Going Gauntlet | Team Preview: Milwaukee Sting 17 Black

Rachel Kass June 2, 2026 @ 02:38 PM

There are so many words that could be used to describe this team: dynamic, explosive, powerful. But most of all, this team is passionate. They step on the court for every match and compete. This is a team you can never count out, and one with incredible energy and fire on the court. They have challenged themselves all season, even competing in the Open Division of several qualifiers. They placed 3rd in the Badger Region Qualifier, 2nd in the Winter Showdown, and 6th in the Open Division of both the Winter Classic and Grand Slam. They qualified for the National Division at USAV Nationals and will be heading there later this month.   The setters on this team really lead the show. Two of the three setters are also high-level hitters. [player_tooltip player_id='435242' first='Laina' last='Kirsch'] is a true setter and keeps the offense running fast. Laina is a player who never hesitates on the court and is an energizer and a leader. [player_tooltip player_id='434920' first='Sierra' last='Hoeft'], committed to New Hampshire and on the Badger Region High Performance U19 Roster, is primarily used as a setter but can also swing on the pin. She plays with a lot of grit and can make even the toughest balls playable. [player_tooltip player_id='476166' first='Hailey' last='Schneiker'], committed to Incarnate Word and on the Badger High Performance U19 roster, is used more as a hitter but can also set. She is a high-flying, powerful athlete with a high volleyball IQ and great court awareness.   Libero [player_tooltip player_id='435888' first='Georgia' last='House'] has immense speed. She picks up impressive balls on defense and in coverage. I love how well she balances every aspect of her position. Georgia consistently delivers, and her teammates trust her to cover huge portions of the court. The other defenders on this team are also impressive. [player_tooltip player_id='509348' first='Molly' last='Harrigan'] is a natural on defense. She is confident and poised. Molly was a key player for Hamilton in their State Championship run last season. [player_tooltip player_id='487025' first='Nicalai' last='Eismann'], committed to St. Thomas, is utilized primarily as a defensive specialist but can also swing on the pin. She is a dynamic athlete who is very well-rounded in every skill set.   The middles help elevate the entire team's game. [player_tooltip player_id='509342' first='Adelyn' last='Merck'] is an aggressive player and a consistent server. [player_tooltip player_id='828145' first='Alyssa' last='Gray'], committed to South Dakota State, has a huge presence at the net and is engaged on both offense and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='815748' first='Leah' last='Vossekuil'] is consistent and good at putting pressure on opponents with her block.   The pins on this team are all go-to hitters who get numerous opportunities per set. Marist commit [player_tooltip player_id='497647' first='Charlotte' last='Hayes'] is powerful and has a toolbox of good shots. She is aggressive even on out-of-system balls and can find everything from hard cross to deep corner shots. She isn't afraid to take massive rips when given the chance. [player_tooltip player_id='807844' first='Amelia' last='Olson'] is a high-flying pin with an explosive approach. She uses a mix of speed and power to terminate at the net. Amelia does everything from tooling the block to finding holes in opposing defenses. She is a fun player to watch and one who can reliably manufacture points. Right side and Central Oklahoma commit [player_tooltip player_id='918513' first='Mackenzie' last='Dawes'] utilizes every set she gets. Whether her setters are throwing a ball back to her while on the run or running an in-system play, Mackenzie is an athlete who will terminate at a very high efficiency. She is tough to read and makes smart yet aggressive decisions.

There are so many words that could be used to describe this team: dynamic, explosive, powerful. But most of all, this team is passionate. They step on the court for every match and compete. This is a team you can never count out, and one with incredible energy and fire on the court. They have challenged themselves all season, even competing in the Open Division of several qualifiers. They placed 3rd in the Badger Region Qualifier, 2nd in the Winter Showdown, and 6th in the Open Division of both the Winter Classic and Grand Slam. They qualified for the National Division at USAV Nationals and will be heading there later this month.