Meet & Greet C-1 State Volleyball: Lincoln Lutheran Warriors

#6 seed Lincoln Lutheran (29-6) As a mainstay at state volleyball since the school opened in 1995, the 2019 Class C1 State Champions are back and looking to repeat! Years at state 1998, 2001, 2002, 2004 (Champs), 2005 (Runner Up), 2006, 2012, 2017 (3rd), 2018 (Runner Up), and 2019 (Champs). 23 year head Coach Sue Ziegler comments, “We are looking forward to the State Tournament for our 4th straight year. We have a very balanced team and are excited about the opportunity to compete. We are all very thankful that we could have a full season and a State Tournament to finish out the season, with family and fans attending.” The Warriors are led by Abi Wohlgemuth (2021, 5'11, M, 2.6 kills/set), [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] (2023, 5'10, OH, 2.6 k/s, 3.0 digs/set, 6.4 receptions/set), and [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] (2022, 5'10, S, 8.7 assists/set). But, don't count out any of the supporting cast that includes [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] (2022, 5'4, L), [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] (2022, 6"0, M), Katelyn Oxley (2022, 6'3, M), [player_tooltip player_id="109592" first="Sophie" last="Wohlgemuth"] (2024, 5'9, OH), and Erika Young (2023, 5'11, OH). With their height across the net, Lutheran averages 2.1 blocks/set. Their top four attackers hit over .300. Libero [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] holds down the back row with 5.1 digs/set and 5.4 receptions/set. The #6 seed Lincoln Lutheran takes on #3 seed Kearney Catholic (30-5) after the 2:00 game on the south court of Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Wednesday. The competitive spirit will be high in Lincoln this week! But, really, it all comes down to these young ladies being great stewards of the sport and we appreciate them for that. Volleyball proves to be a big part of their life, but read on and you might learn a little more about these athletes. Their ever-thinking minds are amazing! Let's meet the team: What were your initial thoughts after you won match point in districts? [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - This might be a little messed up but I though about getting out of school. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - After winning the match point, my initial thoughts were overwhelming joy. I was extremely proud and excited for my team and the opportunity to continue to play at PBA! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - I was so proud of my team! Having to maneuver through different obstacles, such as players being out because of covid, we did a great job of executing our game plan and kept fighting until the end. Abi Wohlgemuth - That we are going back to state, and I get experience it with my sister this time [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - Beyond proud, we are going to do it again...state bound! [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - My very first thought after the match point against Ogalala was “WE'RE GOING TO STATE!” It also brought back memories from the past year, after we won districts and made it to state! <hr /> What is the most exciting part of state volleyball that you are looking forward to? [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - Just the environment. It is like nothing else. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - I am most excited to play at the Pinnacle Bank Arena! Playing at PBA is such a unique and exciting experience! I am also looking forward to seeing our school, students, parents, and staff come together! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - The atmosphere during games. Having lots of different people cheering you on is exhilarating! Abi Wohlgemuth - The atmosphere that the big games create and being able to play with my team at one more state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - Coming back for the second year in a row and being able to play on a great team capable of winning the whole thing again. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - I look forward to seeing all of our fans and students cheering us on, and just the environment in general. The first feeling of walking into PBA and with the big crowds, thousands of seats, and the huge building is an unforgettable feeling that I can't wait to feel again! <hr /> What does your community do to support your team going to state? [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - We have like send offs and pep rallies and stuff. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - Many individuals in our school community order t-shirts and attend our state matches in support! Oftentimes our school may even have a send-off when going to state! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - Last year, our school had a send-off where we went thought the school and the students and staff gave us a standing ovation. Afterwards, we met with our parents and prayed together. I have a feeling we will be doing something similar this year! [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - They continue to watch the games on striv if they can't come and they give so much love and support constantly with cheering us on no matter what. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - We have one of the best communities I could ask for. Everyone is so supportive of each other, family-wise and student-wise. In the past years, they've had a parent volleyball game, where the dads dress up and play a volleyball game as a send off before state. We had to modify this due to the pandemic going on, but I honestly couldn't ask for a more supportive community. <hr /> With teams only allotted a certain amount of tickets, who do you want to make sure gets one of those tickets and why? [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - My brother because he is my personal hype man. His yell can be heard from Asia. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - I definitely want to make sure that my parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins get tickets! I want to make sure that they have the opportunity to watch my cousin (Emily Holle) and I play in person! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - My older sister Kayla. She's one of my biggest supporters but she's a college athlete and it's hard for her to come and watch us play. I hope she's able to make it on Wednesday! Abi Wohlgemuth - My parents, because they have supported me throughout my high school career and have helped shape me into who I am today. [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - Family, the dads of our team can make up a whole student section with their constant cheers and chants. They love coming to the games and have so much fun and on behalf of the players we would be devastated if the dads couldn't come. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - Definitely my closest family members. If I had to give out one ticket, I would give it to my dad. Ever since I was young, he has been one of my biggest supporters and role models. He was never a fan of volleyball until I got to high school and it got more competitive. Now, he absolutely loves the sport, and has come to the point where he had studied the game just to understand it that much better. He helps me scout before each game, and gives me an encouraging pep talk as well! <hr /> What is the best advice anyone has given you in volleyball? Be sure to include who gave you the advice. [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - My mom told me that if I ever freak out I should just think that “I am not going to die” [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - One of the best pieces of advice that a variety of coaches have told me is to work hard even when no one is watching. This piece of advice has stuck out to me over the years because I believe that it is very important! Working hard both in practice and in games can not only build your skills, but it can also impact those around you! