How Freshman Showcase Defenders Elevated Their Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of PrepDig Michigan's top events each year is on the horizon with the <strong>2026 Freshman Showcase </strong>will be held in Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's event takes place on Aug. 2 and will be a great opportunity for incoming freshmen in the Class of 2030 to begin their high school careers and get some extra eyes on their abilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can sign up for a discounted rate right now by visiting our <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2279/register/michigan-freshman-showcase">Michigan Freshman Showcase sign-up page</a>. <strong>Use PROMO CODE “Drew26PD25OFF” </strong>to get 25% off your registration. Be sure to get locked in before you get left out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year we had some elite talent at libero, and many of these prospects went on to turn some heads over the last year. Here's a look at the 14 defensive prospects that were on display in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='781291' first='Charley' last='Baaki'], ND Prep/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baaki came through with some key moments for ND Prep as a freshman and should develop nicely into a leader for the Irish in the years ahead. She's also got the ability to move to setter if need be.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849930' first='Ella' last='Brannen'], Harper Creek/Midwest Select</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brannen can also play outside hitter and make some impressive plays. She shows a lot of maturity and consistency in the back row. Her overall game should lead to some big things over the next three years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='782164' first='Isabelle' last='Brown'], Cadillac/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown was one of the state's top freshmen last fall, dominating as an outside for Cadillac, but it is her defensive skills that truly stand out among the 2029 prospects in the country. Brown's got endless potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='775516' first='Elizabeth' last='Burke'], Wixom St. Catherine/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burke showed the ability to take on some of the state's best hitters as a freshman. She learns quickly from her mistakes and isn't going to back down from a challenge. Burke can be a game-changing defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725986' first='Skyla' last='Chinoy'], WL Western/Team Detroit</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chinoy is a high-energy player and her play spreads that energy to her teammates. She stays light on her feet and isn't afraid to throw her body around to make a tough dig. That effort will take her far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='788886' first='Bristol' last='Davenport'], Anderson/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davenport is another elite defender that excelled as an outside as a freshman for Anderson. She's got the athleticism and quickness to excel anywhere on the floor and plays with a lot of grit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849359' first='Anna' last='McBride'], DCD/High Performance</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McBride brings a lot of calm to the back row with her consistent and controlled play. She can make necessary last-second adjustments for a clean pass, but often makes those adjustments look effortless.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731427' first='Mazzey' last='McDonald'], Shepherd/Aces</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McDonald is a hard-working libero that has made a name for herself in the Central/Northern Michigan area. She plays with a lot of determination and competitive fire, but has the fundamental skills to complement that mindset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='778631' first='Breanna' last='McMahon'], South Lyon East/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McMahon is part of a South Lyon East program that has been cranking out great defenders. She's got the footwork and quickness to cover a lot of space and be one of the best at backing up her hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850640' first='Mia' last='Russo'], ND Prep/Monsters</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another young defensive talent for Notre Dame Prep, Russo is well-coached and it shows in her play. She makes quick adjustments and uses active eyes to study her opponents and learn their traits quickly. She's got the court IQ to be a special player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='781224' first='Peyton' last='Sadler'], Dakota/Unified</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sadler stays low to the ground, but light on her feet to keep herself in great position to make a clean dig. Her serve receive is already at a strong level and will only get better with more consistent reps against top talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='757121' first='Stella' last='Smith'], Clarkston/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most determined players you will find in the back row, Smith stepped into the libero jersey right away for Clarkston and shined against the state's best. She's got the athleticism to make plays other defenders can't, and the drive to be elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848776' first='Amanda' last='Stotenbur'], FH Northern/MVA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stotenbur has a good feel for the game and knows when her team needs her to step up with a key play. She's got a skillset that can work at multiple positions, and the adaptability to play multiple roles. Her biggest strength may be her poise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->