Final Season – 2021’s Stock Risers
Molly Orte-Thomas
In this article:
These athletes have one final club season to display their talents, bond with teammates and prove why they are among the top recruits for the class of 2021. These players have moved up in rank and are sure to boost their teams success.
- #21 Emma VanHeel Emma VanHeel 6'0" | MB St. Michael-Albertville | 2021 State MN (MN Select/St. Michael Albertville): VanHeel is part of the supergroup that has moved over to MN Select from other programs. She has been in our top 30 for some time but the switch makes her more visible with the schedule alone. As part of the 18-1’s she has already shown off her versatility in Omaha, Indianapolis and this week they head to Louisville for the Mideast Qualifier. She has secured her status among the top 25 with her commitment to Southwest Minnesota State University.
- #24
Jolie Stecher
Jolie
Stecher
6'0" | MB
Stewartville | 2021
State
MN
(SMV/Stewartville): Disappointment set in when the Tigers realized they would not have an opportunity to defend their AA State Title on which Stecher was the second biggest contributor behind
Erin Lamb
Erin
Lamb
6'3" | MB
Stewartville | 2021
State
MN
. But both have moved on, and Stecher gets to be the leader for the SMV 18-1’s team. The team has struggled to find unity but Big City Luau seemed to be a turning point. They finished 4th overall and put up a strong fight against Kokoro 18-1 (3 sets) and KEVC (18-25, 22-25). In both matches Stecher was more effective because of the balance in their offense including Wisconsin prospect
Mara Schmidt
Mara
Schmidt
5'11" | OH
Holmen | 2022
State
WI
.
- #55 LaRae Kram LaRae Kram 5'7" | MB Morris | 2021 State MN (KEVC/Morris) Kram and fellow setter, Rachel Harding Rachel Harding 5'9" | S Canby | 2021 State MN (Canby) run the complex offensive game that is KEVC (cover photo). They have big hitters who expect precise setting and both deliver. Kram has some of the quickest hands we have seen and her accuracy is unrivaled. They are on a winning streak including Northstar Pres Fest, and Big City Luau . Overall their line-up is small compared to most premier level teams, making Kram’s efforts even more impressive. She is able to create opportunities for her hitters with technique that is hard for blockers to read.
- #77 Audrey Spolidoro Audrey Spolidoro 5'11" | S East Ridge | 2021 State MN (Northern Lights/East Ridge) It’s fun to see the 5’11’’ setter shift in to club season. This year she’s commanding the 18-Black team. And while they may lack some of the fire power she is accustomed to, Spolidoro has been elevating the level of play on this team. They utilize her height, athleticism and experience. Her overall skill and unmatched effort is unrivaled and this update she finds herself among current and past teammates. A player who easily could step onto a college court as a freshmen and find ways to contribute with her setting, passing or hitting.
- # 90 Olivia Rooney Olivia Rooney 5'9" | DS/L Andover | 2021 State MN (MN Select/Andover) Rooney switched to MN Select this year and made the capable 18-2’s team. Her role on the right side will help prepare her for upcoming role at UW-Eau Claire. She is an exceptional blocker with a strong press.
- #143 Ellie Launstein Ellie Launstein 5'9" | S Rosemount | 2021 State MN (Rosemount/ M1) Ellie moves up on our list because of her ability and mental toughness. She manages to stay present for every point. Her fast thinking and quick reflexes demonstrate her knowledge of the game. She presents sets with little rotation on the ball and control. Coaches love her because she has no extra movements at the net. She can run a 5-1 or 6-2 and stay to hit with her springy approach. *Highlights
- #145 Madison Krage Madison Krage 5'9" | OH Fillmore Central | 2021 State MN (Falcons/ Fillmore Central) The 5’9’’ outside hitter is a the total package. She led her conference in nearly every statistic. Her club team relies on her for the majority of their offense. She uses her agility to beat blockers and stun defenders. Her best shot is a deep cross corner hit, but her proficiency doesn’t end there; we’d argue she is actually better in the back court. A fundamentally sound platform and the know-how to read a hitter’s shoulders make a top defender that would benefit any smaller college.
