The Prep Dig Wisconsin All Lefty Team

Writing on a whiteboard, desks in a classroom, finding the correct scissors, golf clubs, and even a can opener puts a lefty at a disadvantage.  That’s why it's time to give some love to the leftys we have across the state.  With a combination of some power from the right side and setters who can distribute and score, we could make ourselves a pretty good team consisting of left handers.  

When I think of left handed volleyball players, Micha Hancock, an All American at Penn State who is now training with the national team is simply one of the best.  As a setter, she was a violent attacker and could put the ball in position anywhere for her hitters to terminate.  She also has one of the best top spin jump serves in the world.  

As a former baseball pitcher, throwing to a left handed batter was always different.  The mind game changes, they have a few extra steps for a head start towards first base, the defense has to adjust, it switches the thinking.  The same goes for a right handed batter facing a left handed pitcher, adjusting to the release, spin, and angle.  The same can be said in volleyball, having to defend a left handed player adds a whole new dimension to the defense to adjust to.  In the game of volleyball, it can be a definitely advantage.

*As a disclaimer, these are the lefty’s I have seen play live over the past couple of weeks.  I know there are more out there.  Please share and give a shout out to your favorite lefty today :)

Taylor Alden - Class of 2020 - VC United - Oconomowoc

Alden is still uncommitted as to where she is going to be playing collegiate volleyball,, but the near 6 foot setter is lethal with her left hand.  This year Alden is truly developing into a setter.  Before she was a little bit of a powerful right side hitter that was setting, but her game has really improved behind a lot of hard work.  Her background as a hitter is a huge advantage while she is in the front row setting.  Consistently jump setting makes the blockers a little uneasy and the passers on edge because her power on the second hit can be quick and have some velocity behind it.  

Caroline Dragani - Class of 2019 - FC Elite 17 Navy - Catholic Memorial

Dragani has committed to Portland State and is part of the incredibly tough FC Elite 17 Navy team.  Dragani can set or hit from the right side and is incredibly smooth with how she moves.  Although she is not aggressively offensive with plenty of talented hitters around her, she still is very efficient when she attacks.  Dragani will look to take Catholic Memorial back to the state tournament again next fall after holding off multiple upset bids to get to the Resch in 2017.  

Natalie Tesch - Class of 2021 - Milwaukee Sting 15 Black - Wisconsin Lutheran

Wisconsin Lutheran will have a quite the 1-2 punch with Tesch and Julia Treichel of Motion 16 Blu on the outside.  Tesch plays high with a heavy left handed swing on the right side.  She also puts up a big block and is guaranteed to give fits to the outside hitter on the opposing side.

Katie Winkler - Class of 2021 - Milwaukee Sting 15 Black - East Troy

Winkler is very similar to Tesch.  Very physical and athletic, Winkler was huge in Milwaukee Sting 15 Black’s win against FC Elite 15 Navy at the Winter Classic.  Like Tesch and Treichel, Winkler will be teaming up this fall at East Troy with Briana Scuric who is a Northern Illinois recruit, currently playing on Milwaukee Sting 17 Gold.

Morgan Yenter - Class of 2021 - Wisconsin Volleyball Academy 15 Black - Oshkosh West

*Pictured above article

Yenter has all the tools to become a great setter at WVA and Oshkosh West High School.  At just under six feet tall, Yenter can run the 5-1, attack a little bit, and this year has two middles that can put the ball away and are very dynamic at WVA.  Yenter is one to keep an eye on as she progresses through her club career and with Oshkosh West.  

Karlee Lois - Class of 2020 - Wisconsin Juniors - Union Grove

Lois was one of the best setters out of any team at the 15/16 Super Open GLPL last weekend.  At 5’7, she plays much taller, solid blocker, great footwork, and offensive when she needs to be.  A deep shot to the corner or an aggressive attack to the middle of the court is definitely in her wheelhouse.  Lois commands the court and her team.  

Josie Halbleib - Class of 2021 - Capital 15 Adidas - Sun Prairie

Heavy swing with some pop behind it coming from the right side off a lefty is incredibly tough to defend.  Halbleib is a Class of 2020 right side from Sun Prairie, but can come out of the middle and hit too.  Her Capital 15 Adidas team is much improved from when they started at the Winter Classic and will continue to get better.  Along with club and high school teammate Payton Addink, these two will be a force in the Madison area for the next few years.  Halbleib is a prospect definitely on the rise!