Meet & Greet C-1 Volleyball: Columbus Lakeview Vikings

#5 seed Columbus Lakeview (28-5) WOW - the fans were right - this is a team to watch!! After winning the PrepDig.com Team to Watch Bracket Challenge earlier this year, they enter the Nebraska Class C1 State Tournament Bracket as the #5 seed and will play the #4 seed Syracuse Rockets (22-1) after the 2:00 game on Wednesday. Columbus Lakeview finished the 2019 season with a record of 22-11. After falling in the second round of subdistricts to eventual state runner up St. Paul, the Vikings missed making the district finals by .1 in wild-card standings. And that had them wanting more in 2020. As an up and coming volleyball program in Columbus, the Lakeview program has posted 20+ win seasons in 7 out of the last 8 years and this trip to state in 2020 will be the first in 39 years (1981). The Vikings are led by senior [player_tooltip player_id="58251" first="Reese" last="Janssen"] (2021, 5’9, Setter). Janssen holds most setting records at the school and averages 10.3 assists/set which is 8th in the state and 2nd in Class C1. And she has a plethora of options in the front row with [player_tooltip player_id="103001" first="Lilly" last="Rowe"] (2022, 5’8, OPP/OH, 3.6 k/s), [player_tooltip player_id="77518" first="Katee" last="Korte"] (2022, 5’9, MH/OH, 2.6 k/s), Maddi Vogt (2022, 5’8, OH/OPP, 2.5 k/s), [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] (2023, 5’9, MH/OH, 1.5 k/s), [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] (2022, 5’11, MH, 1.5 k/s). The Vikings added [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] (2022, 5’6, Libero) this season from Shelby/Rising City. She leads the team with 5.2 digs/set. Coach K.C.Belitz comments, “This group had to again show their mental toughness against a really good Wayne team in the district final. They’ve been pushed many times while playing a tough schedule and they continue to respond well because they’ve really built a "team" in the true sense of the word. That will have to carry them this week at state as it’s a new experience for most of them. We have great leadership from our seniors and really throughout the team, so we’ll rely on that in Lincoln!” 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? Sydnie Briggs - Oh my gosh we did it! We worked so hard for this and overcame so many obstacles. Carli Schneider - I didn’t really have any thoughts I just cried but once I got home and really thought about it and I was proud of all my hard work and leadership that I put in. Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - Holy cow! This is actually happening. [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - I guess my first thought was just pure excitement. I was so proud of our team for accomplishing something that hasn’t been done at our school in 39 years. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - I just remember being so happy with all my teammates and just the thought of all our hard work paying off and being able to make the trip to PBA now. [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - I can’t believe we are going to state Cassie Rathbone - I was so excited and happy, I started crying! [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - There was so much energy going through me and I was so happy to be able to spend another week with my team. <hr /> What is the most exciting part of state volleyball that you are looking forward to? Sydnie Briggs - Getting to spend time with my teammates, playing at PBA. Carli Schneider - The big stadium and loud student section while we’re playing Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - The send-off from our school and actually getting on a court at Pinnacle Bank Arena with my teammates. [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - I’m just looking forward to playing in the state tournament. Not many people get that privilege. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - I am looking forward to the atmosphere at state even though it won’t be the same this year because of covid. I am also just looking forward to the opportunity to continue playing with my teammates and making the best of it. [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - Making memories with my team Cassie Rathbone - I am just happy to be able to experience this with my team and have our whole community support us. [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - Getting to play with my girls for another week! <hr /> What does your community do to support your team going to state? Sydnie Briggs - Send-off, road signs, meals, gifts Carli Schneider - They are making road signs and fat heads for us. They also donate money for us to make shirts [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - Everyone is very supportive. So many people have told us congratulations and wished us good luck. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - The community is so supportive and before we leave, we will have a send off. The team parents and people apart of the community will also help make signs and gift bags ! [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - We get a send off at school before we leave Cassie Rathbone - We have a pep rally at school the day we leave. [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - We always have team meals and then make posters and put them on the side of the road. We also sometimes get escorted by the police. <hr /> With teams only allotted a certain amount of tickets, who do you want to make sure gets one of those tickets and why? Sydnie Briggs - Family and fans that have supported us throughout the entire season! Carli Schneider - Definitely my family and super close friends Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - I made sure that my parents and grandparents got tickets. These people have supported me through all of my games and even the early morning tournaments. I’m so grateful they will be there to cheer us on at state. [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - My parents and grandparents are my biggest supporters. They’ve missed only a few games so I want them to see us play. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - I obviously want to make sure that both my parents get tickets because without them, I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I am now in my life and through volleyball. I also want to make sure that my club director and coaches from VCN can get into the tournament and watch us play. They are always there for us and pushing us to be better all the time even when we aren’t in their gym. [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - My grandparents because they always tell me good luck before a game and have been so supportive and happy for me. Cassie Rathbone - I want to make sure my parents have tickets because they have supported me throughout my volleyball career [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - my family members because they are my biggest supporters. <hr /> What is the best advice anyone has given you in volleyball? Be sure to include who gave you the advice. Sydnie Briggs - Be a constant encourager and make sure to lift people up and encourage them even if you are having a bad day. -my mom Carli Schneider - Don’t let your attitude guide you. Take control of your emotions and always play as yourself. Not your emotions - Coach Wemhoff Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - Play one serve, one point, one set, one game at a time. Focusing on doing the next small step right will result in big outcomes. My coach KC Belitz told me that last year. [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - I think the best volleyball advice I’ve been given is from Coach Belitz. I can’t remember exactly when this was but there was one day in practice where he told us, “In order to grow, you have to be willing to stretch yourself a bit.” Something about that stuck with me and I think about it all the time not just in volleyball. