Team Preview - MichioChicago 17 BlueSmoke : Going Gauntlet

<ul class="wp-block-social-links">    </ul>   Returning to this marquee stage is last year's 16 Elite champion, Michio Chicago 17 Blue Smoke, a program that knows exactly what it takes to perform when the lights are brightest. Already securing an American bid to the USAV Girls Junior National Championship in Indianapolis, this group has put together a strong campaign filled with high-level finishes. Competing consistently in Open divisions, Michio has recorded five top-10 finishes at premier events, including impressive showings at the Indy Cup and the Windy City National Qualifier. This roster is loaded with talent, and as the season progresses, the focus has shifted toward tightening connections and building that collective rhythm needed for a deep postseason push. The pieces are there; it's about bringing everything together at the right time. With last year's title run still fresh, Michio enters the Prep Dig Gauntlet with purpose. The goal is clear: build off past success, sharpen their edge against elite competition, and make another statement heading into Nationals. Count on this group to be firmly in the mix once again.   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='822058' first='Amelia' last='Kadamus'] - RS/MB</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='779214' first='Kailey' last='Skurka'] - OH/RS</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='529830' first='Lola' last='Baker'] - S</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='412536' first='Kyla' last='Mitchell'] - MB (University of Virginia)</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='512501' first='Quinn' last='Grevengoed'] - OH (University of Southern Indiana)</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='530633' first='Malley' last='Green'] - S</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='918515' first='Gabriella' last='Thompson'] - MB (Truman State University)</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='530623' first='Luca' last='Bombacino'] - OH (University of Michigan) </td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='529795' first='Julia' last='Ahrens'] - DS/L</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='530634' first='Arianna' last='Janowiak'] - MB/RS</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='532412' first='Emma' last='Consigny'] - DS/L</td><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">[player_tooltip player_id='800584' first='Zora' last='Peek-Taylor'] - DS/L</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center">Defending Champs</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='512501' first='Quinn' last='Grevengoed'] – A University of Southern Indiana commit and one of the more accomplished players in the field, Grevengoed is a true scoring threat from anywhere on the court. Whether she's operating at the net or attacking out of the back row, she produces at a high rate while maintaining efficiency. A 1st Team All-State selection, she surpassed the 1,000-kill milestone as a junior and continues to add to that total.   [player_tooltip player_id='779214' first='Kailey' last='Skurka'] – One of the more versatile pieces on this roster, Skurka contributes across multiple roles. She splits time at right side and middle for club while also expanding into an outside role, showcasing a well-rounded game. Her junior season numbers 311 kills, 184 digs, and 28 aces highlight her ability to impact all phases.   [player_tooltip player_id='530623' first='Luca' last='Bombacino'] – A University of Michigan commit who brings a dynamic six-rotation presence. Explosive with a heavy swing and strong hang time, Luca has the ability to create scoring opportunities in the system and out. Another member of the 1,000-kill club as a junior, she earned 2nd Team All-State honors while continuing to elevate her game.   [player_tooltip player_id='530633' first='Malley' last='Green'] – The steady leader of the group, she makes her mark through vision and timing. She guides the offense with precision, consistently putting hitters in optimal positions to succeed. Her leadership has translated into team success at both the club and high school levels, including back-to-back third-place state finishes.   [player_tooltip player_id='529830' first='Lola' last='Baker'] – A dual-sport athlete whose effort level shows up on every play. Baker's game is built on fundamentals and consistency, reflected in her 92% serve percentage, along with 147 digs, 28 aces, and 311 assists during her junior season. She brings reliability and energy to every rotation.   Emma Cosigny – A key contributor to Lockport's back-to-back third-place state finishes, Emma is a proven competitor. She fills the stat sheet with 330 digs, 40 aces, and 92 assists, showing her range as a back-row playmaker. Smart, versatile, and composed, she's a libero who consistently delivers.   Julia Aherns – A gritty, court-aware defender who embraces the work. Aherns earned All-State Honorable Mention after leading her conference with 320 digs. Add in 40 aces and 87 assists, and it's clear she brings more than just defensive stability she contributes across the board.   [player_tooltip player_id='800584' first='Zora' last='Peek-Taylor'] – Long, athletic, and instinctive, Peek-Taylor plays with a strong foundation and attention to detail. Her junior numbers 378 digs, 44 assists, and an 89% serve percentage reflect her consistency. She uses her length and foot speed to cover ground and extend rallies.   [player_tooltip player_id='822058' first='Amelia' last='Kadamus'] – A strong presence at the net, she excels as a blocker. While she plays middle for her high school program, she transitions to the right side for Michio without losing effectiveness. Her stat line 195 kills, a .339 hitting percentage, 64 blocks, and 39 aces—highlights her all-around production and motor.   [player_tooltip player_id='918515' first='Gabriella' last='Thompson'] – A recent Truman State commit with a polished, technically sound game. Thompson's movement, spacing, and timing stand out, especially at the net, where she impacts both as an attacker and blocker. She posted 197 kills on a .402 hitting percentage, along with 43 blocks, showing efficiency and control.   [player_tooltip player_id='530634' first='Arianna' last='Janowiak'] – A well-rounded right-side hitter who thrives with her ability to score down the line. She offers flexibility, capable of sliding into the middle while maintaining production. Her blocking presence and defensive awareness help solidify the core.   [player_tooltip player_id='412536' first='Kyla' last='Mitchell'] – A University of Virginia commit currently sidelined due to injury, but her résumé speaks clearly. A high-level talent with a proven track record, her presence when healthy adds another layer of firepower to this already loaded roster.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/PrepDigGauntlet_c9dcdb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-989286" /></figure> </figure>   📧 Connect & Work With Me   For inquiries, connections, or coverage opportunities:   👉 Visit PrepDig.com   📱 Follow on Socials   • Instagram: @PrepDigTobias   • TikTok: @tobiaswalkeac   • X (Twitter): @PrepDigTobias |@TobiasWalk   🔥 TobiasWalker10 – Official Code & Contact Hub   🎟️ Use Code: TobiasWalker10