Fitz's Midseason Prep Dig TEAM Awards

My ultimate dream would be to have all the club volleyball world in the Midwest gather and we can have an informal gathering and have an awards ceremony much like the "Dundies" from "The Office". A little awkward, a little funny, but at the end of the day volleyball is all one big family (dysfunctional at times), but we still enjoy what we do and others we get to work with. These unofficial midseason awards are for teams I’ve seen play live. I do my best to get out to as many events as I can, take notes, and really promote the positive things these teams are doing. Here is what I’ve seen so far the first half of the club season as we head into some major events for March and April. The Gold Star Club Ignit 16 Blue (IA) Definitely gold star worthy when you win Triple Crown, the top tournament in the country which Club Ignit 16 Blue out of the West Des Moines area defeated Arizona Storm to take the title. Denver commit, [player_tooltip player_id="79232" first="Lauren" last="Carter"] quarterbacks the offense and [player_tooltip player_id="17322" first="Hayden" last="Kubik"], the top Class of 2022 player in Iowa definitely lead the way, but other athletes such as libero [player_tooltip player_id="79242" first="Alayna" last="Finucan"] and outside [player_tooltip player_id="79234" first="Ava" last="Reynolds"] have really come on strong and have made a name for themselves so far this season. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Carter and Kubik 2020 - like the sound of that (and until 2022) <a href="https://x.com/clubignitselect?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@clubignitselect</a> up early in their crossover <a href="https://t.co/17u8G8AyCl">pic.x.com/17u8G8AyCl</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1229150788699803648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote> Milwaukee Sting 17 Gold There were a few question marks heading into the season with Sting 17 Gold, but those have been addressed and one of the answers is an early bid to the USAV 17 Open Nationals. [player_tooltip player_id="33732" first="Jordan" last="Berglin"], a Flagler (FL) commit, the high flying outside has been dynamite with her ability to terminate along with a healthy [player_tooltip player_id="80714" first="Mariah" last="Grunze"]. Stay tuned for more from this team as they will get back a powerful attacker, [player_tooltip player_id="80712" first="Alexis" last="Boling"], an NDSU commit who is coming off a knee injury and should be good to go for Qualifiers in Indy and Chicago. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Bullis to Berglin connection is 🔥 🔥🔥 for <a href="https://x.com/stingvb1988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stingvb1988</a> 17 Gold <a href="https://t.co/rTjMndkOwp">pic.x.com/rTjMndkOwp</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1223324175835836417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2020</a></blockquote> Need To See Again: Iowa Select 17 Mizuno I know this team has a lot left in the tank and when I saw them they were down one of their top outsides in 2021 prospect [player_tooltip player_id="17244" first="Emma" last="Schubert"]. They will be heading into Iowa Regionals next weekend at full strength (that I know of) where Schubert is back and the Barickman twins in Abbi and Maddi, the setter/outside combo who are going to be ones to watch in the Class of 2021. Illini Elite 17 Cardinal I saw this team in pool play at the JVA Showcase and I saw the potential in their lineup. They are dangerous with multiple weapons. I think they have a real chance to play crucial matches come the finals days of AAU Nationals. With the likes of Michigan commit, [player_tooltip player_id="61518" first="Mira" last="Chopra"] and plenty of power on the pins, this will be a fun team to watch progress the second half of the season. The Dangerous Underdog: FC Elite 18 Elite (WI) [caption id="attachment_83780" align="alignright" width="374"] [player_tooltip player_id="21869" first="Brooke" last="Mosher"][/caption] 8 of the 10 athletes on this team are underclassmen playing up on the 18s including 2023 Wisconsin commit, [player_tooltip player_id="82282" first="Saige" last="Damrow"] and 2022 outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id="57241" first="Brianna" last="Cantrell"]. I think the “Underdog” label can be removed after winning the 18s Showcase in the Dells defeating the likes of MN Select, Kokoro, VC United, and Fusion twice. [player_tooltip player_id="21869" first="Brooke" last="Mosher"], an Illinois commit does it all from hitting on the pin as well as setting and [player_tooltip player_id="56429" first="Lizzie" last="Binder"] has been a solid six rotation pin who can contribute in multiple ways. Second Half Threat: Six Pack 17U (IA) Was able to see this group in the Dells this past weekend and have seen plenty of their athletes play throughout the high school and club seasons in the past. The more they play, the better they are getting. They will welcome the addition of Dani Johnon, a six rotation outside who has been busy advancing to the state title game for Class 2A at the Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament. That is that team in general where they have plenty of athletes in various sports and when it all gets put together they are dangerous. They built some great momentum in the Dells finishing in the top ten of the 18s Division and will be heading into Iowa Regionals with plenty of confidence. Adversity 18 Adidas This team is scary good, I