Celebrating Hoosiers: Teams From Indiana at GJNC 18s, part 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've come to the end of the line for the great majority of the 18s teams attending GJNC 18s in Columbus, Ohio, starting today. We're taking time this week to celebrate all of the accomplishments these athletes have made, and preview their futures in the fall of '23. Here are three teams with three kids each to high five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Empowered 18 Elite Black (American)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A solid, ball-control-based team from the Fort Wayne area leads our story. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112650' first='Haley' last='Biedenbach'] ('23, 5-10 S, Bethel signee)</strong> should be an immediate impact for a top 25 NAIA team, and will be the 5-1 setter of the future for the Pilots. <strong>Summer Hendershot ('23, 5-4 DS/L, IU East signee)</strong> is also NAIA bound, keeping it in state with her libero jersey and relentless pursuit. Finally, <strong>Kaylee Weeks ('23, 5-10 OH, New Haven signee)</strong> is Division 2 bound, bringing her springy athleticism and terminal abilities to Connecticut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ignite 18 Elite (American)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second of two teams from Indiana in the American division this weekend, this roster has a wide variety of athletic acuity. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='289610' first='Lexi' last='Cripe'] ('23, 5-9 OH, Indiana Tech signee)</strong> will make waves as a dynamic outside for a high-level NAIA squad. <strong>Bri Salinas ('23, 6-0 MB, Malone signee)</strong> makes the Pioneers better with her arrival. She's big, strong and does everything you need a middle to do at an above-average level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='289620' first='Abigail' last='Opilka'] ('23, 5-9 S, Saint Xavier signee)</strong> is definitely ready to run a collegiate offense on her own. Her high hands, accurate placement and all-around high volleyball IQ will make her future team happy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">KeAloha 181 Nazare' (Liberty)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Three different collegiate divisions dot this roster. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='197533' first='Macy' last='Lengacher'] ('23, 5-4 DS/L, Indiana State signee)</strong> might see immediate time, what with the Sycamores graduating their long-time libero. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='101836' first='Haley' last='Robinson'] ('23, 5-11 OH/RS, Ferris State signee)</strong> goes north to Michigan to join the Bulldogs of Division 2 power Ferris State. She can put balls away from either pin at will and should be a physical presence upon arrival. <strong>Hannah Joseph ('23, 5-8 S, Aurora)</strong> has the tools and the talent to run an offense herself, and defends her position better than most in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->