January Thaw: Five Athletes to See this Weekend
The 2020 January Thaw early-season event for U15 and U16 teams will take place this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center alongside the Northern Lights Qualifier for U17 and U18 teams. With six pools of competition for the U15 age…
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Continue ReadingThe 2020 January Thaw early-season event for U15 and U16 teams will take place this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center alongside the Northern Lights Qualifier for U17 and U18 teams. With six pools of competition for the U15 age division and eight pools for the U16 division, this is a great environment for these teams to compete in this weekend. With a handful of Minnesota-based teams participating, here are five athletes from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 classes that are worth a good look this weekend. For schedules, results, and rosters, visit the official January Thaw site.
Taylor Eatchel – 2022 | 5’10 | Opp/OH | Club: Northern Lights 16-Red
Eatchel is aggressive and utilizes her movement to generate some power behind the ball. With improved foot speed and lift she will create more range and become more dynamic in the air. What she does do well is get her feet to ball when she has time to wait and pursue. With sets off the net or shy of the pin she often can still manage to get a good swing because she can get there on balance. She is not afraid to be aggressive with her arm. She needs more experience and development to be a true six-rotation outside hitter but has the foundation to do so.
Abby Jandro – 2022 | 5’9 | S | Club: Northern Lights 16-2
A breakout varsity season for Jandro is what she experienced during the recent high school season for Lakeville North. She assumed the primary setting responsibilities early in the season and took advantage while raising her stock in the process as a very capable floor leader. The Panthers earned a class 3A state tournament appearance that ended with a consolation bracket win. She distributed a high-powered offense with good decision making and ability to distribute with good variety across the net. She settled into the leadership role with increased confidence as the season progressed and is undoubtedly contributing that for her current team this club season.
Abby Stanwood – 2022 | 5’10 | OH | Club: Northern Lights 16-2
Stanwood had a great high school campaign as a key offensive factor for a very good Minnetonka squad that advanced all the way to the class 3A state championship semifinals. The speed of her arm swing is somewhat deceiving given her methodical approach pattern that leads to a big double-arm lift. She elevates well and upon rising she then activates a fast move to contact that ball that can provide good power, pace, and movement. She is a six-rotation athlete that can score out of the back row and has good skills to contribute through her defense and serve receive as well.
Emily Moes – 2023 | 6’0 | OH | Club: Northern Lights 15-1
Moes is one to watch in the class of 2023. She earned great experience as a key varsity member for a highly competitive
Lakeville South
program that undoubtedly has set the bar high for what she could do over the course of her prep career. She has confidence, maturity, and skills as a left pin attacker that not all ninth graders are capable of bringing to one of the best big school programs. She is dynamic in her transition work, has good court savvy, and makes the right contributions throughout point flow. Moes and the rest of this U15 team has the ability to compete very well against the slate of U16 teams they could face this weekend.
Stella Swenson – 2024 | 6’0 | S | Club: Northern Lights 15-1
Swenson has a strong volleyball background and, as an 8th grader, has had some of the best opportunities to train and compete. She is among the elite in Minnesota’s 2024 class given her size and skill set from the setting position. She can distribute all locations and tempos with good accuracy while also contributing well in other areas, quite impressively as a defender at the net and in the back row. Her NL 15-1 squad should contend well as they progress through the club season and face some of the nation’s best at various tournaments. It is certain that Swenson will not shy away from any of those challenges and will be a key catalyst to their success in those moments.