Six 17U Outside Hitters worth knowing from Michigan Volleyball Academy

Michael Selecky

May 22, 2020 @ 06:06 PM

By Michael Selecky Contributing Writer Under the direction of head coach Sarah Kulfan, Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Blue had plans to make some pretty big waves in tournament competition this season. Among those events this squad was planning to conquer included Volleyfest April 25-26, the Spring Fling May 16-17 and the Michigan Junior Volleyball Association Championships May 30-31, all of which were to take place in Grand Rapids. Then the world became a very different place and those players season came to an unfortunate close. The same could be said for Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Black, which had planned to go to battle for head coach Abby Aiken at events like Summerfest in Columbus June 6-7 and the American Athletic Union or United States Association of Volleyball Nationals in Orlando and Dallas in June and July. While that hit was felt throughout the organization, it was especially tough for the Outside Hitters on those teams for a myriad of different reasons that vary from development and college opportunities to refining particular skill sets and so much more. Those athletes still have plenty of accomplishments to fall back on, though, such as…   ADDIE VANDERWEIDE Wearing number 14 for the second ranked team in Michigan and 77th nationally at Christian High School in Grand Rapids with records of 46-3 overall, 12-0 league, according to Maxpreps.com, this five-foot-11 Junior had a 2019-20 season highlighted by 558 kills and 63 aces in 126 sets played. In club competition Vanderweide is an Outside Hitter for Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Black.   MACKENZIE GROSS Even though she’s listed as a Middle and Outside Hitter by Michigansportsacademies.com let there be no doubt about Gross’ offensive capabilities. This includes a strong right arm that allows her to take a direct and downward path on the spike. She also does a good job of putting herself in position to make the most out of any pass that might come her way. Wearing number 99 for Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Black she stands five-foot-10 with a reach of seven-foot-10 and a jump of nine-foot-nine.   ADDIE VANDERWEIDE It could be the fact she has a jump of nine-foot-10 and a reach of seven-foot-11. Or, maybe it’s because she stands six-feet tall. But, however you look at it this Outside Hitter with Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Black played a major role at Christian High School in Grand Rapids in 2019-20.   MADISON BOTT A Junior at Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville Bott is five-foot-10 and plays Outside Hitter for Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Blue. Her stats include a jump of nine-foot-three and a reach of seven-foot-three.   LEXI KALLIO While she does have power, this five-foot-11 Outside and Middle Hitter with Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Blue also has the finesse to drop short shots where the defense isn’t. A member of the class of 2021 at Grand Haven High School Kallio’s resume’ features a jump of nine-foot-two and a reach of seven-foot-seven.   TESSA WINKLEMAN Being able to use all of her power regardless of the direction of the spike is just one thing this Outside Hitter from Grand Haven High School does well. The ability to reverse gears and keep the play going in the face of unexpected animosity also serves Winkleman well. Currently she’s a member of the class of 2021 and on the roster with Michigan volleyball Academy 17 Blue.   Also playing Outside Hitter for Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Black includes [player_tooltip player_id="50294" first="Sophie" last="Plate"], who wears number 92, stands five-foot-11 and has a jump of nine-foot-nine and a reach of seven-foot-eight. For Michigan Volleyball Academy 17 Blue Maya Kramer plays Outside Hitter, as well, and is five-foot-11 with a jump of nine-foot-four and a reach of seven-foot-five.