Up and Coming: Rushford Peterson
Although their record doesn’t really show it, there are a lot of great things happening in the Rushford Valley. Under the direction of head coach Nicole Schultz, the team is 8-12 overall. Schultz became their leader in 2014 and…
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Continue ReadingAlthough their record doesn’t really show it, there are a lot of great things happening in the Rushford Valley. Under the direction of head coach Nicole Schultz, the team is 8-12 overall. Schultz became their leader in 2014 and every year since, she seems to bring more out of her player! These are the key elements to RP’s growing program:
Coaches: Schultz has done an excellent job developing a budding program. In the Three River’s Conference, that tends to get dominated by the “usual” teams, she has instilled emotion and concentration in her players that doesn’t fade despite obstacles. The unity among her staff is apparent. Working together and utilizing the strengths of each coach has helped them become better players in all areas of the game. Junior Varsity coach, Hannah Pape, is newer to the program but has started molding the jv into great players. This is helpful with all the young talent.
Youth: With an official roster that only lists two seniors, the team has had to rely on their underclassmen. Most notable, is a group of freshmen. Kaylee Ruberg is an excellent blocker and provides much needed offense in the middle. At time she still makes youthful mistakes but her effort and presence is felt on every play. She is a dynamic player who will be an even bigger asset as she gains experience. Other young talent includes Hannah Ronnenberg (fr. 5’6”- S), Isabelle Kahoun (fr.5’8”- S), Elly Malone (soph.) and Emarie Jacobson (soph.)
Kaleah Davis: This left-handed, 6-1, powerhouse plays with such intensity even a newcomer to the sport would recognize. Her size and strength are unmatched by everyone else on the court. When teams try to put up a block against her on the right side, she contacts above the block and cuts around them leaving opponent’s setters to try and dig her. Davis is a play-maker. From the service line she pounds out ace after ace with her top spin serve. When she gets a serving run going, the coaches have done a great job of utilizing her as a back row attack. As a senior, I hope she continues to play in college. With the stature of a collegiate athlete and the gift of being left-handed, she could easily step into any junior college or division II or III school and become a star.