Unified 17-1 2024 Club Volleyball Preview
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Unified is a program in the metro Detroit area that sometimes gets overlooked. However, early results show that Unified 17-1 is going to be a handful for any team it comes across. Bringing in a solid group for 2024 that…
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Continue ReadingUnified is a program in the metro Detroit area that sometimes gets overlooked.
However, early results show that Unified 17-1 is going to be a handful for any team it comes across.
Bringing in a solid group for 2024 that has championship experience, here’s a closer look at this year’s 17-1 squad.
Kenzie McCombs – Lakeland | Olivia Tessmer – Utica | Alina Ike Alina Ike 6'0" | MB Grand Blanc | 2025 MI – Grand Blanc |
Rylee Hunt – Clarkston | Sarah Bradley Sarah Bradley 6'0" | OH Everest Collegiate | 2025 State MI – Everest Collegiate | Madelyn Krappmann Madelyn Krappmann 5'10" | OH Everest Collegiate | 2025 State MI – Everest Collegiate |
Addison Pearce – Everest Collegiate | Isabel Bass – Rochester Adams | Grace Ropes – Armada |
Amelia Czarnik – OLSM | Miriam Czarnik – OLSM |
Championship front line
Unified 17-1 is turning to the D4 state champions for a lot of their hitting power up front.
On the outsides, they have Sarah Bradley Sarah Bradley 6'0" | OH Everest Collegiate | 2025 State MI and Madelyn Krappmann Madelyn Krappmann 5'10" | OH Everest Collegiate | 2025 State MI , two 1-2 punch that led Clarkston Everest Collegiate to the state championship in 2023.
Bradley was a dominant force during finals weekend and really drew a lot of eyes to her ability at the net. Krappmann was a great compliment to her and showed a solid all-around game. The question will be if the two can maintain that level against consistently stronger competition throughout the club year.
Addison Pearce is another member of that championship CEC squad that is part of Unified 17-1. She can play the middle or right side. Pearce was a huge middle contributor in that title run and grew in confidence each set. This could be a nice breakout club season for her, as her 6-foot frame provides some added size at the net.
Additional hitting
Unified is going to supplement the hitting depth with middles Alina Ike Alina Ike 6'0" | MB Grand Blanc | 2025 MI and Rylee Hunt, as well as middle/OPP option Isabel Bass.
Hunt emerged as a steady contributor for Clarkston during its run to the D1 semifinals this fall. She improved in her finishing ability and developed some good blocking instincts this fall.
Hunt is a 6-foot option, as is Hunt and Bass.
Ike comes the Grand Blanc program, while Bass comes from Adams.
Ike has a lot of varsity experience and has improved on her court IQ and instincts each year. She comes into this club season ready to show a full arsenal of middle skills.
Bass was a consistent factor for a strong Adams offense. She’s a player that will get better with more reps, as she has a high ceiling for where she can get to. Bass adapts well to the play and doesn’t force power shots.
Setting and defense
Unified has Kenzie McCombs from Lakeland and Olivia Tessmer from Utica to handle the setting duties.
McCombs has been part of the Lakeland varsity the last two years and got to work with a lot of experienced hitters in 2022 and inexperienced hitters in 2023. That change helped her develop as a setter and a leader and will make her a better player overall for Unified.
Tessmer had her prep season limited, but she still has a lot of varsity experience to rely on and brings a solid defensive and serving game to her play at setter.
Defense won’t be lacking on this squad behind Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Amelia Czarnik and Miriam Czarnik, as well as Armada’s Grace Ropes.
Both Czarnik’s have a fundamentally sound defensive game, which has been a big priority at OLSM. They see the ball well and can smoothly get the ball to their setter. Amelia can also move to setter if needed, as she’s a diverse talent.
Ropes adds depth to the back row. She’s willing to get beat up to make a play and keeps her head on a swivel.
Early results
Unified 17-1 opened the season at The Nike Classic and placed 21st in the 17/18 Open division.
After starting with a pair of wins, including a victory over Legacy 17-2 ADIDAS, Unified dropped four straight against some top programs. That included a close loss to L2 171.
The team bounced back with a pair of wins to close out the weekend, including over Five:1 18 Black to take the copper bracket title.
It’s clear that this Unified team has a lot to build on and should be a team that’s going to get some noteworthy wins in the months to come.