Show Me National Qualifier- Impact Players #6
I had the opportunity to watch some amazing matches and talented players in Kanas City at the Asics Show Me National Qualifier. There were teams from all over the US in attendance. This is a type of tournament where big…
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Continue ReadingI had the opportunity to watch some amazing matches and talented players in Kanas City at the Asics Show Me National Qualifier. There were teams from all over the US in attendance. This is a type of tournament where big name clubs send some of their best teams and a place where underdogs have a chance to make a splash. Typically, each winner of the gold bracket in their division will earn a bid to the Junior National Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana this summer.
I was there coaching my club team but I made sure to show up early and stay late to catch some teams/players I would have otherwise missed. Here are a few players that stood out and made an impact for their team:
Ava Salvo #10 Setter for CIA 15 Black (IA). One of those setters who is so athletic, she makes tough balls seem nearly effortless. She tracks down balls and puts up some beautiful out of system balls for her hitters. This gives her pin hitters opportunities to score where others wouldn’t. She also is a threat when she goes front row and hits right side. She adds value to her team wherever and whenever. She was a huge reason they finished 2nd overall in the American division.
Ava Kendall Anderson #11 Middle Blocker for Mizuno M1 152 (NO). Middles are tough when they can swing to both corners, especially to right back. This is Ava, she can hit the deep right back corner and put opposing teams into tough positions. She also puts up a very consistent block that is a pain to hit around. She helped her Minnesota team finish 45th overall in the American division.
Celia Gafka #16 Libero for GCVA 15-1 Coast (LS). Her twin sister was in a previous article and they can both play the game at a high level. Celia sets the tone with her effort on defense. She is very discipled and doesn’t have much extra movement than what is needed. She has great technique in serve receive, holding her platform out in front of her, with a very soft touch. She helped her team finish 21st overall in the American division.
Natali Aguila #5 Middle Blocker for PWP 15-1 (OK). She is a very gifted athlete. She has a high vertical and allows her to hit over the top of some opponents. She runs at a very fast pace to speed up the offense in the middle. Look for her to continue to advance her skills to match her athleticism, she will become a huge threat in the coming years in the state of Oklahoma. She helped her team finish tied for 25th overall in the Liberty division.
There was top notch talent all over the convention center. It was hard to stay focused on any one court. I see these players making waves in their home states in the upcoming school season. They will continue to develop and soon be on college coaches’ radars. I wish every team and player a solid finish to the rest of their season.