Windy City Wrap-Up: NIVA Takes Bronze In 18 American
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In our final edition of the Windy City wrap-up, the highest placing Indiana squad in any division was NIVA from “the region”. In the couple of matches I saw, there were a ton of talented plays and players that showed…
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Continue ReadingIn our final edition of the Windy City wrap-up, the highest placing Indiana squad in any division was NIVA from “the region”. In the couple of matches I saw, there were a ton of talented plays and players that showed what they had. Here are eight kids that made an impact for future colleges to take note.
Jaycee Folkers Jaycee Folkers 6'1" | MB Jimtown | 2023 IN , 6-1 MB, Indiana Wesleyan signee
A true big if there ever was one, Miss Folkers should fit right in at IWU, a perennially top-ten NAIA program just northeast of Indianapolis. Her size, strength and ability to move with quickness got defenses to account for her on every point, and her transitioning foot speed makes her look taller than she plays.
Emma Fleck Emma Fleck 5'7" | S New Prairie | 2023 State IN , 5-7 S, College of Wooster signee
Running the 5-1 show, Emma is truly an in-charge setter. She has high hands, places balls accurately, and defends her position well. Her athleticism has her appear taller than she actually is—from ground level, I would have guessed that she was at least 5-9.
TIffany Watterson TIffany Watterson 5'5" | DS/L Elkhart | 2023 IN , 5-5 DS/L, Manchester signee
Manchester graduates at least one primary passer on their roster, and Tiffany should be a plug-and-play option once she arrives on campus. Quick to the ball and anticipating plays well, she could have easily signed with a D2 program, but chose to stay closer to home. I look forward to her progress in the HCAC next fall.
’24, Baylee Franklin Baylee Franklin 5'3" | DS/L Concord | 2024 State IN , 5-3 DS/L, Concord
Interchangeable with Tiffany above, Baylee had an excellent weekend alternating as a three-rotation DS and as the libero from time to time. She had no difficulties playing with the bigger girls, and after watching her play, I had no idea that she was just a junior. Excellent maturity in movement and great feet in serve receive kept her squad in the hunt for a bid all weekend.
’23, Emily Adams Emily Adams 5'10" | OH Mishawaka | 2023 IN , 5-10 OH, Mishawaka
Emily has a great arm with an even better attitude when she plays. Her transition is better than some uncommitted in her class, and could be anywhere from a three-rotation front-row player to a six-rotation option next fall.
’23, Payton Schultheis Payton Schultheis 5'9" | OH Elkhart | 2023 IN , 5-9 OH, Elkhart
More six-rotation/DS than Emily above, Payton plays bigger than her frame would suggest. I like her ability to do the little things for her team, and more often than not, she was the reason NIVA came home with hardware this weekend.
’23, Abby Reese Abby Reese 5'8" | OH South Bend Saint Joseph | 2023 IN , 5-8 RS, South Bend Saint Joseph
Speaking of playing bigger than her frame, Abby will probably be a left side next fall, wherever she lands. Strong and physical, she’s a prototypical right side, with compact abilities and a live arm.
’23, Hannah Teich Hannah Teich 6'1" | MB Elkhart | 2023 IN , 6-1 MB, Elkhart
More of an M2 than her teammate above, Hannah has length and strength for days. In the matches I watched, I felt she was the better defending middle of the two, but her offensive abilities are catching up quickly. Everyone needs size and some volleyball IQ—Hannah would be a nice addition for a school looking for just that.