Michigan Winter Rankings Update: 2026 Outside Hitters

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Be sure to follow&nbsp;@lshotvb&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc">Tik Tok&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for all things volleyball!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>–</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 Rankings have been updated!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024 proved to be a HUGE year for the class of 2026. With the conclusion of the club season came the all-important, June 15th date and so many players from this class have found themselves with their next landing spot in motion. This also was an incredible fall for this class to really come into their own in the HS scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take a look below at the latest update alongside some of the biggest stock risers and new names!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2023","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32564","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-676f625a079e7"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">STOCK RISERS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='226900' first='Liv' last='Hosford'] - Rockford</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rising to the occasion this fall, [player_tooltip player_id='226900' first='Liv' last='Hosford'] became one of the biggest names in Michigan. While Hosford has always been a player that has been highly touted in the 2026 class, it was this fall that we saw Hosford breakout and come into her own. As one of the state's most lethal six rotation players, Hosford was critical to the success of Rockford's title game run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra'] - Detroit Country Day</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of breakout seasons, nobody had quite the break out YEAR than [player_tooltip player_id='446702' first='Elise' last='Hiemstra']. Starting off on the electric squad over at Legacy, Hiemstra played a bit more of a role off of the bench that saw in just about every position. It was hard to feel just what she could do. With DCD, as a six rotation left side, Hiemstra exploded off of the page and cemented herself worthy to be one of the top players in the 26 class. It was her explosive play and efficiency that proved to be key in DCD's run to their first ever title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='490350' first='Maddie' last='Jipping'] - Hamilton</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='490350' first='Maddie' last='Jipping'] really bursted onto the scene this past club season with FaR Out as a lethal threat on the right pin. This 6'0 lefty attacker caught the eye of Oakland University and has nabbed herself a spot on their roster in 2026. This is a type of player who's ceiling is truly unknown. She is only entering her second season playing at an elite level in the club circuit. This fall showcased a lot of what Jipping could do in all areas of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">FRESH FACES</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='726472' first='Emma' last='Eldred'] - Tecumseh</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nobody seemed to have had quite the fall season than [player_tooltip player_id='726472' first='Emma' last='Eldred'] with Tecumseh. A leader for the Indians in just about every category, Eldred was the driving force to a historic post-season run. Eldred, a six rotation player, brings a lot of versatility to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='732284' first='Maddy' last='VanBlack'] - Tecumseh</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another six rotation player out of Tecumseh, [player_tooltip player_id='732284' first='Maddy' last='VanBlack'] completed the Indian's one-two punch on the court. While Eldred took a heavier load in the offense, VanBlack took a heavier load in the back court. VanBlack is one of those players that could compete at a really high level in her first contact and defense, but also adds a nice dose of offense as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='706598' first='Soniah' last='Robinson'] - Woodhaven</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A high flier on the court, [player_tooltip player_id='706598' first='Soniah' last='Robinson'] offers much more than what her 5'9 frame suggests and she's only getting better. This fall proved to be another big leap in development for the burgeoning outside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='726490' first='Nevaeh' last='Plaster'] - Northview</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northview was the team of the fall. Putting everyone on high alert, one of those major players to come out of the storied fall was [player_tooltip player_id='726490' first='Nevaeh' last='Plaster']. An electric arm on the right pin, Plaster can do some serious damage and is seeming to be hitting a huge stride going into the club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='732266' first='Paige' last='Thelen'] - Fowler</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest players in Division 4 this fall, [player_tooltip player_id='732266' first='Paige' last='Thelen'] was one of the top dogs. Acting as a force in just about every corner of the court, Thelen has a nice overall game that has her touted as one of the best in the division. She was awarded 1st Team All-State nods and also earned 2nd Team All-Prep Dig honors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->