2029 Watch List Spotlight: Hitters, Part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early signs on the Class of 2029 are that it could go down as one of the all-time greatest in Michigan history when all is said and done.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because of that, there's some talented players still looking to get more of the spotlight, including a number of outside and middle hitters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's Part 3 of a 3-part look at some of the talented Watch List hitters in the Class of 2029 that can use a little more of that spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='881474' first='Kylie' last='Rennie'] OH/RS Lakeland</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rennie is a strong athlete that has a lot of quickness and endurance, which allows her to come through as strong at the end of a match as she does in the beginning. Her shot-making showed improvement throughout the fall and should reach another level in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='776389' first='Taylor' last='Rivers'] OH Marian/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rivers doesn't need a lot of space or time to pull off a fireball of a shot. She's got quick, but effective arm mechanics to put on consistently strong attacks. As her footwork and timing improve in the years ahead, it should lead to some really explosive finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849862' first='Claire' last='Ryan'] OH/DS New Boston Huron/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ryan made a big impact in Southeast Michigan this fall, showing she can hold her own at the net against the best, while also being able to dig up some of the biggest hitters. She's got a great foundation for her game and is only going to get better as she adds new facets in the upcoming years. There's a big ceiling for this prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='790367' first='Ella' last='Saylor'] OH/DS Jenison/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saylor has a lot of strengths as a defender, but also shows the athleticism to be a contributing hitter. Her defensive instincts are really impressive, as she doesn't find herself getting caught off guard. Her smooth mechanics allow her to be a force offensively from the front row or back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888976' first='Madison' last='Smith'] OH Brighton/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith really turned some heads this fall with some dominant performances against top-level volleyball teams in the state. She's really able to come down over the top of the ball and put it away with some undiggable shots. Smith shows some advanced-level mechanics and shot angles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='885468' first='Saniya' last='Tucker'] MB/RS Mercy/Legacy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's not much better place to be as an aspiring middle than Mercy. Tucker got some opportunities to shine for the D1 champs this fall, but will really see her opportunities grow in the next few years. The 6'2” prospect has all the tools to be a major player. She's got great lift off the floor, a big wingspan, and efficient footwork.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='782729' first='Rachel' last='Unsworth'] MB/OH Brighton/L2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unsworth is a 6-foot hitter that is imposing at the net with her ability to play above it with her long reach. She keeps herself active throughout points and rallies, getting her hands on a lot of opposing attacks while staying ready to unleash on the ball with a violent swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='888951' first='Piper' last='Vugteveen'] OH Hudsonville/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part of a strong program at Hudsonville, Vugteveen was a player that kept earning more opportunities be showing a lot of maturity and poise on the pins. She had a great mixture of power swings with offspeed attacks, while never attacking the same location twice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->