2023 Spotlight Series: Rising Left Sides
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We’re taking another step forward as we continue to look at some of the top 2023s to know around Nebraska. Defensive specialists and middle blockers have already gotten their time to shine. Now, it’s time for some outside hitters. The…
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Continue ReadingWe’re taking another step forward as we continue to look at some of the top 2023s to know around Nebraska. Defensive specialists and middle blockers have already gotten their time to shine. Now, it’s time for some outside hitters.
The players below have primarily made their impact on the left side, but many have experience on either pin. Wherever these athletes play moving forward, their influence on a match will still be felt.
Let’s get into it.
Evan Glade Evan Glade 5'11" | OH Millard West | 2023 State NE – 5’11 OH/RS – Nebraska Juniors 17 Black [Title Photo]
Glade has made a big impression in a lot of different venues. She’s a big-time performer during the high school season, a go-to attacker in club, and she’s made the most of her appearances at some of our Prep Dig showcases. Her commitment to always bringing her best is what makes her an exciting prospect. Now throw in her incredibly fast arm swing and effortless elevation, and Glade is clearly a player to watch in coming years. She will be a threat on whichever pin she ends up playing.
Gracie Kircher Gracie Kircher 5'11" | OH Norris | 2023 State NE – 5’11 OH – Nebraska Juniors 17 Black
Kircher is part of a long line of physical athletes to come out of the Norris district. Her continued development was crucial in Norris’s runner-up finish in the ultra-competitive Class B last fall. Kircher can play in a lot of different spots, but she is perhaps best suited for the left pin. She builds enough power on her approach and swing to neutralize even well-formed blocks. Already with great technique, Kircher will continue to progress into one of the leading attackers in the Lincoln area.
Channatee Robles Channatee Robles 5'10" | OH Norfolk Catholic | 2023 State NE – 5’8 OH – Nebraska ONE 16 Black
Here’s another player that made a big impression with me at state championships last November. The big numbers that Robles put up in the title match are a testament to her potential as a top-tier attacker in the state. She continued to stand out when, like Glade, she appeared at a Prep Dig showcase in Omaha. Robles springs off the floor and puts down balls that have proven difficult for opposing backcourts to handle. With more reps against high-level competition, Robles could emerge as one of the best hitters representing schools outside of the big cities in this class.
Abby Wachal Abby Wachal 5'10" | OH Lincoln Lutheran | 2023 State NE – 5’10 OH – VCN 16 Elite
Another Lincoln-area player to appear in this feature, Wachal continues the tradition of powerful outside hitters from Lutheran. Her work with VCN in recent months has raised her stock even further. Wachal is exceptional at using her length to hit right over the block. Even when out of system, VCN can rely on Wachal to take a tough swing and drive it down to the floor. This pin hitter is poised to put up big numbers like several other Lincoln Lutheran players before her.
Carly Purdy Carly Purdy 6'0" | OH North Platte | 2023 State NE – 6’0 OH/RS – VCN 16 Elite
Wachal’s club teammate belongs here, too. Purdy has become one of VCN’s most versatile hitters, and her willingness to swing from anywhere has a lot to do with her length. Not only does Purdy’s impressive reach allow her to put the ball away, but she is also a reliable blocker who can shut down opponents on either pin. Even if Purdy’s future is not on the left side, she will still find a way to make an impact.
Annie Millard Annie Millard 5'6" | OH Elkhorn South | 2023 State NE – 5’6 OH – Nebraska Elite 16-2 MAVS
Millard is that kind of wildcard player that I just had to include on this list. She made waves as a hitter for her Elkhorn South team that went on to win a state title. Club competition, meanwhile, is where Millard’s ball control skills are allowed to flourish. She’s a fun player to watch, as she is determined to always play above her height.