2023 Watch List: New-comers and Predictions

<p> The class of 2023 has gained more attention despite having playing time taken from them amidst the Covid Pandemic.  Here’s a peak at players who were added recently to our watch list:</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="86273" first="Peyton" last="Howie"]</strong>: This unique player has already secured her role on the Irondale varsity volleyball team.  At 6’ she is one of their tallest players and spends the first few rotations hitting and blocking in the middle.  She runs a variety of hits and relies on smart tipping to catch the defense out of position.  What makes her extremely valuable to this watch list happens in the back-row as she moves from middle to setter.  Smooth hands and strong court sense add to her dynamic style of play.</p> <p>* <em>Look for her to move into a 5-1 offense in the years ahead.</em></p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="73480" first="Maggie" last="Lile"]:</b>  The young defensive specialist drew attention as a go-getter in  a strong SMV 16’s team.  From Spring Grove, she brings a physicality to the back row and serving line.  Her platform is rock solid and her style of passing is very relaxed even when facing the toughest hitters.  </p> <p><i>*Look for the Lile sisters (Madison- jr high) to be the face of the Spring Grove program for years to come</i>.</p> <p><b>[player_tooltip player_id="84949" first="Kate" last="Simington"]</b>:  At 6’4” and having been a member of some of the biggest clubs (MN Select, M1), Kate draws attention as one of the highest hitting players of her age.  Clearly contacting above her peers, she has recorded an attack above 10 feet.  She has developed more strength while growing into her tall frame.  Her best shot in the middle is to the right back corner.</p> <p>*<i>Look for her to draw big offers this year from top college programs.</i></p> <p>As this class gets more involved in their varsity programs, we will work to rank the 2023 Watch list and likely add a handful of players.  We predict these 7 will have a good chance to make our list.</p> <p><b>Maddie Stene</b>; <i>Ada Borup</i> (DS)</p> <p><b>Maria Winter;</b> <i>Rochester Mayo</i> (MH)</p> <p><b>Haylee Sommers</b>; <i>Waseca</i> (DS)</p> <p><b>Lexie Helmin</b>; <i>Sauke Rapids</i> (MH)</p> <p><b>Kyra Schoenfelder</b>; <i>Cannon Falls</i> (DS)</p> <p><b>Makana Schroeder</b>; <i>Bryon</i> (OH)</p> <p><b>Olivia Opstad;</b> <i>Bloomington Jefferson</i> (OH)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>