Nebraska’s Qualifier Stock Risers: 2025 Pin Hitters
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Time to put a few more 2025s on the board. Throughout this ongoing qualifier stock riser series, we’ve put a variety of rising 2025 stars in the spotlight. Middle blockers and defensive specialists have both been topics of discussion in…
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Continue ReadingTime to put a few more 2025s on the board.
Throughout this ongoing qualifier stock riser series, we’ve put a variety of rising 2025 stars in the spotlight. Middle blockers and defensive specialists have both been topics of discussion in this group, but we have yet to do a roundup on some high-flying pin hitters. Let’s fix that.
Here are some of Nebraska’s 2025 outsides and opposites who took full advantage of the big stage of qualifiers.
What a run for the Grand Island native. Traudt has turned into a go-to scorer while playing up with VCNebraska 17 Elite, but that’s not the only part of her game that has been impressive in recent weeks. This all-around left-side hitter has been spectacular in serve receive and floor defense, making 17 Elite’s backcourt that much more stacked in 2023.
Dalton gets a shoutout here for her expanding toolbox of skills at the left-side hitter position. We’ve long known about Dalton’s ability to terminate with heavy heat in the frontcourt. But this Fremont product has also mixed in some impressive work in the backcourt lately, from her rock-solid floor defense to her assertive pipe attacks in the middle-back area. Dalton’s expanding repertoire has been something to behold as Nebraska ONE 16 Synergy climbs into the championship conversation in 16 Open.
Recent qualifiers have given us a firsthand look at the kind of spark Kerkman can bring to Premier 16 Gold. Whether she’s in the starting rotation or brought in off the bench, Kerkman is sure to make an impact with her energy and savvy skills on the left side. Her length has also been a major asset in 16 Gold’s ever-improving blocking and defense along the net.
Highlights
Nebraska Elite 16 Koa’s big breakthrough came with a bracket appearance at NLQ, and Helzer had a steady hand in that success. Like many of the players on this feature, Helzer’s role as a passer and defender has expanded in recent weeks. Of course, it’s also worth noting that this Oakland-Craig standout has offered the same rangy scoring that we’ve come to expect since she arrived on Nebraska’s prep scene.
Bohling gets a nod from the Nebraska Juniors camp, and her development with 16 Black has been particularly notable. This outside hitter was already a stock riser after her work with BDS last fall. The club season has offered more excitement regarding Bohling’s well-rounded game, so keep an eye on her squad during late-season action.
Time for another representative from the small-town camp. Like Bohling, West is building off an outstanding sophomore season and is doing even better work with VCN this spring. She’s a vital piece of 16 Black’s passing formation and can go pass-to-attack with ease. Out-of-system termination has also been a strength of West’s game as VCN has looked to her often to take care of tough swings.
Hagedorn keeps climbing. Her role as 16 Gold’s top scorer has continued in 2023, but her development as a six-rotation standout is what propels her to this feature. The Omaha Skutt Catholic standout has been a mainstay in the back row with her assertive pipe attacks and steady ball control skills. That’s in addition to the fact that Hagedorn has already proven her willingness to play on either pin in the frontcourt.
Chvatal remains a standout representative for Club Legacy 16 Alpha, and her pin-to-pin adaptability continues to flourish. This rising 2025 athlete made the most of her opportunity at our Prep Dig Showcase event in La Vista last fall. The same can be said of Chvatal’s approach to recent qualifiers, as she has found any way possible to help 16 Alpha succeed.
Highlights
The Show Me Qualifier was a special outing for Premier 17 Silver, and Lowe was one of the team’s major contributors from the Class of 2025. Whether it was on the left pin or the right, Lowe quickly brought 17 Silver’s pin positions into the Kansas City spotlight. A runner-up finish at Show Me was validation for the hard work of this team and the move to put Lowe up an age group with the 17s.
Highlights
Smith is one of a few Wahoo standouts who has made their mark with VCNebraska on the club side. This club is also becoming known for their all-around left-side hitters, and Smith fits that mold perfectly for 16 Elite. She’s a hitter who still needs to be tracked in the back row with her dangerous pipe attacks scoring well during qualifiers.