New Names To Know From The Wisconsin Top 250 Expo
Covering an event like the Prep Dig Top 250 is different for our writers when you have players that are in the same shirt when you’re used to just looking at two teams at a time. Now it feels like covering 100 players at once, however we did have a plan of attack by taking a look at different positions and classes and knowing what each of us were going to zero in on. Seeing new players or names of players that I have not seen play live is really exciting, especially some of the younger players who haven’t had a chance to play varsity or are in the making of starting to come onto the prep volleyball scene in Wisconsin. Here are a few players that caught my eye who I have not seen play live before and will be fun to keep tabs on through the club and their high school seasons.
Claire Ammeraal Claire Ammeraal 6'0" | S Madison LaFollette | 2022 State #179 Nation WI – Capital Volleyball Academy – Madison LaFollette
Class of 2022 – Setter/Pin Hitter
Ammeraal definitely looks the part of a college athlete despite only being a Sophomore. At 6’0 tall she has a really solid all around game. Watching her play in some of the queens and split court games she can set, pass, and hit. With her length she would be a solid 5-1 setter where she could set or hit in the front row. Very dynamic and athletic, she will be one to keep tabs on for Capital who consistently produces solid all around players.
Maggie Lawrynk – Wisconsin Ice – SPASH
Class of 2020 – Setter
Once again another setter who can be a gamechanger. Initially watching her play I thought she was an outside hitter rather than her first position as setter. At 5’10, and really great hands, Lawrynk led her team to 36 wins this season and a sectional final. At the Top 250, she was able to show her all around skill with some of the top athletes. Wisconsin Ice out of the Wausau area has produced some really high quality players out of the Gateway to the North Woods. Lawrynk should be able to gain some solid exposure being a solid all around athlete who also has the finesse to dish to her teammates.
Aoife Treacy Aoife Treacy 5'11" | RS Mukwonago | 2022 State WI – Midwest Penguins – Mukwonago
Class of 2022 – Right Side
A left handed right side player can always add a different dimension to a team, kind of a wild card which gives different offensive options all the way around. Treacy is a 5’10 Freshman from Mukwonago and Midwest Penguins with a really high contact point and a solid block.
Katie Gund Katie Gund 5'11" | S Pewaukee | 2022 State WI – Milwaukee Sting – Pewaukee
Class of 2022 – Setter
A lot of these athletes I spotted early when they were playing queens or split court games where that really shows off all around skills. Gund was one who jumped out as someone with a really strong all around game and at 5’11 and only a Freshman that is tough to find. Gund will be playing for Sting 15 Black this upcoming season and will be one who can be a threat at the net offensively and defensively as a setter. Pewaukee has some really solid up and coming talent!
Shelby Stelzer – Inferno – Bay Port
Class of 2020 – Libero
Bay Port High School is starting to build a strong program on the North side of Green Bay. With a strong crew at the Top 250 expo, Stelzer was one I had not seen play yet, but was really solid in her play in left back. Solid platform, consistent serve receiver, and very poised and under control.
Elizabeth Danelski – Oconomowoc
Class of 2021 – Middle/Right Side
At 5’10, long, and athletic Danelski is very athletic and dynamic, showing off her passing and all around game in some of the opening games. Oconomowoc is loaded with talent players across all levels, and Danelski will be a player to keep tabs on for the future. A really high snap and contact point, she has the tools to become one of the next greats for Ocon who has a batch from the Class of 2021 and 2022 athletes who will have big goals to chase as as their high school careers progress.
Olivia Robertson – Wisconsin Premier – Cedar Grove Belgium
Class of 2020 – Outside Hitter
Robertson was definitely someone who displays a lot of athleticism from the pin. An event like this is perfect for Robertson to get on the radar a bit for the college level. This past Fall for Cedar Grove Belgium she averaged just under 3 kills a set and had an efficiency in the .300’s. She will be playing for the Wisconsin Premier 17 Teal club team this season.
Kennedy Pugh – Capital Volleyball Academy – Watertown
Class of 2021 – Outside Hitter
Just a Sophomore, Pugh is definitely one to keep tabs on as she progresses through the club ranks and upcoming high school season. Watertown had a deep, talented, and veteran roster which resulted in over 40 wins this year. Pugh, who is an athletic 5’11 pin will be able to compete for the Goslings and make a solid combo with setter Izzy Schauer.
Cassandra Alsum Cassandra Alsum 5'9" | OH Randolph | 2022 State WI – Capital Volleyball Academy – Randolph
Class of 2022 -Outside Hitter
Gritty and aggressive, Alsum doesn’t hold anything back. She has a solid all around game which will be fun to watch this winter for CVA. Alsum was a consistent starter for Randolph, a traditional small school power in Wisconsin with over 100 kills her Freshman year. The future is bright for Alsum and Randolph with a six rotation on the outside who has quite the intensity and enthusiasm on the court.
Lizzy Fortune – Capital Volleyball Academy – McFarland
Class of 2020 – Setter
Fortune plays with a really high IQ, coming from a solid high school program that advanced to the sectional final with 29 wins on the season. Great footwork, smooth release, great hands, and the ability to run the show. Fortune had over 900 assists this past season and will be back to lead her team as a Senior next year.