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - Our coach, Kelli Megrue, often talks about being on a team as if it's a bank. When we deposit to the team, we are being encouraging, supporting, and giving all effort for each other. When we wtihdrawal, we are being negative, selfish, and don't perform as we should. It's important to deposit to the team, no matter what sport you play, as a unified team is a healthy team. Abi Wohlgemuth - My mom told me this, “don't take this for granted, one day you are going to look back on these memories and you don't want to remember that you could have done something different. Go out and leave it all on the court, you can never repeat this moment again” [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - Deposit into the bank, don't be the person who constantly withdrawals. - coach Michelle. You need to continue to the team with whatever you can and not feel bad when you make a mistake and dwell on it. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - The best advice I ever received in volleyball was to never give up. Freshman year of high school, I went up to my coach and told her that setting was to stressful and I didn't think I could do it anymore. I ended up starting as a middle that year, as well as in club. Sophomore year of high school, my coach got a hold of me, saying that they need me to set. Knowing that I needed to do what was best for the team, I worked all summer, getting touches on the ball. Ever since my coach told me to not give up and continue pushing as a setter, I have become an all around setter, and plan to set in college. I couldn't be more thankful for my coaches advice! <hr /> Any advice you would give to young girls on how to have a great volleyball experience in high school? [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - Don't over think everything. Take a deep breath and calm down. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - I would advise young girls to always work hard. Giving maximum effort and having a positive attitude is extremely beneficial both in high school volleyball and in other activities as well. [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - I would advise young girls to savor every moment. This year has gone by in the blink of an eye, as the last four years have come and gone so quickly. Play each practice and game with enthusiasm because this sport you love only lasts so long. Abi Wohlgemuth - Just to remember to give it your all, you never know when someone is watching you. Also to always have fun and don't let a coach or anyone else make you hate the game that you have loved. [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - Just have fun but play with a purpose. Give all-out efforts all the time, make everything you do count. Do it for your team. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - If I were to give younger girls advice on how to have a successful experience in high school, I would say the following: -Never take a practice for granted -Try your best, even in the smaller, easier drills -Be coachable -Be a team leader -Show leadership on and off the court -Be a good teammate who is supportive and encouraging -Set a list of goals for yourself -NEVER GIVE UP and DREAM BIG <hr /> Give us one positive comment about one player on your team. It can be the goofiest player or just someone that deserves a shoutout. [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] is one of the kindest people I know. She can sometimes seem like she hates you because she makes fun of you but that is how she shows her love for you. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - I would like to shoutout [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"], or Guac! Abby is not only a great teammate, but she is an amazing person to be around. She continually works hard in both practices and games, and never fails to make you laugh! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] is the sweetest person I know. Whatever we are doing, no matter if is a tough leg day or the team just bonding together, she always approaches everything with a positive attitude and the best smile! Abi Wohlgemuth - Our libero [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] always has a smile on her face no matter what and can make others smile with her smile. Raegan is one of the hardest working players on our team, she hustles after every ball and is always positive throughout the game. [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - Even though Shanae is out for reasons she continues to watch and support us from far away. She even came to say goodbye and made a sign for us before we left for our game. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - One player who has worked hard all season, and is a great team leader is Abi Wohlgemuth. Whenever our team gets down or in a hole, she has always been the one to bring everyone back up. She is an amazing team leader, and one that will definitely be missed in the next upcoming years. <hr /> Your favorite inspirational quote or make one up and take the credit for it! [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - You is kind. You is smart. You is important (The Help) [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - One inspirational quote that I like is, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” I especially like this quote because it shows the importance of working hard! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - I'm a big reader and one of my all-time favorite inspirational quotes comes from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, "You could be great. You could rattle the stars. You could do anything if only you dared." [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - “Alright ladies, on the line. It makes you think about what you did and makes you not want to do it again.” - Coach Ziegler. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - Ability is what you're capable of, Motivation determines what you do, Attitude determines how well you do it <hr /> You make up the question and answer it here. Be creative!!! [player_tooltip player_id="82465" first="Molli" last="Martin"] - How many games does it take for Lincoln Lutheran to beat Wahoo? Apparently, 3 as we have seen the past few seasons. [player_tooltip player_id="82463" first="Raegan" last="Holle"] - What are some of your pregame superstitions? When it comes to a volleyball match I have a couple of superstitions. I always wear the same, pink scrunchy. I also always tend to wear my hair in “bubbles,” with specifically five rubber bands. I even make sure that I have brought the same, green towel to each game! [player_tooltip player_id="103041" first="Addi" last="Ernstmeyer"] - What do you do when you get stressed out or nervous for a game? The first thing I do is pray. As simple as that sounds, giving God my anxious thoughts reassures me that I'm not alone. I also talk to teammates that I'm close with, as their words of encouragement help me to calm down and focus on the game before me. [player_tooltip player_id="59212" first="Abby" last="Wachal"] - What are some favorite moments of the year? When Shanae, Raegan, and I would ask stupid questions to Kelli just to make her laugh and try to be smart with her. [player_tooltip player_id="82215" first="Ashlyn" last="DeBoer"] - What is one thing you will always remember about high school volleyball? One thing that I will never forget is my sophomore year. We knew it would take lots of practice to reach our peak, and honestly, students did not think we would have a chance at beating some of the teams we played, let alone winning state. We always had the motto, “get 3% better every practice” and we did just that. That feeling when Paige (our setter from last year) served the ball and got an ace to win state was such an unforgettable feeling. So one thing I will always remember about high school volleyball was the incredible teammates I had, and winning state sophomore year (and hopefully, more to come). GOOD LUCK TO LINCOLN LUTHERAN! [caption id="attachment_114922" align="aligncenter" width="779"]<a href="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2020/11/2020-Lincoln-Lutheran-district-champs.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-114922"><img class="size-full wp-image-114922" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/11/2020-Lincoln-Lutheran-district-champs.jpg" alt="" width="779" height="511" /></a> 2020 Lincoln Lutheran[/caption]