Conferences Winning Michigan’s 2027 Recruiting Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2027 was heavily on the radar of many top Division 1 college programs and it's been clear with the amount of high-profile commitments we have seen over the last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three conferences in particular are racking up the names from the state of Michigan in this prestigious 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Big Ten Conference</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the top conferences in the nation is the Big Ten, and Michigan is going to send a lot of top talent from the Class of 2027 to the Big Ten. It starts right at the top with two elite talents in the national picture. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson']</strong> is committed to Nebraska, where she will bring her talents as a defender, combined with her athleticism to be an all-around player. Nebraska has been hitting the state of Michigan hard, racking up three recent Miss Volleyball winners. Johnson has a chance to be another.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442987' first='Kate' last='Kalczynski']</strong> is another talent that everyone around the nation wanted to grab, but Ohio State landed her commitment. The Buckeyes are getting one of the most powerful and diverse hitters in the country, as well as an outside that has really improved her defensive play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In-state program Michigan State also is making a big splash with this class behind commitments from lengthy outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='467901' first='Mallory' last='Wandel'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='462086' first='Mallory' last='Woiteshek']</strong>. These two big plenty of intangibles to the court and have shown they can compete at a national level with the best. These two will provide a potent 1-2 punch in the Class of 2027.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Atlantic Coast Conference</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2027 has been able to draw a lot of attention to East Coast programs in the ACC, which increases the Michigan recruiting pipeline. The top name from 2027 to head to the ACC is standout setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442995' first='Marlie' last='Smith']</strong>, who is committed to North Carolina. The Tar Heels will be getting one of the most determined players in the country who won't be hesitant to step into a leadership role right away if that's what is needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not far from UNC, Clemson has scored the commitment of 6'3” 2027 middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442976' first='Cynthia' last='Ockerman']. </strong>Ockerman moves so smoothly for a 6'3” middle. Her quickness and athleticism is going to be a big hit for the Tigers, as she can already compete at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Further north, Boston College has landed the commitment of right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='436889' first='Sophia' last='Smith']</strong>. This 6'2” hitter has been one of the most improved 2027 prospects over the years. Her intensity and aggressiveness at the net has grown, as has her defensive play and confidence. She can play anywhere along the net and be successful, but stands out as one of the elite right sides in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mid-American Conference</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one should be no surprise, as the MAC has been a great home to Michigan volleyball prospects, and developed some of the conference's greatest talents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thus far in the Class of 2027, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='464378' first='Ava' last='Bush-Nelson'] </strong>has committed to Bowling Green, while defensive standout <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442994' first='Makayla' last='Naves'] </strong>is committed to Western Michigan, and outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490374' first='Elizabeth' last='Risdon']</strong> is committed to Ohio University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These three can all make an impact right away for their respective programs as they bring the speed and instincts that will play well in the MAC. Naves and Risdon have the flexibility to make an impact in multiple areas, while Bush-Nelson has the size and awareness to be a dominant middle for the Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->