Queens of Two Courts, Volleyball and Basketball Dual Threats

The art of being a multi-sport athlete is dying with the level of commitment being oftentimes demanding for those athletes competing at the elite level, especially for basketball and volleyball.  The ability to manage time, teams, academics, and travel are difficult.  Then factor in some of these athletes are 15 or 16 years old and having to make some important decisions that will have a major impact on them for their future in college.  Which sport?  What school?  What next? 

Callie Pohlman, a 2017 graduate of Appleton North, was a three sport athlete for the Lightning competing in volleyball, basketball, and track.  Pohlman appeared at the Resch Center for five state tournament appearance, three for volleyball, and two for basketball with her final high school game ending with a WIAA Division 1 state championship, the first for the school in girls basketball.  Pohlman says that volleyball helped her basketball game and her basketball game helped her in volleyball.

“Playing volleyball definitely made my vertical better and helped me be laterally quick, which helped me become a better defender on the basketball court.  Playing basketball helped me in my stamina for volleyball for the long rallies in crucial matches.  Overall, both sports in high school helped me become a more effective leader.  I was captain for both teams Sophomore through Senior year  and many times I was in a position to make decisions for the team and talk to the team when times were tough in practices or games.  Those experiences have helped me so much transition to the college game.”

Pohlman, currently a Freshman at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL competing in NCAA DII Great Lakes Valley Conference, is quick to point out that success just doesn’t magically happen.

“I was so blessed to have been a part of such successful teams.  It all takes a great amount of time and energy, but I had great teammates that all bought into what our coaches were teaching us.  Our coaches not only care about us as players, but as individuals.  I was able to thrive in a competitive environment where my coaches and teammates were there everyday to push me to be my best”

The ability to play two sports not only teaches a variety of skills on and off the court, but Pohlman said it made her transition into the college and playing college basketball much easier.

“Playing two sports in high school taught me valuable time management skills  so I have been able to do very well in my first semester at college.  In basketball, I am trying to do as much as I can to be a leader on and off the court.  Mental toughness is a huge part of the game and school.  I try and incorporate those skills into my daily life and help with my teammates as well.”

Dual Threats of Volleyball and Basketball

Here is a list of dual threats that have founds success in both sports with honors in volleyball and basketball, but have made their commitment to play college basketball.  

Cassie Schiltz- Luxemburg-Casco - Class of 2019

Committed to Green Bay for basketball

Schiltz recently finished up her Junior year of volleyball with a trip to the state tournament with Luxemburg-Casco, carrying home a Runner-Up trophy for the first time in school history.  With over 453 kills in the season and Honorable Mention All State honors Schiltz would also be a top prospect for any high level collegiate volleyball program.  However, this past summer she gave her verbal commitment to perennial national and state powerhouse at Green Bay which is currently ranked 21st in the nation.  Her high school volleyball teammate, Alexis Dorner, will be playing for the Phoenix as well for volleyball starting in the Fall of 2018.  In Schiltz's basketball career she averaged 17.2 ppg as a Freshman and 21.9 games as a Sophomore.  

Lexi Donarski - La Crosse Aquinas - Class of 2020

Committed To Iowa State for basketball

Donarski made waves by giving her verbal commit to Iowa State before even going to a day of high school.  That didn’t prevent her from focusing on just one sport in basketball as she was a pivotal part of the success of La Crosse Aquinas volleyball where she qualified for state as a Freshman and then came back to the Resch Center a few months later to finish Runner-Up at the state basketball tournament.  As a Freshman she was named All State and will hope to lead her team back to the state tournament this upcoming spring. This past season for volleyball, Donarski was named All State Honorable Mention and had 337 kills on the season.  

Makenna Warnock - Monona Grove - Class of 2019

Uncommitted - Offers Pending

Warnock would be a high profile recruit at the collegiate volleyball level with just under 1000 kills and 1000 digs in three years of varsity play at Monona Grove.  This past season she finished with 353 kills and earned Honorable Mention All State.  A pretty impressive volleyball resume, which is actually a nice prelude to the options she has for basketball at the next level.  Last season, Warnock was an All-State player that averaged 26.7 ppg and 10 rebounds per game.  With offers from over 15 Division 1 schools, including four from the in state schools her options are plenty.  Warnock is a pure athlete that makes plays on the volleyball and basketball court look relatively easy.

Alison Leslie - Clayton - Class of 2019

Uncommitted

Leslie is another athlete who has made it a tradition of finishing her volleyball and basketball seasons at the Resch Center in Green Bay.  This past fall, Leslie was a large part of Clayton’s dethroning of Newman Catholic’s quest for five straight titles, defeating them in the semifinals behind Leslie’s 19 kills.  She has had 22 kills in the championship over Lourdes to bring home the gold ball and earn All Tournament Team honors.  She was also named WVCA All State Honorable Mention.  On the basketball court, Leslie along with fellow volleyball teammate Kasey Ketz earned All State Honors while bowing out in the state semifinals.  Leslie averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.  She will be looking to bring home another gold ball in the form of a basketball this March in Green Bay.