Countdown to Nationals: 9 Gritty Athletes to Know
The start of the USAV Girls Junior National Championships is 9 days away! It seems like just yesterday the season was starting and there was snow on the ground. Now we are well on our way to summer and my…
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Continue ReadingThe start of the USAV Girls Junior National Championships is 9 days away! It seems like just yesterday the season was starting and there was snow on the ground. Now we are well on our way to summer and my favorite tournament of the season, USAV Nationals! Teams from across the country will be headed to Indianapolis in the next two weeks to compete across numerous age levels and divisions.
Here are 9 gritty athletes to know!
Paige Miller Paige Miller 5'10" | DS/L Kaukauna | 2023 State WI – Libero – FC Elite 17 Navy – Committed to Ohio State
Paige is the definition of a gritty athlete. She is fearless, confident, aggressive, and consistent. Her volleyball IQ is off the charts and she will do anything to help her team earn points. She loves to use her hands on setter out balls and dump it over the net, resulting in a kill more often than not.
Emerson Van Lannen Emerson Van Lannen 5'10" | S Appleton North | 2024 State #144 Nation WI – Setter – FC Elite 16 Navy – Class of 2024
Emerson is another athlete who takes the term grit to the next level. Not only does she have quick hands but she also is a beast on defense. She has a lethal serve and a very high volleyball IQ. Emerson is confident and a leader on the court and will better any ball passed her way.
Lilly Wagner Lilly Wagner 6'0" | S Oconomowoc | 2024 State #42 Nation WI – Setter – Sting 16 Gold – Class of 2024
Grit could be Lilly’s middle name. She moves the ball around from pin to pin and is a huge energizer on the court. Lilly brings a high level of confidence and experience to the court. She doesn’t get frazzled in tough situations, only doubles down to help her team earn their next point.
Georgia Koscielak Georgia Koscielak 5'6" | DS/L Whitefish Bay | 2024 State WI – Libero – Sting 16 Black – Class of 2024
Georgia is fearless and scrappy. She protects the backcourt and is very disciplined in her play. She balances the control needed on serve receive and the quickness for defense incredibly well. Georgia will lay out for ball after ball on the court and is always looking to stop big hitters she goes up against.
Jozie Braund Jozie Braund 5'9" | OH Sauk Prairie | 2024 State WI – Outside Hitter – Madtown Juniors 16-1 – Class of 2024
Jozie is a solid six-rotation outside hitter. She does it all. From aggressive serving to stellar defense to explosive hits, Jozie is an impactful athlete on every play. She is constantly working to help her team.
Isabella Grace Isabella Grace 5'10" | OH Bay Port | 2023 State WI – Outside Hitter – FC Elite 17 White – Class of 2023
Isabella is another really talented 6-rotation athlete. She has a fast arm swing and utilizes a mix of shots and power to manufacture points. She is also incredibly talented on serve receive and in transition. Isabella can make tough plays look easy.
Kyra Klumb Kyra Klumb 5'10" | MB Whitnall | 2023 State WI – Middle – Sting 17 Black – Class of 2023
Kyra is a powerful and gritty middle. She can also play on the right side. Kyra is versatile across the front row and aggressive on every play. She is engaged and has great court awareness. Kyra can find holes in opponents’ defense quickly and utilize it to her advantage.
Ava Krueger Ava Krueger 5'8" | OH Marathon | 2024 State WI – Outside Hitter – Wisconsin Ice 16 National – Class of 2024
Ava is as gritty as they come. She plays a lot of beach and it shows on the court. She can run down balls across the court and is as equally effective on defense as she is on offense. She is very well-rounded and is a leader and go-to hitter on this very talented team.
Lilly Bandle Lilly Bandle 6'1" | MB West Bend East | 2023 State WI – Middle Hitter – I AM VBC 17 Red – Class of 2023
Lilly is a huge energizer on the court. She puts up a tough block and will do everything in her power to get up. She runs great plays across the net and is explosive in her approach. Lilly will bake huge momentum-changing plays even in the toughest matches and can find ways to manufacture points on the court.