Prospect Spotlight: Ellie Lammers (2018)

<p>Ask any volleyball coach where success starts as a team and they will tell you that it’s with the ability to serve and pass.</p> <p>So, it should come as no surprise when the rise of Omaha Duchesne’s volleyball program mirrors the same growth and level of performance as libero Ellie Lammers. The senior standout is currently ranked as the #15 overall prospect in the Class of 2018, making her the second-highest ranked uncommitted player and the best available libero in the class.</p> <p>Lammers is talented enough to have already committed but she said she’s not in any major rush to make her choice and is more focused on finding the right school that fits her overall profile.</p> <p>“I have some big decisions to make regarding college plans in the next few weeks and months to come. I'm really leaning towards a school with rigorous academics, as that's something that's pretty important to me,” Lammers said. “I have some schools on the east coast as well as regionally that have caught my eye but I need to still narrow it down quite a bit!”</p> <p>For her career, Lammers is serving at a 91.7% rate with a 99:68 ace-to-error ratio. Lammers pretty much stepped in as a starter in her sophomore year and has been patrolling the back row for the Cardinals ever since and currently has career totals of 797 digs and 124 assists. Her sophomore year was also just the second time in school history that Duchesne made the state tournament - losing to Skutt Catholic in the quarterfinals.</p> <p>Duchesne took another step forward last season, winning its first-ever match at state before falling again to Skutt Catholic - this time in the semifinals. </p> <p>The Cardinals now stand at 5-1 and are considered one of the favorites to content for the Class B title this season and Lammers said it has been in incredible experience to be a part of the growth of the Duchesne program.</p> <p>“It has been one of the greatest opportunities of my my high school career. Being able to grow this program with this incredible team has been amazing,” she said. “We all have worked so hard so it's great to see the work pay off. I think the greatest thing about it is knowing that we have created a culture that will last with Duchesne for a long time! </p> <p>“We have really high hopes for the season - including winning a state championship. With the way we are working right now I know it's most definitely something we can achieve! We have a pretty tough schedule getting into October so we are hoping that prepares us for the state tournament!”</p> <p>Duchesne coach Andrew Wehrli had the highest of praises for Lammers.</p> <p>“Ellie is a great volleyball player, but even better teammate and leader,” Wehrli said. “She is the type of kid that I pray my daughters grow up to be like!</p> <p>“Ellie is a hard worker and loves volleyball. It’s easy to see her passion. Over the summer, she’d regularly come to gym to the gym to work with teammates on their own without me encouraging it. It’s been fun to watch Ellie grow into one of the best libbers in the state. She has earned it by setting daily goals, being intentional while training and putting in the work. She is a really special kid.”</p>