Up and Coming: Top Players in 2023
The class of 2023 is filled with talent. We having been keeping a watch in this group. Many played varsity for their high school seasons, and will step into leadership roles at their club. Here is a look at…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2023 is filled with talent. We having been keeping a watch in this group. Many played varsity for their high school seasons, and will step into leadership roles at their club. Here is a look at 15 of the best players in the class of 2023 along with where they will be spending the off season.
MN Northern Lights: We aren’t surprised that a handful of athletes have committed to playing the club season with Lights. This group has grown up watching and admiring all the stars come from the program. They are lucky to have some of the tallest players in this bunch.
Mikayla McDougall is a 6′ outside from East Ridge who earned lots of playing time this season (83 sets played.) She was an instrumental part of the team’s success and added depth to an already strong team.
Kaitlyn Sellner is 6’1” middle hitter from Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”] and although she wasn’t a part of the 2nd place state tournament finish, she will be when they are ready for her. We saw her grow into her tall frame and improve her timing this season. She was the only freshmen pulled up on the JV team.
Sydney Jaynes 5’10” outside/right-side from Northfield. It was a great year for Jaynes and she learned a lot. They used her frequently throughout the high school season and she used those chances to showcase her talent. In their final match against Lakeville South , she played two of the five sets and contributed in kills and digs.
Southern Minnesota Volleyball (SMV): In the south-eastern part of the state, the SMV club has been growing. Players from Stewartville, Rochester, Kenyon-Wanamingo, and more are opting to play closer to home. Hannah Hanson is a 5’10” setter/middle hitter from Rochester Mayo. As a starter for the Spartans, she excelled their level of play with her natural athletic ability. Her confidence is great to see in such a young player who is pushed into the line-up. Hannah has excellent setting technique but her jumping abilities made her one of the top hitters and blockers for her team.
From Stewartville, Arianna Blohm (5’11’ middle), will also be playing for SMV. She spent most of the high school season dominating junior varsity but did dress for varsity and was on the championship roster. They may not have needed her this year, but she is sure to be a future asset to the Tigers. Blohm is a powerful and technical player who likely will continue to grow. The club season with be a great boost for her to improve her hitting and blocking.
Crossfire:
Julia Wagner 6′ middle from STMA has limitless potential. With continued work on her hitting and strength she is sure to be one of the top in the state in a few years.
Marlee Hanson and Grace Wheeler from Champlin Park are part of the next big wave of talent at CP. Wheeler played ninth grade but will likely move up in years to come; while, Hanson saw a decent amount of court time on varsity. Both are outside hitters. Wheeler will be at Crossfire this club season.
MN Select: Their 15-1’s team is going to be a hard team to beat this season. Setting for them will likely be 6′ Molly Minnema from Minneapolis Patrick Henry. They may use her to set in the back row and attack in front, although the team boasts great hitters too: Avery Bolles a 5’8” from Andover, Kayli Starkey from Lakeville South and Liesl Haugen from Maple Grove.
The 17-1’s team for Select has brought up Kate Thibault the libero from Watertown-Mayer. As a freshmen she has already reached 1,000 digs and played in the state tournament. Her high-energy, no fear style of play is mixed with near-perfect passing form. It makes sense that she’s pulled up to continue playing at a higher level!
We are excited to sees them develop their skills this club season, and will likely be adding a handful of new players to our watch list!