MN Select: Above the Net

<p>  The air up there, is filled with talent especially when the <strong>MN Select</strong> players take the court.  Regulation height for women's volleyball is a meager 7 feet and 4.125 inches for these elevated athletes.  Their height helps them to play above the competition and above the net.</p> <p><strong>Alexandra Holmgren</strong> is young player for MN Select 15-1.  At  6'8'' this Hopkins High School athlete has an imperious presence at the net.  In volleyball coaches often talk about a hitter's contact point, Holgren's approach reach is 120 inches - well beyond the reach of most blockers.</p> <p>Next on their list of towering athletes is <strong>Emma Goerger, </strong>a 6'6'' rising start from Wayzata; also, on the 15-1's team.  She has already been recognized on the Ultra Ankle JVA watch list.  Goerger is a versatile player who's athletic ability is matched by her impressive size.  Goerger has experience playing club volleyball in Texas and Switzerland too.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>Olivia Swenson</strong> is the youngest on our list (graduating 2024).  She is a 6'3'' outside/middle from Hopkins.  Typically the tallest in the gym when competing against fellow 14 year olds.  She has helped her MN Select 14-1 team gain national attention.  They will compete in Orlando at AAU Nationals (Open) and in Indianapolis at the USAV GJNC.</span></p> <p>  Likewise, the 16's teams are unmatched at the net with <strong>Kendall Kemp </strong>( 6'6'' of Rogers HS),<strong> Sophie Jessewitz</strong> (6'3'' of Wayzata) and <strong>Skya Favor</strong> (6'2'' of Hopkins.)  They are an essential part of their club's success not only in matches but in practice building better teammates.  Imagine having to see the same, set of hands reaching <em>way</em> over the net every day.  Skya brings an energy to the court right away during warm-ups that is positively intimidating for opponents.  And Kendall undoubtedly could do a slam dunk with a reach of 122 inches.</p> <p>Perhaps one of the most athletic on the list is <strong>Grace Daak</strong> from Hutchinson.  She is a strong, lean, 6'3'' with surprisingly fast feet.  Daak, a member of the MN Select 17-1 has signed with UMD and is sure to set a few records in the future.</p> <p>On the 17-2's team, is <strong>Kate Neil</strong>.  She is a 6'2'' middle from Providence academy.  It is great to see her at Select and see how her skills are developing.  Neil will make a great outside at any big college.  Likewise, <strong>Katelyn Empkey</strong> has been showing off her potential on the 17-3's team.  At 6'3'' she is a natural blocker with good timing.</p> <p>Rounding off our list is<strong> Kailey Olson</strong> and <strong>Ashley Olson</strong>.  Kailey is 6'1'' and a member of the 17 Black team.  While Ahsley is 6'2'' on 15 Black.  Both are from Watertown Mayer and have been able to grow into big contributors for their teams this season.</p> <p>  MN Select is attracting some of the biggest and best players in the state.  Their tall lineups help them stack up against national competition.  The coaches at Select are great at training these players to become fast, forceful players.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>