2019 Club Profile: Kandi Elite
As one of the better clubs outside of the Twin Cities metro area, Kandi Elite has established itself as one of the more competitive programs in recent years. KE continues to prove themselves as a location for a lot of…
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Continue ReadingAs one of the better clubs outside of the Twin Cities metro area, Kandi Elite has established itself as one of the more competitive programs in recent years. KE continues to prove themselves as a location for a lot of great talent, predominantly from the rural west central area, to come together with a mindset to compete among the best throughout the region. Some of their alums are now competing for great college programs and several athletes will be transitioning to play at the next level in their own right. Hosting seven total teams, the following information represents their top two age groups and some of the notable uncommitted athletes.
KE 18s
Hosting some of the best in the class of 2019, including Piper Asche (Augustana), Carly Wedel (South Dakota State), Riley Decker (Concordia-St. Paul), and Makenna Steffel (Northern State), a core group returns that has the skills and experience to potentially keep KE 18s in any match. Two athletes in the class of 2019 are currently uncommitted in Sydney Olson (MB | Willmar HS) and Soleil Newland (OH/RS | Sauk Rapids). Earning all-conference honorable mention honors, Olson was a steady contributor throughout the high school season in helping to lead Willmar to the Central Lakes Conference title and the Section 8 AAA finals. Newland and her Sauk Rapids-Rice teammates finished third in the Central Lakes Conference standings and advanced to the Section 8 AAA semifinals. For her contributions she earned all-conference honors. KE 18s’ first action will be in the Twin Cities area for the Molten Series the first weekend of January.
KE 17s
Like the 18s, the 17s team is full of some of the west central area’s best volleyball athletes with many contributing significantly to their high school team’s success in 2018. This squad is a blend of both 2020 and 2021 individuals that are athletic, skilled, and competitive.
Makayla Snow | S | 2020At the top of the list of uncommitted athletes is Makayla Snow (S | BOLD | 2020). Snow’s stock will continue to rise given her leadership development and better understanding of the balance of distribution and being an offensive setter. With good size and quickness, she has the ability to dish as well as call her own number when needed. She was a key element to BOLD’s postseason run earning all-conference honors and the recognition as the West Central Conference’s Most Valuable Setter.
A key addition to KE this season is Lexi Pew (MB | Morris | 2020). With good length and jumping ability, she can terminate from a high contact point. Her quickness helps her defensively to patrol the net effectively from pin to pin. Joining a high exposure club such as KE will benefit her development as well as recruiting process. She was also a WCC all-conference pick and was recognized as the conference’s Most Valuate Hitter. KE continues their strong hold on featuring quality skills at the libero position with Abby Stark (Lib | Willmar | 2021). With increased attention during the high school season, Stark’s stock also continues to rise as a steady ball control athlete that can get it done both in serve receive and defensively. She helped lead Willmar to a conference title while earning all-conference honors.
Elizabeth Dille | OH | 2021Another 2021 athlete adding depth to this team is Elizabeth Dille (OH | Sartell | 2021). At 5’10, she is a Central Lakes all-conference selection and can beat a defense with good arm speed and range. She has six-rotation-type skills and is a sophomore that will encourage coaches at the next level to take a good look at what she has to offer throughout the upcoming club season. KE 17s also begin their season at the Molten Series the first weekend of January.
With teams at the 16s and 15s level, look for updated information regarding those athletes and their progress throughout the club season.