2020 Club Preview: Legacy Volleyball Club
It was quite a 2019 for Legacy Volleyball Club. The program scored a national championship with their 18 Elite squad, which had a nearly flawless season. They also scored a national championship at the national level behind their 17 National…
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Continue ReadingIt was quite a 2019 for Legacy Volleyball Club.
The program scored a national championship with their 18 Elite squad, which had a nearly flawless season.
They also scored a national championship at the national level behind their 17 National group.
The program had plenty of All-Americans in 2019 and they come into the 2020 club season with a new look, partnering with Adidas going forward.
With the rosters set, here is a look at their top squads for the 2020 campaign.
18-1 ADIDAS
Ellie Ruprich (Photo courtesy of Kim Bucchi Photography)This group will be coached by Bryan Lindstrom and they have some high expectations after finishing tied for fifth in both the Junior Nationals and AAU Nationals for the 17 Open in 2019. The core of the team is back, led by setter Alexa Rousseau (Bloomfield Hills/Northwestern) and outside Kendall Murray (Skyline/Michigan), who were both Miss Volleyball finalists this past fall. Middle Ellie Ruprich (Groves/South Carolina), RS Lauren King (West Bloomfield/VCU) and MB Meghan Dombrowski (Eisenhower/West Virginia) provide a lot of length at the net for this team while Kate Stration (Stoney Creekt/Cornell) and Christine Audette (Marian/Tufts) are technically sound outside options that can help in the front or back row. Kennedy Dolmage (Lutheran North/Oakland University) returns at libero as well. This team also brings in first-year Legacy players in libero/DS Paige Gallentine (Charyl Stockwell/Tennessee-Chattanooga) and outside Emily Snay (Romeo). You won’t find a weakness on the floor on this team. They have the size, they have the athleticism, and they have the defense to compete with anyone.
17-1 ADIDAS
Claire NowickiEric Lindstrom will coach this squad, which is looking to breakout of the middle of the pack that it found itself in nationally in 2019. Potential is certainly there. A nice pair of outsides will lead the way in Sydney Palazollo (Eisenhower/High Point) and Claire Nowicki (Clarkston). Both were All-State selections this fall and took a big step forward in the last 12 months. They welcome in new member Jada DaVita (Grosse Pointe South) on the outside as well. Grace Allread (West Bloomfield/Liberty) is a consistent and intelligent setter that can run the offensive effectively. She has some strong middle options to work with as well in Reagan Goeke (Lake Orion), Kira Buza (Eisenhower/Oakland University) and Emma LaBarge (Oxford). Jaden Rice (Northville) is another hitting option that can work the middle or right side. Alana Watlington (Clarkston) is also a talented middle, but has been hampered by knee injuries the last two years. Defensively, Hannah Blaney (Saline) and Lara Sebastian (Rochester Adams) will handle libero and DS duties for Legacy 17-1 ADIDAS. The passing of this team will be one of its strengths. If the hitting and blocking can really gel together, 17-1 ADIDAS could see that breakout season they are looking for in 2020.
16-1 ADIDAS
Josie BloomAfter winning a national title in 2019 at the 18 age group, and also just receiving the 2019 AVCA 18’s Coach of the Year honor, Ricky Cottrill will transition to coaching 16-1 ADIDAS this club season. He has a scrappy squad that will run a 6-2 and look to win with ball control and effort. Passing and serve receive shouldn’t been a problem for this group behind L/DS options Josie Bloom (Notre Dame Prep) and Summer Jidas (Clarkston), who both also bring a great serve to the team. Sydney Tomlak (Stoney Creek) is a six-rotation stud that continues to be a rising star with each match she competes in. Audrey Brown (Seaholm) and Leah LaFontaine (Mercy) are strong compliments on the right side and have shown the ability to finish points. Tatum Casper (Marian) and Bianca Giglio (Notre Dame Prep) also provide depth at the net. While this team doesn’t have great length on the outside, they do have some size in the middle. Cari Bohm (Ann Arbor Huron) stands 6’4” and can be a great block and finisher in the middle. Elizabeth Adams (Clarkston) and Mikayla Keefer (Huron) also stand 6’0” or taller. When it comes to the setting, it will be Lauren Lee (Skyline) and Karlee Stoll (Anchor Bay) running the show. Lee didn’t get a chance to play much this prep season due to an injury, but would have been able to add to a strong Skyline squad.
15-1 ADIDAS
Harper MurrayThe majority of this group really came on strong last year in the 14’s, earning a third-place finish at the Junior Nationals 14 Open last year. Coaching this squad will be Jennifer Cottrill, who knows how to manage young players with high expectations. This squad should be a contender to be top 10 nationally, if not better. Harper Murray (Skyline) is a special talent. The 6’1” outside was an All-American last club season and was All-State as a freshman for a Skyline team that reach the Division 1 state semifinals. She is among the best in the Class of 2023, nationally. Joining her are Nina Horning (Lake Orion) and Sarah Vellucci (Novi), who both played six rotations for their respective prep teams this fall. In the middle, Laurece Abraham (Country Day) and Abby Reck (Northville) will see time alongside Horning, while Becca Apsey (Groves) is a talented right side. Erin Kline (Mercy) is the next in a great line of setters coming from Mercy and will run this offense. Paige Elliott (Country Day) can also play setter or move to the back row. Kaitlyn Hoffman (Clarkston) and Allison Berent (Notre Dame Prep) solidify a strong and promising defense for 16-1 ADIDAS. Berent played in an already deep Notre Dame Prep back row this fall and proved she can hold her own.