MN Freshman Showcase Show Stoppers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The freshman class continues to show that the future of Minnesota volleyball is in good hands. At the Freshman Showcase last Sunday, a talented group of young athletes stepped on the court and made their presence known. In addition to skill, they showcased confidence and a level of competitiveness beyond their years. The talent, energy, and potential in this group was impossible to miss. Below are some of the freshmen who stood out and made a lasting impression at the showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for live event coverage, behind the scenes stories, player highlights, and the latest updates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1012530"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d42e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wenzel is a versatile pin who can be equally effective from both the left and right side. She transitions quickly, moves well to the ball, and pairs her quick feet with her fast arm swing to generate some big time, impressive power. When she gets a clean look or when the block is late, she can absolutely unload on the ball producing some of the hardest kills on the court. Her ability to attack from multiple positions makes her a valuable offensive weapon and a tough player to defend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["993002"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d4d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I first saw Wirkkala, I assumed she was an undersized but explosive pin. She looked athletic and aggressive and it was fun to watch her generating kills from both pins in our first drill. However, once positionals got underway, I realized quickly that she is actually a libero/D and a really good one at that. She is a steady passer, a reliable defender, and covers alot of ground all over the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["942165"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d55a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caza had a really solid day from start to finish. She was efficient offensively, taking smart swings and finding ways to score. She was just as steady in serve receive, making passing look easy and consistently putting the ball where it needed to be. One thing that really stood out was how well she moved. She transitions quickly off the pass, gets herself into position, and is ready to attack. She really had one of the more complete performances of the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["522683"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d5d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is the type of setter every hitter loves to play with. She has soft hands, gets to the ball quickly, and does a great job squaring her hips. Her tempo is solid and she knows exactly where to put the ball to give her attackers the best opportunity to score. What I also liked was her competitiveness. She is scrappy defensively and hustles after everything. On top of that, she's constantly communicating with her teammates and is a natural leader on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["987234"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d64c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I got my first look at House during AAU Nationals in June so I was excited to see her back on the court at the showcase. She played up an age level during club season and you can really see how much that has helped her grow. She has always been able to bring power but her offensive game is much more complete now. Instead of relying on just big swings, she has developed a tool box of different shots. She mixes in off speed shots, works around the block, and knows how to use the block to create kills for herself. It's obvious she's put in the work and it is paying off. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["997974"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d6c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I really liked Korus. She is a hard working, smart defender who seemed to always be in the right place at the right time. What stood out to me defensively was that she doesn't just sit back and react. Instead, she reads the setter and attackers so that she can position herself in the correct place to come up with some great digs. In serve receive, she reads the ball well, moves quickly, and does a great job getting her platform out early to create good passes. Overall, she is a great back court player that has a high ceiling of potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["943090"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a7225c70d73b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the first drills we ran at the showcase had players rotating through every position on the court. This drill was intentional as it gives coaches and scouts a chance to see just how versatile each athlete can be. As a coach myself, I always tell players that the more you can do, the more opportunities you create for yourself. Peterson was a great example of that versatility. She was explosive, athletic, and terminal from anywhere on the court. No matter where she was on the floor and in what position, she showcased the ability to be an effective offensive threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->