D2 Commits Ready For Impact From Updated 2026 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midwest has become a hot bed for volleyball where the impact is not only being felt at the D1 level, but with D2, D3, NAIA, and NJCAA. Who are the athletes next in line who are heading to D2? Here are some to know from the Iowa and Illinois updated rankings of the Class of 2026.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["311325"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038efb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='311325' first='Laney' last='Snow'] was one of the top available prospects in Illinois during her 17s season.  She has landed at a D2 power in Ferris State in Michigan.  This program has gotten some key commits from Illinois and finished their season at the national tournament in Sioux Falls.  Snow brings a game of all around play where she is an elite passer and scorer.  This will fit in well at the next level where she could make an immediate impact.  Another Illinois and [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] athlete is [player_tooltip player_id='827711' first='Rosie' last='Krenz'] who will join Snow at Ferris State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["324005"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f010"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maryville out of the St. Louis area has been gaining momentum with some key local commits.  They are bringing in some impact players from Rockwood Thunder, but also bringing in some talent from neighboring [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'].  [player_tooltip player_id='324005' first='Taylor' last='Langland'], like all of the [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] setters is extremely well trained starting with her footwork.  She is able to beat the ball to the spot and is ready to push the tempo.  She receives the ball high and can shoot it to the pin or get her middles and right sides involved in something quick.  Another [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] athlete heading to Maryville is [player_tooltip player_id='259604' first='Cassidy' last='Monahan'] who will bring some athleticism and physicality to the middle blocker position and can use her connection with Langland for a major advantage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["260948"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f085"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='523168' first='Kylie' last=''] Lambert is a true QB1 as a setter who can run the show.  She has had a strong career at Hampshire and Top Flight.  I was able to see her quite a few times live while playing at Top Flight where she has great footwork and hands.  She also defends her position well and finds a way to light a spark on her side of the net.  She will be going South to Arkansas Tech. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["323927"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f0cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='323927' first='Kelley' last='Crowley'] can pack a punch on the outside.  She can play six rotations, defending, steady in serve receive, and is well trained coming from 1st Alliance. She has developed the ability to use the hands to tool the block and a high IQ to score points in a variety of ways.  She is not the only one heading to the “UP” from Illinois. [player_tooltip player_id='324012' first='Olivia' last='Ziemer'] is a pin attacker who preps at Normal West and plays for [program_tooltip program_id='430006' first='Illini' last='Elite'] is also committed.  The Wildcats are in Marquette, MI on the shore of Lake Michigan and compete in the GLIAC, finish 12-4 in conference play this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261075"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f10d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The trend of Minnesota State Mankato is going way up as they saw time in the D2 national rankings this past season.  They will get one of the top setters in Iowa's Class of 2026 in [player_tooltip player_id='261075' first='Kaelyn' last='Wieland'] who preps at West Des Moines Valley high school and plays her club ball for Iowa PowerPlex.  Wieland is a proven winner and one of the top all around players in Iowa.  She has spent time scoring points on the pin in high school, but at the next level its going to be setting.  Watching her this past high school season you could see the confidence and leadership she plays with. She could be the one who leads the Mavericks into the next level of the NSIC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389012"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f14a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another top setter in Iowa will head to Wayne State.  [player_tooltip player_id='389012' first='Channing' last='Johnson'] was the QB1 for Denver High School who won back to back state titles the past two seasons.  She won't be the only Johnson on the team, she will join her sister Reese Johnson who is a setter/defensive specialist. Johnson has length, athleticism, and physicality to be an impact player for the Wildcats.  Her best volleyball is still ahead of her.  The Northern Sun is one of the most competitive D2 conferences in the country.  Wayne State tied for the conference championship at 19-1 with Concordia St. Paul who would then go on to be the national runner up. Johnson's high school teammates [player_tooltip player_id='389009' first='Grace' last='Mullihan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='389017' first='Bailey' last='Mullihan'] will also head to the NSIC, committing to St. Cloud State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389074"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f185"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ferris State got another one! Yes, another top 25 state prospect, this time in libero [player_tooltip player_id='389074' first='Hailey' last='Flanders'] out of Iowa.  Flanders was the libero for Ankeny High School this past fall, leading a young team to the state tournament.  Watching her live, you can see the impact she has on the entire game.  Her range is what sets her apart whether it be her presence in serve receive or defense.  She had a strong 2025 club season for Iowa PowerPlex which carried into her high school season.  The combination of athletes heading to Ferris State is exciting for the Bulldogs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389844"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-694067038f1bf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Western Iowa is always a recruiting battleground where there are plenty of top NAIA programs in Iowa and Nebraska that are going after these programs.  For [player_tooltip player_id='389844' first='Bre' last='VanDenTop'] of Sergeant Bluff-Luton and [program_tooltip program_id='432160' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432076' first='[program_tooltip program_id='430137' first='[program_tooltip program_id='429142' first='MVP' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''], she will head to D2 University of Sioux Falls. This program is much improved, advancing to the NSIC Tournament this past season going 14-6.  VanDenTop has been part of successful high school teams playing in the state tournament and [program_tooltip program_id='432160' first='[program_tooltip program_id='432076' first='[program_tooltip program_id='430137' first='[program_tooltip program_id='429142' first='MVP' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] out of Sioux City.  She brings quickness and athleticism to the middle blocker position where her dynamic ability to score points and block is what makes her an exciting commit for the Cougars. Another Iowa prep heading to Sioux Falls is [player_tooltip player_id='261083' first='Maegan' last='Cheeseman'] who is a setter/right side combo player who had a very decorated career for Ankeny Centennial High School with multiple appearances in the large class semifinals. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->