2027 Rankings Update: Top Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2027-rankings/"><strong>2027 player rankings</strong></a>were updated this week as we enter the start of the 2026 prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's some outstanding defensive talent in this class and cracking the top 5 is no small task.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at the latest defensive rankings for the Class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32926","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a85bfc111c6b"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 Liberos</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson'], Byron Center/FaR Out: </strong>Johnson can do it all, as she's a standout six-rotation outside for Byron Center despite being one of the best back-row players in the country. She's headed to Nebraska following her senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442967' first='Addison' last='Stepp'], South Lyon East/Legacy: </strong>Stepp has put in the work to dig up all the top hitters in the country and its paid off with a commitment to Alabama. She consistently putting her teams in position to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442994' first='Makayla' last='Naves'], Davison/Legacy: </strong>Naves has also dug up some of the very best and she's a great athlete that can fly around the back court and never look out of sorts. She's committed to Western Michigan.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442971' first='Brenna' last='Mirovsky'], Oxford/Michigan Elite: </strong>Mirovsky is a player that has worn many hats over the years and has excelled. She does a bit of everything for Oxford, but her defensive effort and hustle have landed her a home at Oakland University next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523872' first='Anika' last='Jaroszewski'], Plymouth Christian/Michigan Elite: </strong>Another great athlete that will use her overall skills in the back row in the future, Jaroszewski has a great read on the ball and has a quick first step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others To Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809036' first='Maya' last='Kuebler'], Clarkston/Legacy: </strong>Another elite defender that plays outside in high school, Kuebler is someone that never gives up on a play and will leave it all on the floor. Her hustle works nicely with her polished form.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='808796' first='Kaitlyn' last='Gustafson'], Stoney Creek/Legacy: </strong>Gustafson has been tested by great hitters in high school and club play, and it's helped her reach a high level of consistency with her serve receive and first contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='807754' first='Rease' last='Buza'], Eisenhower/Michigan Elite: </strong>This fall could be a big breakout year for Buza as she gets to take on a leadership role with Eisenhower. She's got the communication and footwork to successfully lead the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='502408' first='Kayleigh' last='Miersen'], Caledonia/FaR Out: </strong>A Wayne State commit, Miersen is always on the go and keeping herself engaged on the court. It allows her to get into good position to make some tough digs and keep the ball in play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='915895' first='Isabella' last='Albano'], Divine Child/Force: </strong>Albano is a player that has been somewhat under the radar in this class. She's been a big impact player for Divine Child and has established herself as one of the top defenders in Division 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->