Athletes “Leveling Up” Headed into State

Maybe I have been playing too many video games lately or maybe I am just excited at the prospect of seeing the high level of play at the state tournament later this week, but there are some athletes who only continue to improve and have a positive impact on the court. 

Kate Bahrke Kate Bahrke S Oconto | 2023 State WI - Setter - 2023 - Oconto 

Kate Bahrke Kate Bahrke S Oconto | 2023 State WI is the key to this team’s offense. She is fast, smart, and works hard. In fact, she only continues to improve in her physical and mental game. Kate feeds her hitters well and brings a great intensity to the court. She has soft, fast hands and is very hard to read. Needless to say, she is playing very high-level volleyball and will be orchestrating her team’s offense this week!

Emerson Van Lannen Emerson Van Lannen 5'10" | S Appleton North | 2024 State #144 Nation WI - Setter - 2024 - Appleton North

Emerson has always been a very talented setter; however, in the back half of this season, she has taken her play to an entirely new level. She is confident, fast, and moves the ball around like a seasoned veteran. Emerson has become an essential and irreplaceable piece of this team and I cannot wait to see her step on the court with the Lightning. 

Dani Lien Dani Lien OH River Falls | 2022 State WI - Outside Hitter - 2022 - River Falls

Dani is a gritty athlete to her core. Where some athletes might take safe shots at critical points in games, Dani levels up her aggression. She is fearless on the court and comes in big for her team at the most important moments. She is explosive and energetic on the court. On a team that is great at fighting through matches, Dani is a key athlete who contributes to the grit and determination of the team. 

Haley Koch Haley Koch MB Oconomowoc | 2022 State WI - Middle Hitter - 2022 - Oconomowoc - Committed to Cedarville

Haley is an incredibly talented athlete, and it is hard to imagine her “leveling up” because she plays at such a high level already, but honestly, her grit and determination make me think she is only just getting started. She recently surpassed the all-time block record at Oconomowoc, an incredibly impressive feat considering the historic success of this program. She is lethal on offense as well and explosive in her approach and movement across the court. 

Rebecca Siedenburg Rebecca Siedenburg S Kettle Moraine | 2022 State WI - Setter - 2022 - Kettle Moraine

Rebecca has over 1,000 assists this season. Talk about an incredible accomplishment. On top of that, she is an awesome leader on the court. She is fast and a very smart setter, moving the ball around well and utilizing all of her hitters. Rebecca also has a tough and consistent serve and is gritty on defense. 

Ellie Gustafson Ellie Gustafson 5'10" | OH Monticello | 2023 State WI - Outside Hitter - 2023 - Monticello 

Ellie is a top-level outside hitter who brings control, power, and athleticism to her role. She has a 0.401 kill percentage this season, truly incredible for a position that receives a lot of touches on the ball. She is very effective in and out of system and adds a lot of value to this talented team. She led the team in kills, aces, digs, and service receptions in Monticello’s win over Hilbert in the sectional final. 

More Athletes Leveling Up: 

Gwen Crull Gwen Crull 6'2" | MB McFarland | 2023 State WI - Middle Hitter - 2023 - McFarland

Rachel Rossing Rachel Rossing 5'9" | S Lake Country Lutheran | 2023 State WI - Setter - 2023 - Lake Country Lutheran

Megan Zielsdorf - Middle Hitter - 2022 - Pewaukee

Madison Reed - Libero - 2023 - Unity