Academy Summer League Wrap-Up: Floyd Central

<p>The Highlanders, like any upper-level program, split their roster up into two parts evenly, looking to "find the best eleven for the fall", as quoted by one of the coaching staff. This completely makes sense to me, and I’m even impressed as to HOW they split the roster. Most of my attention was on the ’1’ team, where I saw kids I haven’t seen in a while, or yet, for that matter. But the split between the two teams was nearly even, and both teams got high-level competition even though they were in separate pools. I’ve already spoken at length about <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85908" first="Caroline" last="Hilbrich"] (’23, 5-11 OH)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="85816" first="Natalie" last="Lostutter"] (’22, 5-10 OH), </strong>who I anticipate will be their starting lefts this fall. But what about the rest?</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118342" first="Callie" last="Jo Celichowski"] (’23, 6-2 MB)</strong></p> <p>Although listed as a right side as well, I’m leaving her in the middle because the majority of her training has been there. This is a long, lean and athletic middle that can go pin-to-pin quickly and own a match defensively. Offensively, she only got a chance to hit two-footed attacks on Saturday, so I’ll keep her as an M2 prospect for now. I’ve preached the amount of size needed to be a championship program, but I didn’t mention high-level skill or training. Callie Jo has all of that, and then some, including playing club for KIVA.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="143802" first="Kylie" last="Minnis"] (’23, 5-10 RS)</strong></p> <p>A young rising junior (Kylie played on Union’s 15-1 this past club season), Kylie will spend time on the right side this fall, but can play both pins well. Her volleyball IQ is through the roof, and makes more smart plays that may not show up in a stat sheet at the end of the match. I’m especially fond of her shot-making ability, her control, and the fact that she does the dirty work without complaint. Most likely a left side at the next level, I look forward to Kylie’s development in this all-important junior school year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118343" first="Emily" last="Cook"] (’23, 5-7 S/DS)</strong></p> <p>I list both positions because she can do both. A high-level passer and defender in her own right, Emily also sets at a high level, as evidenced by her accurate sets and decision-making. Every ball was located well for all of her attackers, and always seemed to find the right attacker in the right situation. Yes, <strong>Mandy Hess (’23, 5-6 S/DS)</strong> and <strong>Carly Fonda (’25, 5-5 S)</strong> are also available to set, and did so at a high level. However, my favorite from this group is Emily, as her volleyball acuity is more advanced.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="118344" first="Jenna" last="Heidbreder"] (’24, 6-0 MB/RS)</strong></p> <p>A middle on Saturday, Jenna is fully capable of playing the right side as well, and her footwork proves it. She’s up quick, gets from pin to pin faster than any current Highlander, and gets her training at KIVA. While across the border, she got some reps in both positions, but my assumption is that she plays middle this fall, with a ’hybrid’ label attached to her name for club. The advantages of being six feet tall and athletic are on full display with Jenna. </p>