Unified 16-1 2023 Club Profile

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've talked at length about the impressive depth that Michigan's Class of 2025 has.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you need any more of a reminder, Unified 16-1 will be happy to provide it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't overlook this squad, as they have already made some big splashes in the 2023 club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Unified 16-1</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":264792,"width":264,"height":187,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/45-Sarah-Bradley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-264792" width="264" height="187" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='261206' first='Sarah' last='Bradley']</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jason Gambone is the head coach of this 10-player squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What we have seen in the early stages of the season is Unified has been able to go on some dominant runs against opponents. It's a credit to their technical execution and ball control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ella Muhleck </strong>and <strong>Miriam Czarnik</strong> are the two DS options for the team. The two played together at Orchard Lake St. Mary's and now lead this Unified defense. They both have faced some of the best hitters in the state during the prep season, which has them off to a great start to the club season. Czarnik has shown a lot of versatility in the libero jersey. She gets to a lot of balls and gets them to the setter accurately. Muhleck is very composed as a DS. She looks the ball into her pass and seems very in control on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At setter, <strong>Amelia Czarnik</strong> is also coming from the OLSM program. She is joined by <strong>Kenzie McCombs</strong>, who comes from the Lakeland program. McCombs was part of a 2-setter system with the Eagles, but she really grew in confidence as the prep season went on. She's showing good instincts this club season and sets a smooth ball for her hitters. Czarnik has helped develop the young OLSM hitters, but she also brings a lot of strong defensive play to the position as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261206' first='Sarah' last='Bradley'] </strong>and <strong>Maddie Krappmann</strong> are OH options, while <strong>Tori Lang </strong>is a RS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley is from the Everest Collegiate program and she's shown that she can get hot in a hurry. She attacks different angles, but maintains good velocity and pop with each swing. She's got a smooth delivery that leads to a lot of consistency. Krappmann is also from CEC and also brings in a lot of power without having to overwork her swing. She's got a good feel for her timing with her setter and where to attack the opposing block.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lang is from Rochester Adams, which has a lot of talented 2025 players as is. The left-handed arm brings a nice compliment to the offense and she's able to attack some sharp angles along the sideline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle, Unified has <strong>Rylee Hunt</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='443909' first='Alina' last='Ike']</strong> and <strong>Addison Pearce</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hunt is someone that can also play the right side when needed. Hunt provides a nice reach and is able to attack the ball at its peak. She's got great timing with her setters and is packing a real punch for the offense. Ike is a 6-foot middle option that is able to move well across the net and makes some great adjustments on the fly. She's quick enough and instinctive enough to play the ball as it is, as opposed to trying to force a power swing each time. Pearce also brings a long reach to the middle. She's coming into her own this club season and showing growth. As she gains more confidence and adds another level of intensity, she can really take a big step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unified is showing a really well-balanced play right now. It's led to some great performances in February.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This team won the 16 Open of the Steel City Freeze early in the month. Of 14 sets played, they only let opponents reach 20 points three times.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That was followed up by a 5^th-place finish in the 16 Open of the Battle of the Ohio Valley on Presidents' Day weekend. They went 7-1 for the weekend, with the lone loss coming to the runner-up. They also picked up four 3-set victories, which speaks a lot to their resiliency and ability to push a pace deep into a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->