Up and Coming: Swenson Twins
The Northern Lights 15-1 team is lucky to have three Swenson ladies on their team. No one has forgotten the Minnesota Gopher setter, Samantha Seliger-Swenson, who now plays professionally for USA. However, not everyone knows she has younger…
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Continue ReadingThe Northern Lights 15-1 team is lucky to have three Swenson ladies on their team. No one has forgotten the Minnesota Gopher setter, Samantha Seliger-Swenson, who now plays professionally for USA. However, not everyone knows she has younger twin sisters: Stella and Olivia Swenson. The pair, along with their mother, Vicki (assistant coach), have moved to MN Northern Lights this season. Although they are the youngest on the team, they are making a name for themselves.
There tends to be quite a bit of movement for young players as they find their home club. With the help of their mother Vicki, assistant coach, they have made the jump to Lights. Vicki is the head coach at Hopkins where she had both girls playing varsity as eighth graders. They ended the season with 13-14, but challenged Bloomington Jefferson in the section tournament. They lost in three sets but the second was 28-26 proving the team didn’t give up. They are used to playing at a high level and this club season will be no different.
Stella Swenson is a setter, just like her big sister. She is already 6′ tall, passing up Samantha. Her soft hands and quick release have improved greatly. She’s developing her own skill set and style. Seemingly always growing, she has maintained foot-speed. When watching her, one notices she is always focused. It seems her personality has guided her to the leadership position. She looks and performs like a much older setter, yet she won’t graduate until 2024. For example, she jump sets many of her balls. Her team this year will have lots of top hitters who she will distribute the ball among. They include: Emily Moes (6′ OH; Lakeville South ), Sydney Schnichels (6’2” OH; Willmar), Kaitlyn Sellener (6’1” MH; Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]) and of course her sister!
Olivia Swenson is the taller of all the sisters at 6’3”. She primarily plays on the outside and when you see approach you understand why. Olivia uses a long, fast, four-steps to attack. The power she puts into the ball matches her height and leaves fans in awe. It is hard to believe an eighth grader has the strength, coordination and skill of Olivia. Her intensity can be felt the moment she takes the court. Defensively, she is a setter’s biggest enemy. Her blocking skills are exceptional and overpasses are her specialty. She will give her team the edge to compete against not only the top 15’s team in the country, but 16’s too.
Take special note of this team now, because in a few years they will likely include some of the biggest recruits from Minnesota, with the Swenson sisters leading the pack.