Top 17/18s Players at Arctic Blast AAU

Another day, another club volleyball competition in Chicago. Wintrust Sports Complex hosted the 2025 Arctic Blast AAU Super Regional in Chicago, IL. Over 128 total teams were signed up to compete in six different age groups, and division games. A tournament that not only provides a spotlight for many athletes but also showcases that talent every player has. We will be taking a look at some of the top players from Day One of the tournament and how their teams finished.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Players:</h2>    In Impact's opening game of the tournament against Milwaukee Jr's 18-Elite, they swept the latter as they won both sets 25-16 and 25-23. VanAppledorn provided a masterful performance as she provided strong hits and important blocks, especially that all-important block in the first set that gave her side the win. A versatile player who always looks to improve, she can swing every ball, but always looks to get around the block better and see the open court. As a volleyball enthusiast since fifth grade, VanAppledorn has a love for the game that is unmatched, and naturally, she is looking for the next level. Universities like Indiana Western, Taylor, and some local schools for like Calvin, and Hope have reached out; however, she's at the moment uncommitted. A complete player with a versatile skillset that any team would be lucky to have.     Nelson was crucial as Milwaukee bounced back to win their game against Rolling Thunder with victories in two sets, 25-15 and 25-18. Nelson was superb in producing an out-of-this-world serve performance of 9 consecutive, good serves that were essential to her side's win in the first set. Nelson has that high-response reflex to as soon as the referee whistles she serves and finds those open spots. As a volleyball player since sixth grade, her love for the game is eye-catching and her serve game is extraordinary. A great player for any team.     Ramirez wasn't fazed by the loss against Wisconsin Elite and produced a great performance throughout the day. She's a versatile player who can play not only right side, but also outside and back, she's a force to be reckoned with. Ramirez is a superb serve-taker who consistently looks to improve always mentally preparing watching others serve and putting consistent work on the court. A volleyball fanatic since third and fourth grade, Ramirez is eager to play the next level and with one local school in Chicago having scouted her so far, the sky is the limit for Ramirez.     Despite the loss in the opening game for Milwaukee Jr. against Illinois Impact, Scott produced a phenomenal performance in executing her serves always keeping her team in the matches. With a keen eye in her serves, Scott just needs to pick a spot, aim for it, and be lethal in her execution. Having played for half a decade, her love for the game is immense and her mental game on the court is spot on, always heading into games with a strong mind and looking to get into the minds of her opponents. Her objective is to play at the next level and with her mentality on top of her serving skillset, she'd be an asset for any team.

Another day, another club volleyball competition in Chicago. Wintrust Sports Complex hosted the 2025 Arctic Blast AAU Super Regional in Chicago, IL. Over 128 total teams were signed up to compete in six different age groups, and division games. A tournament that not only provides a spotlight for many athletes but also showcases that talent every player has. We will be taking a look at some of the top players from Day One of the tournament and how their teams finished.