A Few “Culture” Performances That Stood Out This Weekend
I don’t think you can talk to a successful high school, club, or college coach about their program and not have the word “culture” come up. It can be a variety of ways meaning they want to change the culture,…
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Continue ReadingI don’t think you can talk to a successful high school, club, or college coach about their program and not have the word “culture” come up. It can be a variety of ways meaning they want to change the culture, they want to maintain a culture, and everything inbetween. I watch a lot of volleyball, and I know at Prep Dig we are often analyzing and reporting out on top performances, but I’m taking a different angle today with recognizing some top “culture” kids who would definitely benefit a team at the next level. This is strictly based on what I saw on the court, I didn’t check with their coach or any other resources, but then again college coaches will do the same. I know there are a lot of great “culture kids” out there, these are the athletes I saw live from the JVA Mizuno Showcase and Badger Region Qualifier.
Mia Warner – IPVA 16 Black
I take plenty of pictures of teams with their celebrations and huddles. There are some teams that are hard to take pictures of because they just don’t look like they are having any fun, even when they score points. Not IPVA 16 Black, I got so many great pictures of this team with how they celebrated and played with great enthusiasm for each other. Warner is a middle blocker on this team and she was one to always be there to offer a high five, a big celebration, and positive body language. Body languages speaks volumes, and for Warner and IPVA 16 Black it was loud at the Showcase in the Dells.
Samantha Abruzzo – Fusion 17 Red
SchulzeSuper engaged whether she was on the bench or on the court, constantly talking, and always having a smile on her face. Abruzzo is a defensive specialist for Fusion 17 Red who took home the 17s title in a loaded field this weekend. When I was able to see this team at the JAG on Saturday, she was all smiles no matter what the occasion was, constantly encouraging her teammates. And don’t get me wrong, she’s a rock solid defender too playing alongside future Nebraska libero, Lexi Rodriguez. Fusion has a ton of talent, but with players like Abruzzo, the talent seems to gel.
Kylie Schulze – VC United 151 Elite
Schulze is the setter for VC United 151 Elite and just has such a high motor to her game. Running a 5-1, she can dish to her attackers and also score points on her own. However, it’s what goes on in between points is where she is able to keep her team at a high level. Under control, eye contact with her teammates, and making a presence known you see her as a floor general without her being over the top verbal. That’s tough to do at any level, let alone being 15.
Lockwood #1Katherine Lockwood – Milwaukee Sting 15 Black
Sting 15 Black played hungry and inspired this weekend at the Badger Region Qualifier and defeated the two seed in FC Elite 15 Navy in the semifinals and eventually snag an American bid to Nationals in Dallas. This whole team was full of fire and Lockwood was one on the pin who was leading her team to another level. A fun athlete to watch, she is electric as this team will be one to keep tabs on into the summer.
Elise Gillen – Wisconsin Premier 16 Teal
Gillen is the setter for Wisconsin Premier 16 Teal who was able to get to bid to USAV Nationals this weekend, finishing second in the Badger Region 16s Qualifier. So savvy with her sense for the court and completely under control. She was extremely key in their road to the title game, a definitely scrappy bunch that a few grit points make a big difference.