CHSL Central Breakdown: Top Teams, Top Players in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**PrepDig Michigan is putting on two Showcase Events in August. We have the <strong>Freshman Showcase </strong>and <strong>Stock Up Showcase </strong>on Aug. 2. You can sign up for these events now on </em><a href="https://prepdig.com/all-events/"><em>our Events Page</em></a><em>.&nbsp;<strong>Use PROMO CODE “Drew26PD25OFF”&nbsp;</strong>to get 25% off your registration. Be sure to get locked in before you get left out.**</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An already incredibly strong conference just got way stronger.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The CHSL Central has already been a showcase of two of the best teams in the state each year in Farmington Hills Mercy and Birmingham Marian. Now, the Central has brought up Orchard Lake St. Mary's, while also adding in the two-time defending D2 state champions in Detroit Country Day. That's with St. Ursula Academy and Notre Dame Academy out of Toledo already in the mix as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at what to expect from the four Michigan CHSL Central teams this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mercy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Marlins don't have to rebuild, they just reload. Coming off the 2025 D1 title, they should again be a top contender to win it all in 2026. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski']</strong> (Penn State)is back on the outside to lead Mercy as a senior. She will be part of another explosive offense that features sophomore star setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='709559' first='Kaelyn' last='Easton']</strong>, who is set to play for Team USA's U17 squad in the world championships. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569766' first='McKenzie' last='Andrews'] </strong>(Stanford) is one of the most disruptive middles in the Class of 2028, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885468' first='Saniya' last='Tucker']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587002' first='Cydnee' last='Speights']</strong> can also come through with some big kills. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885455' first='Kate' last='Berghoff']</strong> saw time at libero as a freshman and is a well-rounded player that can help in multiple areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Marian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs are also always a state championship threat and will give Mercy all it can handle in 2026. Marian is going to have a lot of power arms to work with junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569767' first='Quinn' last='Nelson']</strong> and senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='436889' first='Sophia' last='Smith'] </strong>(Boston college) being a dynamic 1-2 punch. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454352' first='Calli' last='LeFevre']</strong> has battled injuries the last two years after being a high-impact freshman. She could be in store for a big bounce back on the outside this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569774' first='London' last='Gibson']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828552' first='Cecilia' last='Murray'] </strong>also bring depth to this offense, which will be working in a new setter, but that hasn't been a tough spot for Marian to find a talented player. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='553151' first='Ashlyn' last='Pelon'] </strong>(Maryland) is one of the top liberos in the state and enters her third year starting for this roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Orchard Lake St. Mary's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles are a really solid program that have been overshadowed by their conference peers. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470031' first='Avery' last='Kapeller'] </strong>(Georgetown) can hold her own at the net with anyone and will get a chance to prove that again this fall. She leads an OLSM offense that will have senior setters <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486863' first='Lindsey' last='Schwegman'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710832' first='Anneliese' last='Weber'] </strong>(Bowling Green) available to run things. The Eaglets also have a lot of complementary hitters returning in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490043' first='Katelynn' last='Dabish']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='720520' first='Alexis' last='Donovan']</strong>, <strong>Anna Duggan</strong> and <strong>Reese Holton</strong>. Defensively, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470701' first='Zoey' last='Kapeller'] </strong>is back as a senior to wear the libero jersey. She covers a lot of space and should keep the offense in-system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Detroit Country Day</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Yellowjackets have been the class of Division 2, but will definitely see just how good they are this year against this conference schedule. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='574175' first='Payton' last='Woodruff'] </strong>(LSU) is as good as anyone at the setter position. The junior has been an MVP-caliber player in each of the two title runs. She's got two middles she's built a lot of chemistry with in seniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='450415' first='Leah' last='Green'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='947938' first='Aliyah' last='Potapenko']</strong>. The key will be finding a new go-to outside, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442977' first='Demi' last='McCoy'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='838240' first='Sici' last='Guerrant']</strong> have shown signs that they can fill that role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Players To Watch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jr. Devyn Koster, OH Notre Dame Academy; So. Annabelle Pierce, S Notre Dame Academy; Sr. Olivia Strasser, MH St. Ursula Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->