All Expo Team, Classes of 2019 and 2020!

As a coach, it is hard to attend an event like the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo and not think “who would I want on my team.” What was amazing about the event though, is there were no ‘weak’ players. Every single athlete was impressive in her own respect and each left everything she had on the court. Every time I turned around, I was seriously impressed with an entirely new group of athletes.

Despite the amazing overall talent, I decided to put together an All Expo Team which is comprised of the athletes who jumped out at me when they were on the court. Here is the All Expo Team I put together for the classes of 2019 and 2020:

Sam Miller, Setter, Class of 2020, Waunakee High School, Capital Volleyball Academy:

Sam was one of the first athletes I noticed because she was clearly having a ton of fun. Every court she stepped onto she was a leader, even though players switched courts quite a bit. She had immediate connections with each of the players on her court. In addition, she had fast hands and great defense.

Bekah Day, Setter, Class of 2020, Luxemburg Casco, One Wisconsin:

Though Bekah is quite small, her quick hands and great defense made her stand out from the crowd. Her sets to the outside were fast and precise. She was strong in all other aspects of her game as well. Her 25” vertical doesn’t hurt either! Bekah showed a lot of grit during the expo and showed great leadership qualities.

Julia Treichel, Outside Hitter, Class of 2020, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee Sting:

Julia is an athlete I have covered before and coached against in high school volleyball. Though she is small for an outside hitter, she has power, control, and an extraordinary ability to read the ball. Julia isn’t always the loudest player on the court, but everything she says is extremely productive, and she definitely knows how to celebrate a great play with her teammates!

Carissa Sundholm, Outside Hitter,  Class of 2019, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee Sting:

Carissa is just a fun player to watch. She has great control and truly shines in scramble plays. She is an extremely smart player. Her speed and vertical coupled with power are just amazing. Carissa knows exactly what to do when her team needs her most and is extremely calm during even the fastest and scrappiest plays.

Hope Sholton, Libero/DS, Class of 2020, Sheboygan North High School, One Wisconsin:

Hope is one seriously talented libero. She is all over the place. And she has some of the best communication on the court that I’ve seen. Not only does she talk a lot but it is productive which can be half the battle! Hope is quick, reads the ball well, and works well with anyone she is put on the court next to. She gets a touch on nearly every ball and has great serve receive as well!

Ainsley Apel, Libero/DS, Class of 2020, Sauk Prairie High School, Capital Volleyball Academy:

Ainsley moves the ball around so well. It was almost mesmerizing to watch. Her control in passing even the hardest serves or most powerful hits is amazing. Ainsley has a lot of grit and hustle as well, working to touch every ball.

Lily Steinbach, Middle Blocker, Class of 2020, University School of Milwaukee, 414 Elite:

Lily is a 6’2” middle with a 22-inch vertical. She blocks well and has a great read on the court. It was the first time I saw Lily play and I was definitely impressed. Her communication was great as was her ability to power a ball around opposing blocks and defense.

Teah Roszkowiak, Middle Blocker, Class of 2019, Tremper, Epic:

Teah has worked hard to make a name for herself in volleyball. She is an amazingly dynamic player who is amazing on offense, defense, and in transition. She will close any block and can pound the ball as well. This 6’ middle will be an amazing asset to any team she plays on.

Grace Peyron, Right Side, Class of 2019, Burlington, Milwaukee Sting:

This senior lefty right side is an extremely impactful athlete. She sets up a strong block and is a dependable hitter for setters to rely on. Grace has an explosive approach and a very long reach when she attacks. Her knowledge of the game and power at the net makes her an amazing prospect!

Allysa Deates, Right Side, Class of 2019, SPASH, Wisconsin Ice:

Whatever you expect out of a right side, Allysa can do. She is an aggressive player, never afraid to swing hard, despite facing big blocks. She reads blockers well and tools them quite often. Allysa’s intensity on the court keeps and aggressiveness on her offense keeps her team focused and motivated.

This is just a handful of the amazing athletes that came out and played at the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo last weekend. These juniors and seniors really set themselves apart in a crowd of truly amazing athletes!