Club Team Spotlight: NPJ Bend 16 National
In this article:
The NPJ Bend 16 National team will be one to watch this season. Last year’s 16s team finished 6th in the region, and this year’s team — which includes several returning NPJ Bend athletes — has started off incredibly strong.…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe NPJ Bend 16 National team will be one to watch this season. Last year’s 16s team finished 6th in the region, and this year’s team — which includes several returning NPJ Bend athletes — has started off incredibly strong. They are currently ranked third out of 132 teams in the CEVA power league 16s division, putting them in a solid position for success this season. The team also had an excellent run in the 2023 Matt Hartner Memorial Classic, where they placed third after losing only one match to Athena’s 16-1 Gold team, the tournament champions. The team is coached by Suzi Davison, who has coached for NPJ Bend since 2020, and Kori Iverson, who previously assisted the Southern Oregon University volleyball team.
Davis, a setter, is doing an excellent job at running her team’s offense so far this season. She combines her quickness and great footwork to get to each ball effortlessly. Davis also places each set well, allowing her attackers to shine offensively. Davis is a weapon from the service line, too. She will be an instrumental part of this team’s success this year.
Jasmine Kjellesvik
Jasmine Kjellesvik
As one of the two six-rotation outside hitters for this team, Kjellesvik is solid all around. Her back row defense, however, is what really makes Kjellesvik stand out. She reads the ball well and is controlled in her movements, allowing her to pick up some tough plays. Kjellesvik also has an impressive vertical that she combines with a quick arm swing to put the ball away out of the front row.
Monaghan is the primary libero for this team, and it’s no surprise why: She is a very technically-sound passer in both defense and serve receive, and she puts up excellent passes for Davis to run a quick and effective offense. Monaghan moves around the court quickly and smoothly to pick up digs and cover her hitters. Her skills in the back row will undoubtedly help this team maintain its early success this season.
Middle blocker Nelson is an offensive weapon. She moves well to the ball and uses her athleticism and height to reach high and hit hard. Nelson also puts up a big block, making her presence in the middle known to opponents. Not only is Nelson talented in the front row, but she can also play steady defense in the back row when needed, making her a solid player all around.
Although she primarily plays in the back row for her school team, Oceguera is a six-rotation outside hitter this club season. Despite being undersized in the front row, she is nevertheless a crafty and bouncy attacker, and her defense is unmatched. Oceguera’s energy and hustle are admirable and contagious, too, and her talent from any position on the court adds to her impressiveness as an athlete overall.