Thump City: Eight of Minnesota’s Heaviest Arms
The thrill of a resounding spike. That ball terminated with so much authority that it sounds of a boom when contacting the hardwood floor or leaves an opponent in misery when it six-packs their face because they couldn’t get their…
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Continue ReadingThe thrill of a resounding spike. That ball terminated with so much authority that it sounds of a boom when contacting the hardwood floor or leaves an opponent in misery when it six-packs their face because they couldn’t get their hands up quick enough for protection. Attackers are the individuals that gain the most glory especially when they can score points in this unforgettable manner. Us volleyball enthusiasts in Minnesota are very lucky to have a long list of terminators that have the ability to flat out crush the ball. Here is a list of eight athletes across the classes of ’20, ’21, and ’22 that often create sheer jubilation among their teammates and fans while cringe-worthy for their opponents at the same time.
CLASS OF 2020
Kora Kritzberger
Kora
Kritzberger
5'11" | MB
Ada-Borup | 2020
State
MN
– MH | Ada-Borup | Prep Dig #30
Kritzberger was the x-factor in Ada-Borup’s run to the state tournament in 2018. She possesses great athleticism and relentless energy in providing what her team needs. She is an emphatic point scorer that is highly effective off of one or two feet around the setter. Ultra-competitive on the volleyball court, Kritzberger should not be overlooked.
Elizabeth Helmich
Elizabeth
Helmich
6'1" | MB
Wayzata | 2020
State
MN
– RS | Wayzata | Prep Dig #3 | James Madison commit
A lefty with good elevation and range, Helmich has all the key qualities to frustrate any defense. She continues to get better and better as a primary go-to attacker and could arguably be the best opposite in Minnesota playing for a team that is talented and poised to make a deep run towards a state title this season.
Kaitlyn Prondzinski
Kaitlyn
Prondzinski
5'11" | MB
Stewartville | 2020
State
MN
– OH | Stewartville | Prep Dig #11 | Illinois State commit
Prondzinski continues to impress with her well-rounded skill set. For years she has been terminating the ball with authority for Stewartville and has one last season to help the Tigers to another opportunity at the state tournament. Not only can she bring the heat but she is one of the best in Minnesota as far as great balance between power and finesse as an attacker.
Sophia Andersen
Sophia
Andersen
5'10" | OH
New Prague | 2020
State
MN
– OH | New Prague | Prep Dig #13 | Concordia-St. Paul commit
Andersen has been crushing balls for the Trojans for a few years. Her footwork and arm work seem effortless as she has great fundamental ability to build the momentum needed to elevate and hammer the ball. She has developed great range and is not afraid to find the shots needed based on what she sees in front of her.
CLASS OF 2021
Erin Lamb
Erin
Lamb
6'3" | MB
Stewartville | 2021
State
MN
– MH | Stewartville | Prep Dig #5
The other half of the prolific attacking duo at Stewartville. Among the best pure athletes playing volleyball in Minnesota, Lamb is a versatile and very dangerous offensive threat. What is more impressive is that she often is passing the first contact that leads to her crushing the ball from the middle or behind the setter off of one foot. She continues to expand her versatility with high heat and power from the pins.
Ava Moes
Ava
Moes
6'3" | RS
Lakeville South | 2021
State
MN
– RS |
Lakeville South
| Prep Dig #2
Probably brings the most thunder of any athlete on this list. Moes is a relentless attacker in her ability to hit the ball with heavy pace from either pin. Her footwork, arm speed, and strength are high level and she has the ability to take over matches.
Lakeville South
stays in the mix in 2019 because of Moes elevated role as a point scorer after the graduation of one of the state’s most powerful arms in 2018.
CLASS OF 2022
Emma Goerger
Emma
Goerger
6'4" | MB
Wayzata | 2022
State
MN
– MH | Wayzata | Prep Dig #14
Goerger has great size and already displays some good footwork in serve receive and transition to make herself available and on balance so she can maximize her length and torque. She has a great future ahead of her and will surely keep Wayzata on the map as a contender throughout her career.
Lilly Wachholz
Lilly
Wachholz
6'2" | MB
Mayer Lutheran | 2022
State
#42
Nation
MN
– OH/MH | Mayer Lutheran | Prep Dig #7
Wachholz is a versatile attacker and can do damage from anywhere on the floor. At 6’1, she elevates well and when at the peak of her jump is frequently hitting over blockers with very good pace. She balances out a strong Mayer Lutheran offensive attack and will relieve pressure and workload from the Crusaders’ veteran stars without losing the same level of effectiveness.