Alliance Volleyball Club Series: 13-1 REN Making History!
I know what you are thinking… Normally, we don’t see the magic age of 13 on PrepDig’s website, but this Tennessee team is too good not to highlight. I have lived in Kentucky my whole life and travelled an hour…
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Continue ReadingI know what you are thinking… Normally, we don’t see the magic age of 13 on PrepDig’s website, but this Tennessee team is too good not to highlight. I have lived in Kentucky my whole life and travelled an hour away to Nashville, TN to be around some high-level volleyball. Alliance has proven to be one of the top clubs in the state, so I thought I’d feature their premier club and players from every age group. It all starts with their insanely talented 13-1 REN team who just returned home with a 3rd place finish at USAV Girls Junior National Championships in the 13 national division and made history for the state.
Jentelle McNairl- A 5’9 all the way around outside, Jentelle flies as just a 12 year old…. Yes, you read that correctly. She is only 12 and playing up an age group. Watching her approach to the ball so effortlessly is something I could never get tired of. Plus, you can tell Jentelle strives to be a disciplined player where she consistently stays picking up balls as an off-blocker defender and then transitioning to the pin to be set. At nationals, I watched this kid at 20-20, dig a ball from left front off the block and then work hard in transition, so she could get the kill with a sharp cross swing.
Isabella Burk- When I saw this setter only stood at 5’2, I could not believe it because Isabella Burk plays so fiercely and looks like she owns the court when she steps onto it. Burk is constantly flying around and getting her feet to the ball, so she can hand set from every angle which severely helps the offense in every way. 13 year olds normally are growing into their bodies, but Burk looks like she has her heart, mind, and body all figured out. I’d want Burk leading my offense too.
Heidi Green- The libero for this stud 13s team has amazing ball control for her age and proves to be one of the best in her class. I was truly impressed with the dig control she displays and the pride she takes in every rep. Most young athletes can’t repeatedly perform the easy plays perfectly, but Green exhibits great promise to pass at a high-level because of her consistency and discipline. Whether in middle back running down a ball or passing two-thirds of the court in serve receive, she’s going to find the ball and dime that pass perfectly.
Johanna Snyder- The last player I want to acknowledge is Johanna Snyder who is a 5″10 middle hitter. I first watched Johanna playing beach volleyball and was instantly impressed with the body control she had in the sand. It was no surprise to me when I saw her running and killing slides in the middle position as just a 13 year old. Johanna is a very focused player which is great as a middle because she never keeps her eye off the hitters and always closes the block. With her knowledge in sand, who knows how good this kid could be!
In conclusion, I decided to ask one of their coaches, Alexandra Sealy, what is so special about this team, and she had a lot to say on the subject.
“13 REN is a special group of girls because of their commitment to their growth of the game and their true bond on and off the court. They exemplify what hard work, intensity, and effort mean. Anyone can watch them, feel their court energy and want to be cheering them on. This team, as they move through the age groups will continue to make noise in the volleyball community.”
Alliance 13 REN has made a mark in the state of Tennessee, and their story deserved to be shared. Below you can find a list of their tournament finishes and full roster. You may want to remember the names of these girls because I promise you’ll hear them for years to come.
- 2nd place in 14 Girls at Block N Roll in Nashville, TN
- 2nd place in OPEN at St. Louis President’s Day in St. Louis, MO
- 3rd place in OPEN at Bluegrass in Louisville, KY
- 3rd place in USA at MEQ (Bid #1) in Indianapolis, IN
- 5th place in OPEN at Big South in Atlanta, GA
- 1st place in National at Regionals in Atlanta, GA (Bid #2)
- 3rd place in 14 Girls at Mid South Mayhem in Nashville, TN
- 1st in OPEN at Southern Exposure in Atlanta, GA
- 3rd place in National at Girls Junior National Championship in Indianapolis, IN
Alliance 13 REN: Laura Burk (Head Coach), Richard Burley (Assistant Coach), Alexandra Sealy (Head Coach), Heidi Green (#1), Millie Swift (#2), Isabella Burk (#3), Charlie McDaniel (#7), Jentelle McNairl (#8), Anarela Meijas (#9), Johanna Snyder (#12), Ashlyn Martin (#13), Kamryn Knox (#14), Lauren Smith (#18), Lauryn Smith (#27)