Going Gauntlet: Academy 16 Yeti Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Want a subscription to PrepDig? Use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription! And don't forget to follow @KypPDIN on X for all of you Indiana high school and club volleyball news!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Going Gauntlet previews continue with a top-to-bottom analysis of Academy's top 16s squad—-the Yeti. This squad has been gaining traction as of late, even though their schedule is one of the toughest in the Midwest. Their most intriguing tournament finish was at our PrepDig Indy Open in the beginning of May that had them place 3rd in the 17/18 division, with three wins over 17s teams that weekend. With the gradual increase in talent, potential and success, this squad will have a lot riding on their finish at AAUs in Florida. Here's what to expect from the Yeti.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">First Contact</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In order for this hyper-fast offense to click on all cylinders, the first contact has to be the most important. Insert <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='846651' first='Payten' last='Osborn'],</strong> who has been anchoring the libero position for this squad. Her first step to any ball (free, down or serve receive) covers a ton of ground, and she's rarely out of position or late to any contact coming her way. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='501442' first='Stella' last='Short'],</strong> a Munciana transfer, is solid in her own right, and is more than capable of wearing the libero jersey as well.<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='546225' first='Ellie' last='Rhamy']</strong> is another capable defender that can play all three defensive positions, and is top notch in the read-and-react type of defense that is taught at Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Setters</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For arguments' sake, this position is well-represented by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='582888' first='Caitlyn' last='Gutt'],</strong> a setter I've been quite high on in her years since her first showcase with us a couple of years ago. With a mastery of keeping things in-tempo regardless of where the pass is can give calm to a roster filled with attackers. Miss Gutt is also quite aggressive on two contacts, and has the size and the smarts to score points on her own. Her location is solid and consistent, and should be one of the first setters off the board when June 15th comes around. Another setter on this roster is <strong>Abigail Boone,</strong> a Southport product who produces sets with her high, strong hands while jump setting on each and every pass, regardless of location. She hasn't seen a ton of playing time this spring, but she's more than capable of playing at the open level and her training this spring will make Southport that much better when the fall comes around.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middles</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The three middles listed have their own bonuses to being on this roster, and complement the middle group well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='819318' first='Sophie' last='Rohls']</strong> looks every bit the part of an M1 for the next level. Her 6' frame, coupled with an athletic and strong approach on the slide will serve her well in her recruitment. I like the upper body strength she brings, and her raw, multisport athleticism shines through. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='730306' first='Brynn' last='Baker']</strong> is a lengthy M2, and always looks ready to attack with her quick transition and loaded hitting arm. The biggest of the three at a hair over 6'1”, Miss Baker is also the most consistent blocker, which completes her entire recruiting package. Finally, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='910652' first='Caroline' last='Damer']</strong> shows that speed and versatility can carry a middle far in this offense. Her ability to do a little of everything well allows her to be indispensable on any roster, whether it's in the training gym or during actual match play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pins</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's quite a few pin attackers on this roster that I simply love to watch play this game of ours. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572622' first='Elena' last='Cook']</strong> is a big and physical lefty that has really come out of her shell in the last 12-18 months. Her raw strength and high volleyball IQ has been shining through regularly this spring, and I would not be surprised if she's the first right side off of the recruiting board this summer. Speaking of big and physical, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='504624' first='Addyson' last='Dean']</strong> is another strong athlete that can hit high and hard and is a prime candidate for being a three-rotation hammer on either pin at the next level. The “physical” part continues with outside <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='586975' first='Ryelle' last='Koomler']</strong>, and she might be the owner of the heaviest attack on the squad. Her relentless nature, coupled with an unmatched whip of an arm swing, will sell college recruiters of her ability to carry an offensive load at the next level. To wrap things up, the highest jumper on this team is easily <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804499' first='Amaya' last='Zander'].</strong> Two years ago, she was simply the athletic kid who could play three rotations. Now, she's a full-time, six-rotation kid that can terminate from anywhere and outjumps a lot of the competition. Terminating balls looks easy for Miss Zander, and her smooth athleticism is second to none on this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->