Players On The Rise In The MAC

<p>As someone who's played and now coaches in the MAC, this is a post I've been looking forward to writing. The MAC is such a fun conference with a wide variety of talent spread throughout ten schools. It's so fun to see how teams have changed, getting to coach against coaches I played against, and getting to watch new coaches come in and change programs. The coolest part about the MAC is that it's always changing; you never know who's gonna come out on top. </p>   <p>In this article, I'm going to go through each team in the MAC and rank them. I will also be highlighting one player from each team who I think has done a fantastic job so far this fall. To stay up to date on conference coverage, player evaluations, and game coverage, make sure to follow my Instagram @Prepdigmarissa</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Davenport Assumption</h3>   <p>I wasn't quite sure what team to put in this top spot, but I had to go with the Knights after an amazing win over PV. This group shows grit like no other, and the best part is the chemistry they share. I've had the privilege of coaching in the MAC for the last 6 years, and I have never seen a team with such a strong dynamic. Although they have a lot of new faces, they have been quick to create a tight bond that has carried into their gameplay. Not only do they have a great bond, but they are also an extremely talented group. Even though they are an extremely young group, they have grown at a rapid pace under coach Greg Cotton. The Knights came out with a bang, and they're just getting started.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">There is no denying that [player_tooltip player_id='742600' first='Piper' last='Hodge'] is a key player in this program. If you're looking for a libero who shows discipline and precise ball control, Hodge is the kid to watch. Not only is she a highly skilled athlete, but she's also an amazing teammate. She showcases love, care, and passion not only for the sport but also for the teammates that surround her. Piper has a very strong future ahead of her and she's only a junior.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Pleasant Valley</h3>   <p>I wrote about Pleasant Valley in one of my more recent posts after watching them perform at the Ankeny Centennial tournament. The Spartans, coached by Amber Hall, put on a stellar performance against the Knights; however, my opinions don't change much. They are an extremely talented team, but it looks like they are just not connecting the way they should be. I don't know if it's the various lineups, graduating some good seniors, or something else. Either way, I'm hoping the Spartans can figure it out soon because they are a great group with loads of talent. I am putting them tied for second with Bettendorf and am very excited to see that matchup next week!</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='555773' first='Liv' last='Barudin'] has shown so much growth over the last few years and has really been stepping up to the plate this season. Barudin is a powerful force at the net. With a strong, fast swing and big block, she does her fair share of racking up points for the Spartans. She has also proven herself to be extremely useful to the roster with her amazing versatility and ability to play anywhere across the net.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bettendorf</h3>   <p>I don't know where Bettendorf came from, but I am absolutely here for what they've been doing this season. Don't get me wrong, the Bulldogs did very well last season, with a 6-3 record and a 4th-place finish in the conference. But boy, have they been killing it so far this season. It just looks like they have this newfound confidence and aggression that I am absolutely loving! Head coach Macy Moore has really come in and turned the program around, and I can't wait to see how far they continue to grow this season. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='946816' first='Abby' last='Dykstra'] is truly one who can do it all and do it well. The best way to describe her is tiny but mighty. Although she isn't the tallest one at the net, that doesn't stop her from putting balls away against girls who tower over her. The best part is that her true specialty is her defensive game. Abby plays with so much control and composure in the back row and has court awareness like no other.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Scott</h3>   <p>North Scott, coached by Taylor Ingram, has had a steady start to the season and shows a lot of promise. I definitely see them battling it out for 3rd place (or maybe even 2nd) in the MAC. I wasn't sure what to expect from the [program_tooltip program_id='431978' first='Lancers' last=''] after losing so many of their key pieces. However, they've bounced back rather nicely. There have been quite a few athletes who have stepped up and brought a lot of power to the [program_tooltip program_id='431978' first='Lancers' last='']' lineup. I'm not sure where the [program_tooltip program_id='431978' first='Lancers' last=''] will end up this season, but I wouldn't be surprised if they made a postseason run. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Eisley has done a fantastic job filling the shoes of Addison Alleman as North Scott's starting setter. The Senior wasted no time starting to lead the Lancer offense. Weinert has clean hands and precise ball placement when it comes to setting. She's quick to adjust if needed and isn't afraid to make the risky play. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Muscatine</h3>   <p>Muscatine is off to a strong start, only losing to North Scott so far this season. The Muskies are currently standing at a 2-1 record and are tied for fourth in the MAC. Muscatine has a good blend of veterans as well as newcomers, but has done a good job of blending so far. Freshman setter Camryn McKee has done an extraordinary job connecting with her hitters and working with senior setter [player_tooltip player_id='489998' first='Belle' last='Seaman']. The Muskies are on an upward trend, and I'm excited to see where they end up in the MAC.