2025 Top Performers at the Midwest Championships
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The Midwest Championships – The Fiesta, hosted by Kokoro Volleyball, was stacked with talent in 16 Premier. Here is a compilation of players with top-notch performances from this two-day tourney. Kendall Huhnerkoch MN #121 MB #34 HEIGHT 5'11" POS MB…
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Continue ReadingThe Midwest Championships – The Fiesta, hosted by Kokoro Volleyball, was stacked with talent in 16 Premier. Here is a compilation of players with top-notch performances from this two-day tourney.
Kendall is a quick, athletic middle blocker. She stays low and over on her block and works incredibly hard in transition. This is a player who fights for every point and stays involved in every play – making her a real threat on offense. I was blown away by her ability to make a positive impact during each match she played.
Kadence thoroughly impressed me with her ability to manage the game. She makes great plays for her hitters and puts them in the best position for success. This setter has clean hands and flies all over the court, looking to win every point that she is a part of. Kadence is a real game-changer.
It takes a special kind of defender to play fearlessly, which is exactly what I saw when watching Greta. She isn’t afraid of any hitter, even when her blockers leave her to fend for herself. She is a team player who stays consistent in energy and effort, allowing her to make some unbelievable plays, regardless of who is on the other side of the net.
Brooklyn is an outside hitter who manages the game well. She has an aggressive jump float serve that secures her many aces against opponents. Her consistency keeps her active in the front row, even being a bit undersized, and she excels in the back row. It is no surprise that she has earned her spot as a six-rotation hitter.
Josie Avery Josie Avery 5'8" | OH STMA | 2025 MN
Josie Avery Josie Avery 5'8" | OH STMA | 2025 MN
Josie is a six-rotation outside hitter who thrives in serve receive and on defense. She reads the game well and puts herself in good positions for success, allowing her team to do the same. Her teammates can rely on her, as she is very communicative, controlled, and consistent.
Gabriella Keefer
Gabriella Keefer
Gabriella was one of the first players to catch my eye this weekend – not because of her size or smarts – but because of her insane vertical and ability to manage the game. She often makes the smart play and is extremely versatile. Gabriella transitions well and keeps herself available in all plays, as well as bounces back quickly after mistakes. She’s the kind of player that you love to play with and love to coach.
Marley Martin Marley Martin 6'0" | MB Mayer Lutheran | 2025 State MN
Marley Martin Marley Martin 6'0" | MB Mayer Lutheran | 2025 State MN
Marley is a solid blocker with a good reach over the net. She’s an all-around player with an effortless stride, especially when it comes to passing and attacking. Her positive energy radiates through her game as she helps her teammates and works hard in every play.
Emery Thury
Emery Thury
Emery is a great transition player. Though she has a heavy arm, her ball control is refined and consistent. Her vertical is quite impressive, which allows her to contact the ball at a very high point – often over those trying to block her. Even at 5’9″, she dominates the front row.
Silvia Graetzer
Silvia Graetzer
This is a middle blocker with a high reach and an even higher potential. Silvia doesn’t take plays off. She puts up a big block and swings with confidence. Her work ethic allows her to be involved in transition plays, even when the pass is off the net. She is a middle who makes her setters look stellar on every play.
Layla Pfarr
Layla Pfarr
Layla has clean hands and absolutely commands the court. She is a great defender and has even better placement of her sets. She is technically sound – getting her feet to the ball and finishing her hands on every opportunity. Her potential for growth is very clear to anyone who watches her play.
Aliyah Rangaard
Aliyah Rangaard
Aliyah is a libero to watch; she’s one you always want on the court. She reads the hitters well and doesn’t give up during hustle plays. Her left-back defense is strong, as is her serve receive. She has contageous energy that is reflected by her scrappiness and will to win.
Watching these 2025 athletes at the Midwest Championships gave me confidence in the future of this sport. I am excited to see all that these players accomplish throughout their careers and beyond!