Marquette, MI – June 26th, 2026 – For the first time, the Upper Peninsula’s top volleyball talent will come together on one court as the inaugural U.P. All-Star Volleyball Games take center stage today. Twenty-eight recently graduated senior volleyball players will have one final opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their schools while competing alongside and against some of the region’s top athletes.
The idea for a U.P. Volleyball All-Star event originated with Forest Park head coach Lindsey Anderson after attending the U.P. All-Star Football game last summer. “I was at the all-star game for football last summer,” Anderson told TV6. “I just kind of shook my head and said, ‘Why don’t we do this for volleyball?'”
Anderson’s vision quickly gained support, as six additional Upper Peninsula volleyball coaches joined her in helping organize and bring the event to life. The players themselves recognize the significance of being part of the inaugural event. “This sport is growing and I think getting an all-star game is another step to becoming one of those great sports in the U.P.,” Team Blue outside hitter and recent Forest Park graduate Ava Fischer told TV6.
The event also serves as another opportunity to highlight and celebrate girls athletics across the region. “Girls sports deserve just as much recognition as guys sports do,” Team Red setter, and recent Forest Park graduate, Elsie Williams told TV6. “I mean, you hear things about even basketball, but all-star games or football. I think it’s about time that other sports get the same recognition.”
The event will feature four teams, Red, Black, White, and Blue, with each roster consisting of standout players from programs across the Upper Peninsula.
Team Red
Elsie Williams, Forest Park (Setter)
Noelle Grace, Wakefield-Marenisco (Outside Hitter)
Kyra Carlson, Manistique (Outside Hitter)
Landry Bray, Escanaba (Middle Hitter)
Caragan Thill, Big Bay de Noc (Middle Hitter)
Ava Jo Hares, Ishpeming (Libero)
Claire Johnson, Houghton (Right Side)
Coaches: Amy Nixon (Manistique) and Bobbie Anderson (Forest Park)
Team Black
Aleana Park, Negaunee (Setter)
Kiera Isaacson, Dollar Bay (Outside Hitter)
Ava Stalboerger, Escanaba (Outside Hitter)
Lily Kwiatkowski, Rudyard (Middle Hitter)
Aliya Taylor, Newberry (Middle Hitter)
Olivia Cotey, Munising (Libero)
Kaydence Ruggerio, Gwinn (Right Side)
Coaches: Lisa Fechter (Ironwood) and Brittany Killips (Sault Ste. Marie)
Team White
Raina Ledzien, North Dickinson (Setter)
Mia Nordstrom, Jeffers (Outside Hitter)
Jenessa Eagle, Ishpeming (Outside Hitter)
Cassie Olson, Kingsford (Middle Hitter)
Sophie Berryman, Dollar Bay (Middle Hitter)
Olivia Birk, Newberry (Libero)
Breleigh Lahti, Ironwood (Right Side)
Coach: Kate Bonacorsi (Calumet)
Team Blue
Calie Tremblay, Brimley (Setter)
Ava Fischer, Forest Park (Outside Hitter)
Cleo Milkey, Lake Linden-Hubbell (Outside Hitter)
Maya Carlson, Manistique (Middle Hitter)
Hayden Bayer, Munising (Middle Hitter)
Emmy Pietila, Houghton (Libero)
Elodie Lenca, Carney (Right Side)
Coaches: Krista Squiers (Negaunee) and Lindsey Anderson (Forest Park)
Team Red and Team Black will square off in the opening match at Forest Park High School Gymnasium, followed by Team Blue and Team White. First serve is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT Friday night.
The inaugural event not only provides one final opportunity for these seniors to compete, but also celebrates the continued growth of volleyball across the Upper Peninsula while creating what organizers hope will become a long-standing tradition for years to come.