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - We had a zoom this summer with our teammates and the best advice that I heard was to always give 110% effort while the play is going and then take the time in between points to rest. Never takes points off if you want to succeed. [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - To forget about your mistakes and move on. my mom and dad gave me the advice. Cassie Rathbone - I think the best advice I have been given is from Coach Wemhoff and coach Brand. They both always tell us to just play and go have fun and not to dwell on the bad points. [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - KC Belitz, and to never take anything for granted because we won’t know when it’s over. <hr /> Any advice you would give to young girls on how to have a great volleyball experience in high school? Sydnie Briggs - Stick with it, work hard, lean on your teammates, make everyday a new day and don’t focus on your errors because you won’t remember them in 5 years. Carli Schneider - Don’t take it for granted because you never know when it could be your last game or practice Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - If you make strong bond with your teammates and coaches, no matter what happens on the court, you will be able to look back on great memories you made because of volleyball. [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - I would say just have fun because you don’t get to play volleyball forever. Shake off mistakes, keep a good mindset, and don’t let the last play affect the next one. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - If someone beats you out for a spot you were working for, don’t get mad at them. It should be a motivation to push yourself harder next time and to get better. [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - Enjoy every moment of it. You never know when it can be taken away from you. Cassie Rathbone - I would just say to enjoy every second of playing volleyball. You never realize how fast high school goes and when it gets to the end, you wish you would have more days of it. Just don’t take any time that you have with your teammates and friends for granted [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - Have fun with it and never take it for granted because it will be gone before you know it. <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. Sydnie Briggs - [player_tooltip player_id="58251" first="Reese" last="Janssen"] has been devoted to the Lakeview Volleyball family since, forever. She works day in and day out to make others and the team better. She has been adaptable, (playing with 4 different teams over her high school career), and really can take charge and change the outcome of the game by her leadership. She is also just an all-around stud. Reese is a Beast. Carli Schneider - Lilly Rose always has the best attitude and never gets down on herself or her teammates. She is always celebrating and lifting her teammates up Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - Jordi Nekl. She came in new to our team this year, but you would not be able to tell at all. She such a good person on and off the court. She works hard and never gives up! So grateful she is on our team this year. [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - Reese works so hard and doesn’t always get a lot of credit being the setter. She has given so much to this program the last four years and I’m glad we get to end her senior season at the state tournament. [player_tooltip player_id="58803" first="Jordie" last="Nekl"] - [player_tooltip player_id="58251" first="Reese" last="Janssen"] is one of best teammates. She gives all effort for every point and I love playing the game of volleyball with her. [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - elly makes me do her hair a certain way before each game or she doesn’t play good Cassie Rathbone - I would say that [player_tooltip player_id="103001" first="Lilly" last="Rowe"] is one of the most energetic people I have ever met. She is always up and moving and can make anyone’s day by simply telling them a corny joke or just smiling. [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - [player_tooltip player_id="103001" first="Lilly" last="Rowe"] is always 100% positive and can make anyone laugh <hr /> Your favorite inspirational quote or make one up and take the credit for it! Sydnie Briggs - “Sometimes you will never know the Value of a moment, until it becomes a memory” -Dr. Seuss Carli Schneider - Opportunity does not knock, it presents itself when you beat down the door- kyle chandler Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9 [player_tooltip player_id="103083" first="Elly" last="Luchsinger"] - “You’ve got three choices in life... give up, give in, or give it all you got.” -Charleston Parker [player_tooltip player_id="103084" first="Josie" last="Bentz"] - somewhere behind the athlete you have become, and the hours of practice, and the coaches who have pushed you, is the little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back. play for her. Cassie Rathbone - “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - Never take anything for granted because it will be gone before you know it. <hr /> You make up the question and answer it here. Be creative!!! Sydnie Briggs - What will you miss the most? MY TEAMMATES AND COACHES AND THE TIME SPENT WITH THEM Carli Schneider - What has been your biggest set back and how did you over come it? When I was a freshman I tore my ACL during spring league and was out my whole sophomore season. My junior year I came back harder and stronger than ever and got a varsity jersey and started JV. I use this story a lot when talking with younger girls about not taking anything for granted and being thankful for playing when some people might not get to. Lilly (Elizabeth) Rowe - Q: What career field do you want to go into? A: Graphic Design/Digital Media Marketing Cassie Rathbone - If you had any super power what would it be and why? I would want to have the ability to read minds. Even though there might be some things I don’t wanna know, I want to know what everyone is thinking all the time. [player_tooltip player_id="58814" first="Mallori" last="Kucera"] - What is one thing you wish you could go back on in life that you did give your all in?   GOOD LUCK AT STATE COLUMBUS LAKEVIEW!!