love watching the athletes on this team come together, but they are still putting all the pieces together. With the likes of [player_tooltip player_id="61517" first="Rachel" last="Muisenga"] (Penn State), [player_tooltip player_id="61387" first="Camryn" last="Hannah"] (Clemson), and [player_tooltip player_id="61382" first="Hattie" last="Monson"] (Notre Dame), [player_tooltip player_id="61383" first="Leilani" last="Dodson"] (BYU), the list goes on. They are well trained, disciplined, and will be so dangerous come March and April where they will really be at their best when it counts. [caption id="attachment_83879" align="alignright" width="455"] [player_tooltip player_id="31583" first="Sienna" last="Ifill"] with the block for NL 16-1[/caption] Northern Lights 16-1 I still really believe in this team and the pieces they have together. With strong coaching and a program that knows how to win, these athletes will be a tough out come qualifier time, starting with Colorado Crossroads next weekend. Minnesota commit [player_tooltip player_id="31577" first="Julia" last="Hanson"] is always an option on the outside, but the length when it comes to blocking with right side Sienne Ifill and [player_tooltip player_id="31585" first="Kendal" last="Kemp"] is going to be tough to stop. Sting 17 Black and Sting 17 White These teams are right there with each other after Black defeated White in the Badger Region Qualfier in the semifinals and got the American bid. Sting Black has a physical lineup with Monica LaFleur and [player_tooltip player_id="33734" first="Lakyn" last="Graves"] in the middle along with [player_tooltip player_id="80722" first="Natalie" last="Tesch"] who is such a dynamic right side/setter. Sting 17 White has [player_tooltip player_id="21871" first="Elle" last="Truckenbrod"] and [player_tooltip player_id="33755" first="Martina" last="McGrath"] who are powerful swings are able to change the game. For Sting 17 Black, watch out for the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id="56496" first="Payton" last="Kuepers"] who can play on the left or right side and does a lot of positive things for her team. Top Tempo Threat: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://x.com/IowaRockets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IowaRockets</a> 16R take set one over <a href="https://x.com/FCEliteVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCEliteVB</a> 16 Navy. Lot of talent on this court. [player_tooltip player_id="17325" first="Kora" last="Ruff"] a top 2022 setter for Rockets out of Iowa with the assist. <a href="https://t.co/4DjqssOp2O">pic.x.com/4DjqssOp2O</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1226150082803793920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote> Iowa Rockets 16R I’ve seen this team play since the start of their 15s year and they continue to improve as individuals and as a team which is much credit to the type of individuals they are. However, when it comes to their offense [player_tooltip player_id="17325" first="Kora" last="Ruff"] is the conductor. This is always like a well synchronized dance routine where their athletes are in system, and Ruff just perfectly places it for them to terminate. There is a chance Rockets could meet Club Ignit 16 Blue at Iowa Regionals and if Rockets can force free balls, they are tough to stop with their fast-tempo offense. Mizuno M1 18-1 [player_tooltip player_id="71669" first="Sarah" last="Luong"] is a student of the game which adds to her already high academic background heading to a top STEM school in the country in Emory in Atlanta along with [player_tooltip player_id="30262" first="Christine" last="Jurgens"] heading to University of Chicago and [player_tooltip player_id="71649" first="Kathleen" last="Bishop"] going to Princeton. Luong is the maestro with how she can remain neutral and create a variety of speeds for her offense. They’ve been going three sets the whole season and all is takes is a few breakthrough points for them to find themselves playing for a bid come day three of a qualifier. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Solid connection this season will be [player_tooltip player_id="71649" first="Kathleen" last="Bishop"] (<a href="https://x.com/PrincetonVolley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrincetonVolley</a>) and [player_tooltip player_id="71669" first="Sarah" last="Luong"] (<a href="https://x.com/EmoryVolleyball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmoryVolleyball</a>) - yea their combine ACT score is probably around 60. <a href="https://x.com/Minnesota1VB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Minnesota1VB</a> <a href="https://t.co/FwSoVVkr9Z">pic.x.com/FwSoVVkr9Z</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1218600009861562368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote> New, Up and Coming: Impact 15 National This team started the year strong at the Prep Dig Resolution Tournament taking their age group and has continued to improve from there. They have a lot of solid defenders led by Myakel Kapelko and solid point scorers with one being [player_tooltip player_id="82921" first="Kaitlin" last="Schulz"] out of Kimberly High School. Impact has had a strong year all around with their club going the national team route for their 15s, 16s, and 18s in the Appleton area. Sting 16 Madison United The best team you haven’t seen. These athletes out of the Madison area play fast, are extremely dynamic and are beating top teams in the Badger Region. Aida Shadewald on the pin is a Class of 2022 prospect on the rise along with their middle Mckenzie Gruner who can jump out of the gym. They also have one of the top freshmen in Wisconsin in Jordan Lascala out of Middleton. