Top Storylines For Division 3 Entering 2026 Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>**PrepDig Michigan is putting on three Showcase Events in August. We have the <strong>Freshman Showcase </strong>and <strong>Stock Up Showcase </strong>on Aug. 2, with our inaugural <strong>Up Next Showcase </strong>for 2031-33 prospects on Aug. 16. 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>The 2026 prep season is quickly approaching, with a month to go before practices get underway</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be no shortage of exciting stories to follow this fall, including in <strong>Division 3</strong>, where there's a big shakeup on top before the season even begins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's three storylines to pay attention to as we approach the new season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Champion Guaranteed</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kingsley made an impressive run to the state title in 2025 behind the play of D3 Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='833201' first='Jenna' last='Middleton']</strong>. But, the Stags now are moving up to Division 2 in 2026, leaving the door wide open for a new state champion in Division 3. Kalamazoo Christian has been a program that keeps finding its way back to Kellogg Arena and it wouldn't be a surprise to see it happen again behind the leadership of <strong>Elli VanDusen </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='805267' first='Eliana' last='Keller']</strong>. SMCC is always a threat in D3 as well, but graduated a lot of talent. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='456251' first='Alexa' last='Turner'] </strong>will be a key piece to keep the Kestrels in contention this year. The team that might be the favorite on paper is Valley Lutheran. The Chargers reached the state semifinals without a senior on the roster. That should have them able to get off to a quick start, especially with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523865' first='Kate' last='Belt']</strong> running the offense at setter. Plymouth Chrisitan also looks tough on paper with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523905' first='Madisyn' last='Bowman']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523872' first='Anika' last='Jaroszewski']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='587016' first='Lillian' last='Bowman'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442981' first='Grace' last='Belanger'] </strong>all back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Northern Powers</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Northern area of the Lower Peninsula is particularly strong in Division 3 and the 2026 season should have a handful of teams from the area be right in the title mix. Roscommon had a great 2025 season but couldn't quite reach Kellogg Arena. This year could be the Bucks' year as they are stacked with talent on offense behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586777' first='Nemiah' last='Carper']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='769601' first='Mara' last='Williams']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732306' first='Reese' last='Williams']</strong>. Traverse City St. Francis is no stranger to deep playoff runs and the Gladiators have a winning pedigree to rely on despite graduating key players. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='516948' first='Lola' last='Brown'] </strong>is one of the most impactful middles in the state and should keep TCSF in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Breakout Juniors</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Division 3 should see some sophomores that made an impact in 2025 take a big step forward to be potential MVP candidates this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817491' first='Olivia' last='Brown'] </strong>out of St. Louis has a lot of upside as a 6'1” outside that can place the ball anywhere. She's going to be very tough for opponents to contain this fall. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916037' first='Madie' last='Folkema']</strong> helped lead a Western Michigan Christian resurgence in 2025 and will be one of the top D3 outsides out west this year. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848766' first='Hadley' last='Wagaman']</strong> really shined at libero for Bronson and the Vikings will need her to have a big year as they hope to be a top contender once against in a crowded Kalamazoo area. Hackett Prep's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='884932' first='Lucy' last='Young']</strong> was a handful in the middle at 6'2” and should be ready to really take off in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->