is a standout defender that was among the dig leaders for six-rotation outsides in Division 2. She anticipates the play well to put herself in good position to make a key defensive play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454371' first='Riley' last='Loehfelm'], FH Northern/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Villanova commit, Loehfelm was all over the floor for FH Northern this past fall. She tallied over 300 digs while being one of the kills leaders in the state. She's locked in and looking to come through with a big dig at all times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513265' first='Anna' last='Overway'], Plainwell/Dead Frog</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overway is a prospect that still is flying a little under the radar, but scouts should be paying attention to. She is very productive in all phases of the game and has a real drive to take her play to another level. Over 350 digs in 2025 with 50 blocks and over 430 kills. That's the stat line of complete player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490374' first='Elizabeth' last='Risdon'], Zeeland East/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Risdon had over 330 digs during the fall season, as she's been one of the most reliable defensive outsides on the West side of the state. The Ohio commit shows high-level form and patience in her defensive approach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='459740' first='Aubrey' last='Reynolds'], Caledonia/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reynolds is part of a Caledonia program that really gets the best defensive play out of its prospects. She had over 360 digs and 50 blocks to go with over 500 kills. That's great balance from an outside hitter that provides a boost for the rest of the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='839825' first='Camille' last='Robinson'], Harper Creek/Midwest Select</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Robinson, an East Tennessee State commit, is another outside who has put in the work on her defensive play and it showed this last year. She tallied 300 digs while being put in a leadership role. Already an explosive hitter, Robinson showed she's willing to put in the work to be a complete player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467901' first='Mallory' last='Wandel'], Rockford/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wandel, a MSU commit, is just a gamer and it shows in her commitment to defense as well as being able to power the ball home on the attack. She's got great technique in her serve receive and passing, and has underrated blocking ability. She can be a difference-maker in both areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462086' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek'], Grand Haven/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The footwork and athleticism of this 6'3” MSU commit is really impressive. She can dominate at the net, but when you watch her make smooth digs and stuffing blocks, it really drives home just what a special talent she can be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->