Ryan Stuntz, Vital Volleyball’s Club Director, has high praise for Makenna Berger Makenna Berger 5'11" | OH Eden Prairie | 2019 State MN and her commitment to and growth within his young program’s philosophy and training. His recent comments represent…
Ryan Stuntz, Vital Volleyball’s Club Director, has high praise for Makenna BergerMakennaBerger
5'11" | OH Eden Prairie | 2019StateMN
and her commitment to and growth within his young program’s philosophy and training. His recent comments represent the strong connection between Berger and Vital as he stated, “Makenna is kind of the poster child for this program. She was a player who wasn’t great at a young age, she didn’t see a lot of playing time early on, but she stuck with it. She believed in our system, our process, our coaches and worked hard, set goals, has learned to become leader on and off the court, and is passionate about volleyball. She is the type of player and person we want all our girls to be like.” Berger’s interest in Vital has never wavered with a great support system in and out of club volleyball. Stuntz added, “Luckily, her parents understood and believed in our process and believed in our program. And we believed in her. We all knew that someday she’d grow and become the player she is today. And it wasn’t really until last year that she started believing in her game and started to gain confidence, and now she’s tearing it up like we all knew she would.”
When asked about her club experience, Berger shared the same sentiment, “For me, club is awesome. This year will be my fifth consecutive year playing for Vital. I can’t imagine going elsewhere. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without their training. Going to practice and playing in tournaments are the highlights of my week. People have came and went these past few years, but this year in particular our team gets along super well. We have great chemistry on and off the court.” With continued commitment and persistence Berger and her teammates are sure to find great success this club season. A recent 10th place finish (one of five U17 teams in the top 10) at the Big City Luau in the combined 17/18 Gold division is a good indication that Berger’s team is poised to compete among the best in the region. Prep Dig MN caught up with Berger earlier this week.
Prep Dig MN (PDM): How did you get started in volleyball and at what age?
PDM: Who have been your biggest influences in the sport to help you get to where you are now and the opportunities it has created for you at the next level? How have they influenced you?
MB:Great question! I think for sure my mom has always believed in me through thick and thin and she helped boost my confidence even when I felt like I had none left. And definitely my coaches from my 15s season, Ashley Wittman and Erin Horn (Minnesota Gopher alumni), who pretty much reshaped my arm swing. And especially my coach last year, Ryan Stuntz, and my coaches this year, Aaron Wayne and Kris Wolle. They have influenced me so much. They are such amazing people. They’re also unbelievable coaches. I don’t know where I’d be without them! I can’t give them enough credit.
PDM: Are you involved in any other sports? If so, when did you know that volleyball would be the focus of your future at the next level?
MB:I downhill ski out West once a year for fun with my family. Other than that volleyball is the only sport I play. It took a few seasons and a few injuries to boost my confidence as a player and as a person. I also grew like six or seven inches within a span of like two years so that helped too. I think this one instance changed my volleyball career forever. It was my 15s season and we were in Indianapolis playing in a tournament and I had just absolutely crushed a ball. Coach Ashley had her hands in the air and said “Why don’t you do that every time?” and I responded with something like “What if I miss?” and she said “I don’t care. I’d rather see the aggressive mistake.” And that was it.
PDM: Compare your high school volleyball and club volleyball experiences. What do you enjoy about both of those settings?
MB:They’re very different, playing and coaching wise. One major difference is that high school practices are every single day except Sundays and club is just twice a week, which I think is better on your body. Also, each of my coaches have different styles and different techniques that they teach us. I love the length and travel during the club season and how I’ve been with some of these girls for four or five years. For high school, I really like how often we have games and we get to compete against other teams two or three times a week.
PDM: What aspects within your club team standout to you? In specific ways (i.e. individuals, leadership, effort, personality) what would you like to highlight?
MB:Like I said earlier, our chemistry is off the charts. I think ever since we’ve been together, we’ve all had such a great heart for the game. We all want to improve not only ourselves, but make our teammates better with every practice. And these are the type of friends that I’ll hopefully keep forever. I can’t recall a single time I’ve had any sort of disagreement with any of them.
PDM: What are your current and future goals with the sport of volleyball?
MB:I hope to play volleyball in college.
PDM: How has the recruiting process been for you? Anything that jumps out as being really beneficial to that experience for you?
MB:It’s been really fun! It’s a great confidence booster knowing that colleges are interested in what you have to offer.
PDM: What is it you are looking for in a school and volleyball program?
MB:Great coaches and great teammates primarily. I’d prefer a smaller school over a larger school with a good education program.
PDM: What are your expectations regarding volleyball at the next (college) level?
MB:Good question! I’m not really sure what to expect, I’m kinda living it one day at a time, but I am so excited for that phase of my life and career.
FAST FIVE QUESTIONS:
Do you have any pre-match rituals?
In high school we have a whole routine before every match. I guess my only pregame rituals for club is high-fiving everyone before we start, and I’ll often do the Michael Phelps arm flap. Or sometimes I whip my arms in circles like a windmill.
Favorite athlete role model?
Probably my mom. She’s a stud.
Have you thought about what you will study/major in at the college level?
Psychology, education, or Spanish. Haven’t decided yet.
Favorite food you can’t live without?
White cheddar popcorn
Favorite volleyball memory/accomplishment?
The whole high school playing experience gives me so much adrenaline and it’s such a fun atmosphere, so that’s a great feeling/memory. I think my best accomplishments are earning first team all-conference or setting a record for Eden Prairie. However, if I get an offer from my dream school that would be awesome as well.