The Players Powering Edgar’s Run of Greatness

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Team Built for More</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Edgar steps on the court, opponents have more than one player to worry about. Strong teams have talent, but great teams know how to make that talent work together. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats have shown that balance throughout their run to back-to-back conference championships, combining aggressive hitting, smart decision-making, and disciplined defense. A closer look at the lineup reveals the players helping drive Edgar's success—and why this team could be one to watch in the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510481"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad112b636ae0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='808061' first='Naquene' last='Ellenbecker']'s value to Edgar goes beyond any one aspect of her game. She is a player the Wildcats can depend on in a variety of situations, whether that means keeping a play alive, making a difficult ball playable, or finding a way to get the ball back over the net. Her versatility gives Edgar another layer of consistency and allows the team to keep competing when a play doesn't go exactly as planned.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior's production backs up what stands out on the court. According to MaxPreps, Ellenbecker leads Edgar with 225 kills and 64 service aces while maintaining a .265 hitting percentage. Those numbers reflect her ability to contribute offensively while putting pressure on opponents from the service line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a team built around communication and trust, having a player who can contribute in multiple areas is especially valuable. Ellenbecker's reliability helps reinforce the balance that makes Edgar so difficult to play against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510479"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad112b636b1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A setter can have all the technical ability in the world, but what separates the great ones is the ability to make the right decisions under pressure. [player_tooltip player_id='808036' first='Makita' last='Ellenbecker'] brings that quality to Edgar's offense. She is a calculated playmaker who puts the ball where it needs to be, giving her hitters opportunities to attack with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That trust between a setter and her hitters is an important part of Edgar's offensive rhythm. Ellenbecker understands how to distribute the ball and make decisions that put her teammates in positions to succeed. Her impact extends beyond setting, too, with a serving game that adds another weapon to the Wildcats' lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her season numbers demonstrate just how important she is to Edgar's offense. MaxPreps lists Ellenbecker with 358 assists and 42 service aces, showing her contributions as both a playmaker and a server.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her combination of court awareness, calculated decision-making, and serving makes her a key part of what Edgar does well. When a setter can earn her hitters' trust and consistently put them in positions to succeed, the entire offense benefits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052121"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1052118,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad112b636b52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1052121' first='Carina' last='Seubert'] brings an important combination of defensive instincts, court awareness, and relentless energy to Edgar's back row. As a defensive specialist and libero, she consistently covers ground, tracks the ball, and puts herself in position to make plays. Whether she's flying across the court to keep a rally alive or helping organize coverage, Seubert's defensive presence gives the Wildcats confidence that the ball isn't going down easily.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her season statistics reinforce that impact. According to MaxPreps, Seubert leads Edgar with 315 digs, averaging 4.5 digs per set. She has also recorded 40 service aces, adding another dimension to her contributions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her impact is especially noticeable in the communication and energy she brings to the court. She understands the importance of being in the right place at the right time while helping her teammates stay connected throughout a rally. Her love for the game and drive to compete show in the way she plays, making her an important part of the defensive consistency that helps Edgar succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052129"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1052136,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad112b636b78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At just a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='1052129' first='Jacie' last='Schilling'] is already making her presence felt in Edgar's lineup. While she still has room to grow and continue developing her game, Schilling has shown impressive potential and the ability to contribute across multiple areas of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her current production is a strong indication of what she brings to the Wildcats. MaxPreps lists Schilling with 184 kills, a .253 hitting percentage, and 173 digs. Her contributions on both sides of the ball give Edgar another player capable of making an impact beyond a single skill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schilling is also developing within a team that provides valuable experience and guidance. Playing alongside experienced upperclassmen gives her opportunities to learn, strengthen her connections with teammates, and continue building confidence. That combination of current production and room for growth makes her an exciting player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With more experience ahead of her, Schilling has the opportunity to continue developing into an even bigger presence for Edgar in the seasons to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1052132"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1052135,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ad112b636b9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Addy Nowak brings an infectious energy to Edgar's lineup. Her upbeat presence and contagious smile help create a positive atmosphere on the court, complementing the competitive drive that has helped the Wildcats establish themselves as a team to watch. That energy is part of what makes Edgar's chemistry so noticeable, with players who bring both talent and enthusiasm to every match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the net, Nowak pairs that personality with a strategic approach to the game. As a middle blocker, she brings a strong presence while showing an ability to place the ball in smart areas of the opponent's court rather than simply swinging for power. That combination of court awareness and net play gives Edgar another dimension offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her blocking production adds to her impact. MaxPreps lists Nowak with 32 total blocks this season, making her one of the team's statistical leaders in that category.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nowak's combination of net play, strategic shot placement, and positive energy helps contribute to the balance that makes Edgar such a competitive group. Her impact is another reminder that success comes from more than the final stat line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">More Than Individual Talent</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edgar's success comes from more than individual talent. It's the way these players complement one another, communicate, and continue pushing to improve. With a balanced lineup and a shared drive to compete, the Wildcats have the pieces to make noise in the postseason. As tournament play approaches, Edgar will look to build on its success and see just how far this group can go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->