Past Showcase Stars Loom Large in Updated Kansas 2029 Rankings

<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/06/PD_StockUpShowcase_c4803f.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-994435" style="aspect-ratio:1.4869570384455404;width:269px;height:auto" /></figure>   <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2295/register/missourikansas-stock-up-showcase" id="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2295/register/missourikansas-stock-up-showcase">Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase</a>   -- USE CODE 'Austin26PD25OFF' FOR 25% OFF ALL SHOWCASE REGISTRATION FEES --   We're looking back and looking ahead.   Jumping on the Prep Dig Kansas beat was my big personal milestone to start the 2026 calendar year. Nebraska has been my home base for the past six years, and I embraced the opportunity to branch out and get the Heart of America involved.   But even during my Nebraska-focused tenure, I've had plenty of "crossover" opportunities through the Prep Dig Circuit. My showcase coverage stops have brought me to Kansas City multiple times, with the last visit coming last winter for the Missouri/Kansas Stock Up Showcase. That event series will write a new chapter this Sunday.   So, while we're covering our newly updated Kansas 2029 rankings, let's take a trip down memory lane. Our database is loaded with stars who excelled in last December's showcase gauntlet. We may even see a few of these athletes make a repeat bid at Prep Dig Circuit excellence this weekend.   Either way, these 2029s are enjoying a head start to their rankings ascent.    We had a long list of impressive liberos at last winter's Kansas City showcase. That's no surprise, right? Howarter earned plenty of time in the spotlight during that event, and she took another step forward through the 2026 club journey. MAVS KC 15 National leaned on Howarter's hustle and effort en route to multiple bracket breakthroughs on the qualifier stage. Her eye-catching dives were spectacular, but Howarter could also make tough plays look routine. It's the kind of stability you need in the contrasting jersey.     Add another one from the 15 National ledger. While Howarter was dropping dimes along the end line, Campbell brought the hammer as MAVS KC's go-to opposite. We'll always jump at the opportunity to cover a southpaw attacker, and Campbell has emerged as one of the best among Kansas' early 2029 standouts. She carves wicked angles in the crosscourt and has opened up her attacking arc with lethal line shots. Campbell continues to pursue her sky-high ceiling after making waves at our showcase.     This isn't the first shoutout for MAVS 816 15 National during this week's rankings coverage. Robinson keeps the conversation going with her unique brand of lockdown defense. She was particularly persistent in the middle-back area this spring, producing sprawling saves that lifted MAVS 816 all the way to Nationals. Robinson's skills flourished further at last year's showcase while navigating a fast-paced environment in Kansas City. Showcases are often a fascinating test for defensive specialists, and Robinson proved she could mesh with whoever she teamed with along the end line.     Did we mention that defensive specialists were a highlight of December's Kansas City showcase? Whitney piled onto the effort to build off an outstanding debut season with Lawrence Free State. She compiled nearly 200 total digs as a freshman, and Whitney added a few more saves to her tab on the Prep Dig Circuit. Then, she commanded the back row for Dynasty 15 Black and was a passing anchor during the team's best triumphs. Her high standing in the 2029 rankings remains warranted.     Oh, this is a fun one. Livermore didn't rise in our latest rankings update, but this top-ranked athlete also didn't have any farther to climb. We were fortunate enough to have Livermore on last year's Prep Dig Showcase circuit, but it might not be where you expect. She traveled up to our Nebraska Freshman Showcase and made the most of her visit to Great Plains territory. I have fond memories of Livermore's ability to morph from a game-changing setter to an unstoppable right-side terminator. She carried all of those roles while playing up two age groups with Shockwave 17 Black. This Kansas star is welcome back in Nebraska anytime.     Mark one down for the Topeka crowd. We were eager to welcome this Washburn Rural prep star to the circuit last year, and she delivered on the hype with an all-around onslaught at the outside hitter position. Her ball control prowess has stood out, and that even applies to her ability to run an offense whenever needed. Showcases ask athletes to do a little of everything, and that's where Anderson excels.     Let's bring the Mayhem. Channell approached the top of Kansas' freshman scoring leaderboards last fall, finishing with 2.4 kills per set for her 29-10 Beloit squad. That attacking volume translated well to her club tenure with Manhattan Mayhem 15S, which put Channell's tremendous versatility on display. She can tee off on any tempo and in any gap along the net. And don't forget that Channell has also embraced a part-time setting role in high school and club. No matter which hat she wears, she'll find a way to make an impression.