5 Athletes Ready For A Breakout Club Season
Wisconsin teams kicked off the club tournament season with a number of Season Opener Tournaments across the state. This week coaches are going over their teams’ performances and fine- tuning practices before their next competitions. Many committed players are already in the rankings, especially in the Class of 2019, but here are some names that will be looking to have a breakout club season, get on the radar, and move up the rankings!
Emily PloszayEmily Ploszay – 2022 – 6’0 – Middle Blocker – Greendale – 414 15 Elite
Ploszay may not have been the go-to player for Greendale with power on the pins, but she has been competing against some top talent with a Greendale team that competed with top teams in the state. She is a middle blocker who could also be a solid right side. Greendale has had a program full of athletes and has been competitive in Division 1 for the past few years. Ploszay will have to bring an offensive presence in order for the Panthers to compete in 2019. Just taking the 16 Girls Gold Division at the Junior’s Kick-Off was 414 15 Elite.
Lizzie Binder – 2021 – 6’3 – Pin Hitter – Sheboygan North – Milwaukee Sting 16 Gold
Binder is yet another Division 1 prospect out of Sheboygan North. After being a varsity starter and securing a spot on a Sting Gold team, Binder will be accustomed to a fast pace and highly intense style of play. North had a solid season, and as a sophomore, Binder had 416 kills, 222 digs, and 34 blocks. Binder can play on either pin, and she will be one of the go-to players to score for Sting this season.
Maddy WeisenselPhoto Credit: Lynn Hintz
Maddy Weisensel – 2019 – 5’9 – Pin Hitter – Wautoma – Wisconsin Ice 18 National
Ice 18 National has always been a strong program in Central and Northern Wisconsin, always in position to compete with top teams in the state and represent at bigger tournaments such as the JVA World Challenge in Kentucky. This year Weisensel will play on both pins. She had a solid season for Wautoma and will be hoping to carry that momentum into the club season, helping her find a college program at which to play in the fall.
Olivia Olson – 2019 – 5’11 – Setter/Pin Hitter – New Holstein – One Wisconsin Bay 18-1s
Olson was a solid all-around player for New Holstein this fall, but it should be interesting to see the role she steps into for One Wisconsin this season. The 18-1 squad will feature solid outsides with Lily Welti (2019 – St. Louis University) and Rachel Aasby (2019 – UW-Oshkosh). Olson is skilled and is an excellent defender on the net. The 18-1 crew should be an experienced solid group this season.
Olivia Dir – 2020 – Outside Hitter – Union Grove – Wisconsin Juniors 17-1s
Dir was on a tear this fall, along with the rest of her club teammates for Juniors 17-1s. Going into their Junior seasons, they were comfortable stepping into bigger roles and it showed. Dir is looking to take care of business this club season. Juniors will have a solid first contact in Amber Bischel (2020 – 5’5 – Libero – Germantown) and an experienced setter in Karlee Lois (2020 – 5’8 – Union Grove), Juniors will have the tools to really make a statement this season. They also have Madeline Haines (IUPUI Commit) on the outside, and with her and Dir at the pins, it makes for a dangerous duo!
Keep These Players On Your Radar:
Anna NeradAnna Nerad – 2019 – 6’1 – Middle Blocker – Waukesha West – Motion 18 Blue
Cora Behnke – 2021 – 6’1 – Outside Hitter – Oconto – FC Elite 16 Navy
Dorci Walker – 2022 – 6’1 – Pin Hitter – Columbus Catholic – Wisconsin Ice 15 Purple
Dru Kuck – 2019 – 5’8 – Libero – Sheboygan North – Milwaukee Sting 18 Gold
Gabby JohnsonErin Powers – 2020 – 5’7 – Libero/Defensive Specialist – Mukwonago – Milwaukee Sting 17 Gold
Gabby Johnson – 2019 – 5’8 – Middle Blocker/Pin Hitter – SPASH – Wisconsin Ice 18 White
Jacqueline Smith – 2020 – 5’11 – Outside Hitter – Northland Pines – Wisconsin Ice 18 National
Julia Treichel – 2020 – 5’8 – Outside Hitter – Wisconsin Lutheran – Milwaukee Sting 17 Gold
Maleah HoweKarissa Kaminski – 2022 – 5’8 – Setter/Right Side – Howard Grove – FC Elite 15 Navy
Maleah Howe – 2022 – 5’9 – Pin Hitter – Oconomowoc – Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold
Robyn Kirsch – 2021 – 5’7 – Outside Hitter – Wausau West – Wisconsin Ice 16 Purple
Tatum Catalano – 2021 – 5’11 – Middle Blocker/Right Side – Germantown – Milwaukee Sting 16 Black