Celebrating Hoosiers: Qualified 18s Teams, Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The GJNC 18s tournament starts this Friday! This season has felt like the blink of an eye, as we're already to the end of the road for the seniors on each of these squads. Here are six athletes from two different teams representing Indiana in two different divisions that have earned their spot to Salt Lake City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NIVA 18 Purple</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The three kids listed below have all been there, done that already, since they were all part of this exact team in the 18 Patriot division last season. This time, they earned their spot, finding themselves among an elite group of teams in the 18 USA division. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192110' first='Claire' last='Payne']</strong> is the definitive catalyst of this offense from the middle. Capable of being the M1 or the M2 at any time and in any situation, this Appalachian State commit is springy, full of energy and can jump out of the gym when set in-system. <strong>Sarah Noto</strong>, a second-team All-State honoree and Tennessee Tech commit, is a high-flying and tough right side that can easily take over a match if you let her. Her offense and defense have advanced so much in the last year of her career that I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes the x-factor to NIVA's success in Salt Lake. Finally, neither of the two athletes listed above have a chance of success without libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192109' first='Ella' last='Watford'].</strong> Her first contact prowess has led this program for a solid two club seasons, and is the primary reason for NIVA 18 Purple's winning ways. With active feet and a controlled platform, opponents should not serve Ella if they wish to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pineapple HP 18-1</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brand new to the club scene in northeast Indiana, this collection of athletes is not new to club at all. The experience and talent runs top to bottom, as they earned their Freedom division entrance earlier this spring. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='435484' first='Kyla' last='Coolman']</strong> recently reclassified to the class of '26 due to illness, bringing a whole new level of experience and athleticism to the setting position. Regardless of where the ball is passed, Kyla's fast and disciplined footwork get her to the ball first, making the next contact very hittable for her attackers. My personal favorite attacker on this squad is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192097' first='Mya' last='Davis'],</strong> a hammering lefty who's going to Division II Shippensburg. Her length and whip of an arm swing have made her who she is, and she can put balls away from anywhere on the court, front or back row. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='402575' first='Annabelle' last='Sweigert'],</strong> a solid M2 from Leo High School, has springs for days and her arm is one of the fastest from a middle in this class. She uses her length well on both offense and defense, and finds ways to hit multiple angles regardless of where the ball is being set. NAIA Saint Francis got to keep this young lady in her hometown, and will be a major factor in their success next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->