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Olivia Teske of <a href="https://x.com/Minnesota1VB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Minnesota1VB</a> can flat out 🦅🦅🦅 (that means fly) <a href="https://t.co/wzlbZjzGxm">pic.x.com/wzlbZjzGxm</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1233498833151315968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2020</a></blockquote> Mizuno M1 161 This team continues to improve and has a great combination of skill and overall athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id="72828" first="Braiziah" last="Dixon"] uber-athletic out of the middle and will be one to keep tabs on with her dynamic ability and on the outside is Olivia Teske who is really coming on strong on the pin being able to put a ball away and score a ton of point in a variety of ways. The Strong and Consistent <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> It’s going to be this kind of match between <a href="https://x.com/stingvb1988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stingvb1988</a> 15 Gold and 15 Black to win the <a href="https://x.com/BadgerRegionVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BadgerRegionVB</a> title <a href="https://t.co/m8EzboIwkk">pic.x.com/m8EzboIwkk</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1234176078043848705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote> Milwaukee Sting 15 Gold I just don’t see a lot of weakness in this team. They have the balance, the defense, the setter, the variety in attackers. There’s a new superstart to this team each time I watch them. There greatest strength is there really isn’t a glaring weakness….and we’re talking about a 15s team. Impressive. FC Elite 17 Navy This team has great chemistry with athletes who have been playing with each other for years. [player_tooltip player_id="33730" first="Kiersten" last="Kraus"] (Kent State) and [player_tooltip player_id="80719" first="Brooke" last="Bolwerk"] (Minnesota State-Mankato) run the show as setters and there aren’t a lot of chinks in the armor. Class of 2022 libero, [player_tooltip player_id="81261" first="Madisen" last="Miller"] is so tough in the backrow which sparks plenty of offensive options. 1st Alliance 16 Silver 1st Alliance teams are always going to be strong and consistent, but I like this 16s team behind the overall play of [player_tooltip player_id="61622" first="Katie" last="Hurta"]. Hurta is a setter/outside hitter already committed to Indiana and continues to find ways to help her team in a positive way. The Gritty: Sky High 18 Adidas This was one of the first teams I saw play this year at the Chicago Qualifier. They earned an 18 Open bid in that tournament with just a really gritty performance and a huge win over Milwaukee Sting 18 Gold. [player_tooltip player_id="61400" first="Taylor" last="Jakubowski"] a Seton Hall commit just keeps the fire rolling as a setter who can do it all. They have an ability win make a point last a little bit longer where it can end in their favor. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Make the middle pause a bit and get a one on one with the outside. <a href="https://x.com/wispremiervball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wispremiervball</a> tied at 13 w <a href="https://x.com/FCEliteVB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCEliteVB</a> in set two <a href="https://t.co/opWUB44Nu6">pic.x.com/opWUB44Nu6</a> — Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) <a href="https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1234140829603815426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote> Wisconsin Premier 16 Teal I was really impressed by this team at the Badger Region Qualifier. They have great Defense, a solid offensive system run by Elise Gillen, and multiple attackers who can score points. Like Sky High, they find a way to outlast their opponents. They recently earned a bid to nationals this past weekend finishing second in at BRQ. [caption id="attachment_83384" align="alignright" width="425"] Adversity 17 Adidas[/caption] Adversity 17 Adidas Seeing this team come alive in the second set at Triple Crown against Northern Lights was something special. The confidence just kept building, the belief was there and before you know it, they beat one of the top teams in the country. I love the dynamic of this team with how they are able to just grind away an opponent with relentless effort. Qualifier Outlook For Open Bids In March and April: 18s Nationals Outlook for Open Bids Sting 18 Gold - I just think they will find a way, this team is so talented and has beaten some of the top Adversity 18 Adidas - They’ll find a way MN Select 18-1 - They are right there. A breakthrough in a three set match is all they need to put themselves in contention on Day 3. Six Pack 18U - Jury is still out here. There have been times where they look unstoppable, other times where they look easily defeated, but the talent is definitely in place. Not Ruling Out... FC Elite 18 Elite - Why not? The type of confidence they are playing with is dangerous, however waiting until MEQ to secure a bid is so tough. Mizuno M1 18-1 - Same as FC Elite. M1 has beaten FC Elite three times and they have taken many of the top teams to three sets, but thats a lot of pressure to try to qualify Open in Indy. *Remember they do take at-large bids after qualifiers are complete.