Gritty Athletes Who Impressed at the Sizzle
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As a scout, coach, and player, one of my favorite buzz words is grit. Gritty athletes are fun to watch because they find a way to get the job done. No matter the score, no matter the play, they are…
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Continue ReadingAs a scout, coach, and player, one of my favorite buzz words is grit. Gritty athletes are fun to watch because they find a way to get the job done. No matter the score, no matter the play, they are giving their all at every moment.
These are some gritty athletes who played in the Sizzle!
Olivia Sullivan – Notre Dame – Class of 2022 – Outside Hitter
Olivia was a huge presence at the Sizzle for Notre Dame. She has a great snap on the ball and a clean platform. What makes her gritty is her ability to execute in out of system plays. She has a toolbox of shots that she utilizes to manufacture kills. Olivia also has an aggressive serve which earns points for her team.
Sarah Beyer Sarah Beyer 5'4" | S Appleton East | 2023 State WI – Appleton East – Class of 2023 – Setter
Sarah was a new name for me and one that was impressive from the start. She was fast yet had great control and was running the court from the first point. Sarah was a leader on this team and utilized her experience as an athlete to make smart plays and better the ball.
Gabrielle Reiser – Berlin – Class of 2022 – Setter/Right Side
Gabrielle was a setter and right side for this Berlin team. She had huge communication on the court and was a big energizer in all six rotations. Gabrielle has a great view of the court and utilizes that to make smart decisions as a setter and execute out of the front.
Olivia Baierl Olivia Baierl 5'8" | DS/L Howards Grove | 2024 State WI – Howards Grove – Class of 2024 – Outside Hitter
Olivia is a trained libero but played outside for Howards Grove in both the JV and varsity Sizzle. Watching her play, you would never know she was one of the youngest on the court. She has a high volleyball IQ, sees opponents well, and executes on both in and out of system balls. Her training as a libero was a huge asset as an outside.
When your team is full of Liberos, make Olivia Baierl swing! #liberosthatswing #PDSizzle @PrepDigChris @PrepDigWI @prepdigrachel pic.twitter.com/EqnDYZsNUz
— Breit Nelson (@BreitNelson) July 14, 2021
Olivia Bartels – Lakeside Lutheran – Class of 2023 – Setter
Olivia was another newer name to me. She has a great energy about her and is super effective as a setter. Just her presence on the court set her apart as a leader for this team. She runs a smooth offense and will better any ball that is given to her.
Stella Zarling Stella Zarling 5'9" | OH Kettle Moraine Lutheran | 2022 State WI – Kettle Moraine Lutheran – Class of 2022 – Outside Hitter
Stella is such a great all around athlete. She is willing to do just about anything to earn points for her team. She is incredibly strong defensively and has an explosive approach. Stella can manufacture kills in the front and back row and is a go to hitter for this team.
@StellaZarling executing from all six rotations for Kettle Moraine Lutheran #PDSizzle pic.twitter.com/LPhn0mwY14
— PrepDigRachel (@prepdigrachel) July 14, 2021
Halle Runez Halle Runez 5'4" | DS/L DeForest | 2022 State WI – Deforest – Class of 2022 – Libero
Halle was a fierce defender for this talented Deforest team. There are some great athletes on this team and she definitely stood out as one of them. She is aggressive in the back row and very scrappy. Halle gets great touches on balls and is highly competitive.
Other gritty athletes to know: