Who’s Flying Under the Radar — 5 Out-State Players that Deserve a Look
{Credit on Cover Photos goes to: The West Central Tribune, The Star Tribune, Crow River Media and The Marshall Independent} When it comes to volleyball, there is a huge difference between players in the Metro and those found in rural…
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Continue Reading{Credit on Cover Photos goes to: The West Central Tribune, The Star Tribune,
Crow River Media and The Marshall Independent}
When it comes to volleyball, there is a huge difference between players in the Metro and those found in rural communities. Not saying one is better than the other, just that the dynamic for the student athlete at smaller schools changes drastically when you head into the country and away from the big city lights. More is expected out of each student-athlete when it comes to activities, because there are less kids to choose from.
Not only are most of the athletes involved in three sports, but they probably are the star of the Spring Musical and the Captain of their Speech Team. You can usually find them as the President of the Student Council, Leader of FCA and many are waking up and doing chores on the family farm before the sun even rises.
More often than not, the ability to play Club Volleyball at a “National Level” isn’t an option — and many good players are overlooked because of their lack of exposure. Here are a few that have caught our eye and are worthy of a look for a chance to play beyond high school.
- ABBY HENNEN – MINNEOTA – 2021 LIBERO
Abby is one of those kids who is good at everything. A rock-solid libero for the Minneota Vikings, she has been and will continue to be a major reason that their program has been successful. Coming from a long line of volleyball players, Hennen eats, sleeps and breathes the game — without hardly trying. She will garner some looks because of their State Tournament Runs year after year — but she would be a definite Top-Tier recruit if she were to tack on a competitive club season to her belt. - CLAIRE RICARD – BENSON – 2020 RS (LEFTY)
Claire is a whole ball of raw talent. Long and Lean – she brings a huge presence at the net with her 6’0″ frame. And on top of it all, she’s a lefty. Coming from a small program that is working hard to build momentum and show improvement, she has great shot selections and hits high — all things that she can attribute to just being athletic. Claire has definite promise for a DIII or NAIA program that is looking for a player to mold and turn into a stud. - KARSEE KAMPSEN — BBE — 2021 SETTER
Coming off of a 26-4 season and a state tournament birth, Kampsen has shown true leadership despite being an underclassman. Leading the area and at the top of the charts for the entire state, Karsee had 1010 set assists in 2018 alone. If she were to grow and add a little size to her frame, she would definitely contend to play at some DII schools. Otherwise, we assume she will find a great fit at DIII or NAIA and have a very successful college career. - ADRI RHODA — HUTCHINSON — 2022 OUTSIDE HITTER
If Adri isn’t on your radar now — she should be! 72 inches of pure athleticism and unlimited potential, yet still completely raw and under-developed, Rhoda is definitely someone to keep your eye on. Assuming she would make most top-teams at any club in the state, Rhoda would benefit greatly from a couple years of club ball. She definitely has the potential, if she develops right, to play DI volleyball. Regardless, coaches should be paying attention to this one — if she adds a couple inches and some muscle to her frame, she is going to be an unstoppable high school player with a very bright future! - JORDYN HILGEMANN — MARSHALL — 2021 OUTSIDE/MIDDLE HITTER
Hilgemann surfaced on the Marshall roster in 2018 out of no where. Anyone who knows the Marshall program knows that their players are well trained and know how to work — and this is EXACTLY how we would describe Jordyn. This past year she rose to the occasion and was pivotal in helping Marshall head back to the State Tournament. She has a heavy swing and a wicked top spin jump serve — both rarities these days. She would make a great addition to any college program and are excited to see if anyone picks her up.