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='489998' first='Belle' last='Seaman'] has led the Muskies ever since she was a freshman, and this year is no different. Belle has never been afraid of the pressure and has always thrived in the toughest situations. Seaman has always been a stellar captain, a great teammate, and a role model for so many. Her ability to play wherever she's and still manage to excel and score points is like no other. She has the ball control, the IQ, and the power to make an impact at any level.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Clinton</h3>   <p>Clinton has been another team that is slowly on the rise and is also tied for third place in the MAC. Although they lost a good number of starters, they've had quite a few new faces stepping up and pushing Clinton in the right direction. If the River Queens can get their hitters a little more active, they will be a fierce competitor in the MAC. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1002749' first='Grace' last='Griswold'] has been quite the playmaker for the River Queens. The freshman has made her mark not only by running the offense alongside junior Alaina Carpenter. But she's also gotten her fair share of kills, digs, and aces. Griswold has done a fantastic job of moving the ball around and getting all of her hitters involved. Grace has already made her name known and still has so far to go. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Central Dewitt</h3>   <p>Although their record in the MAC isn't the best right now, I still have extremely high hopes for Central Dewitt. The Sabers have shown a lot of promise throughout the matches they've already played. Central Dewitt has shown a strong and well-rounded group of athletes that have the capability to get the job done. I think that once the Sabers figure out how to stay aggressive at the net and behind the service line, they could be fairly dangerous. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Schroeder has an aggression at the net unlike most. She swings without fear or regret, yet somehow doesn't leave room for much error. Quinn's talent goes far beyond a good swing. She plays with a strong mix of discipline and intelligence that takes every part of her game to the next level. I'm hoping that the Saber offense can follow in her footsteps; they can start the climb to a successful season.</p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Central</h3>   <p>Central might be at the bottom of the MAC for this season, but there could be a huge turnaround in the near future. This team has showcased a raw group of underclassmen who are up for the challenge and crave competition. The one thing I notice that the Blue Devils can benefit from is some mental training and structure. The major downside to having a young group is that you have a lot of self-doubt and inner frustration, which isn't very helpful in tight situations. AS for the structure, the girls look like they need someone to push them, but also guide them. I hope Central can figure it out because there is a lot of potential for this young group.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">I haven't heard much about Sasha Casillas, but for a kid who doesn't do much volleyball outside of high school, she still left me fairly impressed. The sophomore middle has a fairly impressive block and plays smart volleyball at the net. If this kid got some work in the club season, she could be lethal for the Devils. I really hope to see and hear more of Casillas throughout her high school career. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North</h3>   <p>North is another group that has the potential to climb to the middle of the MAC, but as of right now is sitting at the bottom with a 0-3 record. They have quite a few true athletes that can contribute in big ways. I don't know what North needs to do to make that motivational shift, but I see them having a turnaround at some point this season. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">There is no doubt that [player_tooltip player_id='812892' first='Ella' last='Glover'] is the standout for Davenport North. The senior has done a great job helping guide her team this year. Glover has showcased a heavy arm and fast swing paired with a powerful block. Ella will also be the first to hype her team up and push them to keep going. She does an amazing job of leading by example and will continue to make a huge impact this season. </p>    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West</h3>   <p>I fear that West's biggest issue is their lack of numbers and that a lot of kids are not playing club volleyball. However, former coach Christina Groesch did a really good job of developing athletes over the years, and I think the new coach, Sara Weisrock, will do a good job continuing to do exactly that. The Falcons have some good pieces as part of their program, and I'm hoping they will have a turnaround soon. As of right now, they are also 0-3 in the conference, but they have plenty of games to go. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Although West hasn't had the strongest start so far, that hasn't stopped Tatum from doing her thing on the court. Comer is a young but promising piece for the Falcons. She moves very well laterally and has the ability to put up a very strong block. She plays like a veteran and knows how to get the job done. </p>

As someone who's played and now coaches in the MAC, this is a post I've been looking forward to writing. The MAC is such a fun conference with a wide variety of talent spread throughout ten schools. It's so fun to see how teams have changed, getting to coach against coaches I played against, and getting to watch new coaches come in and change programs. The coolest part about the MAC is that it's always changing; you never know who's gonna come out on top.