Molten Florida Pre-Qualifier Preview: Coastal 17 Elite

Brittany Behensky

February 21, 2021 @ 02:36 PM

These seemingly smaller club teams might surprise you at the Molten Pre-Qualifier in the 17 Open Division on February 27th and 28th in Tampa Bay. These teams have a record of success in local tournaments which puts them in a position to compete at a high level with the best teams from the region. Coastal 17 Elite is a surprising team to watch. Although they lack the height of most teams, they are scrappy on their defense and smart on their offense. With solid serves, giving them much-needed points off their aces, they can compete with some of the best teams in the 17 Open division. Although they placed low in the recent 2021 Gasparilla Kickoff Classic tournament on President’s day weekend, they have the potential and ability to place much higher in the upcoming Molten Pre-Qualifier. This is largely due to three key players on this 17 Elite team from Coastal Volleyball Academy.   Jani Burden (5’3”/OH, DS/Class of ‘22) is a feisty defender and outside hitter. She is constantly moving on the court and has great form when passing or hitting in the back row.   Kaitlyn Novak (5’9”/S/Class of ‘22) is the main setter on this team. Kaitlyn runs the court with her accurate sets, making her teammates look good on the net. On offense, Kaitlyn makes her own plays by attacking the second contact either with a sneaky dump or a well-placed tip.   Rounding out the dynamic trio is Natalie Grantges (OH, L, DS/ Class of ‘23). Natalie is a young and talented defender and attacker. She plays smart, using her unique skill set to her advantage. Natalie has played on the Varsity team at Osceola High School for the past two seasons in 85 sets with 118 digs, 213 serve receptions, and 25 aces. On her club team, she flexes these years of experience in her confidence running plays, whether she is picking up a hard-driven ball or attacking with a powerful swing on the outside.