Top Underclassmen From Central Michigan

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The term “Central Michigan” can be used a lot of ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course there is the University (Fire Up Chips!), but in this case we are talking about a location for top underclassmen in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our definition this time around is about a straight line across the state in the center of the lower peninsula. That includes the CMU area, the tri-cities, and stemming all the way out to the Muskegon area. Some may argue, but let's just go with it for this purpose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some of the up-and-coming volleyball talent from the center of the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='710236' first='Morgan' last='Borodychuk'], So. OH Mt. Pleasant</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile hitter that can play anywhere along the net, Borodychuk had 286 kills, proving to be a reliable offensive option for the Oilers. She also contributed 55 blocks and 294 digs, showing she can be a difference maker on defense as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='817491' first='Olivia' last='Brown'], So. OH St. Louis/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1” outside made a big impression on the state this fall, as she put down 427 kills while hitting .320. Opponents simply didn't have an answer for her when the ball came her way. She also added 218 digs and 118 aces during the season. Brown earned All-State honors in D3.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916037' first='Madie' last='Folkema'], So. OH Western Michigan Christian</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Folkema was a real force for WMC this fall as she approached 500 kills while hitting an eye-opening .399. She had the power and court awareness to put the ball away from anywhere and she also put up over 200 digs to show promise for being a reliable defender. Folkema was All-State in D3 and <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/12/2025-michigan-hs-d3-all-prep-dig-teams/">All-Prep Dig in D3</a> as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Chloe Malek, So. OH Fulton</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Pirates have to like what they saw from Malek, a freshman outside, in 2025. She had 165 kills, which was a positive step. However, her 300 digs and 56 aces were also pretty eye-opening. Malek showed the ability to adapt and be comfortable anywhere on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842404' first='Ella' last='Pastotnik'], So. OH Beal City</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pastotnik was a big-time player for the Aggies this fall, putting down 354 kills while hitting .260. She showed a nice mixture of speeds and attack angles this fall and should be very confident next fall. Her defense showed progress throughout the season as well with 152 digs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ellie Powell, So. OH Midland</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Powell was a nice asset for Midland as it had a strong offensive attack. Powell put together nearly 150 kills for the Chemics, as she started to find more details in her attack as the season went on. She also had 237 digs with 41 aces, showing she can be impactful in all areas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='916038' first='Braelin' last='Rodammer'], So. OH Valley Lutheran</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodammer helped propel Valley Lutheran to a spot in the Division 3 semifinals this fall by putting away over 415 kills, 118 digs, and 40 blocks. She was a great option to put the ball away in a pressure moment. Rodammer earned All-State honors in Division 3 and <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/12/2025-michigan-hs-d3-all-prep-dig-teams/">All-Prep Dig honors in D3</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Alaina Smith, Fr. MH Muskegon Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 5'10” middle, Smith was very efficient in her play this fall for Muskegon Catholic. She had nearly 220 kills while hitting over .250. Smith also contributed on defense with 53 blocks, as well as 55 aces from the service line. Smith earned Honorable Mention honors in D4 and looks like she can be a game changer next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ava Stroud, Fr. DS/L Hemlock</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stroud put on the libero jersey and played her heart out this fall. She tallied 327 digs, showing improved decision-making and awareness as the season moved along. She learned quickly to adjust to her hitters and should push herself to greater heights next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->