Intriguing Recruits – 2024 Swiss Army Knife Athletes
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There are a variety of athletes that I know will have an intriguing recruiting process. They have a dynamic skill set and will absolutely be a key contributor at the next level. However, how will that look like for these…
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Continue ReadingThere are a variety of athletes that I know will have an intriguing recruiting process. They have a dynamic skill set and will absolutely be a key contributor at the next level. However, how will that look like for these athletes? They can play multiple positions and a really high level, all around players.
I stay out of the recruiting process, I know that is a very personal journey, but we are always excited to celebrate a commitment when athletes find their fit.
Emerson Van Lannen Emerson Van Lannen 5'10" | S Appleton North | 2024 State #144 Nation WI – FC Elite – Appleton North (WI)
Van Lannen had a huge national tournament where she was a key piece to the FC Elite 16 Navy National Division title team, earning all-tournament honors. What makes her game different is how she can run the show as a setter, but is also a highly effective attacker where she can swing from either pin. Van Lannen ended the high school season running a 5-1 for Appleton North, she could do that again with their lineup full of attackers, but she could also swing. That could be the same at the next level. She most likely will be a setter at the next level, but it’s always nice to be able to bring a dynamic skill set to any gym.
Sophie Ledbetter Sophie Ledbetter 5'9" | DS/L Hamilton Southeastern | 2024 State IN – Academy – Hamilton Southeastern (IN)
I have seen this Academy group play since they were 15, they have developed into a really strong team that will produce plenty of college athletes. Ledbetter is an electric pin who can score a lot of points, but what makes her skillset different is how effective she is in the backrow. I don’t think I’ve seen her have an “off day” when it comes to her passing. She is automatic in serve receive and could be a sneaky pick up for a big program as a DS/L. With her background as an outside, she could provide a swing out of the backrow to go along with her crisp ball control.
Audrey Kocon Audrey Kocon 6'2" | S Mounds View | 2024 State #171 Nation MN – Northern Lights – Mounds View (MN)
I think I have seen Kocon play every position for Northern Lights. The 6’0 lefty was running a 6-2 for Lights, but when she played at the Gauntlet over Memorial Day with a short handed Northern Lights team she played middle, right side, setter, and a little bit of right back and middle back. She is an all around player with a great feel for the game and contributes in multiple ways for her team. Does she run a 5-1 and become an offensive setter, does she swing on the right side? Either way, she is one who continuously provides positive touches for her side of the net.
Jadyn Petersen Jadyn Petersen 5'9" | OH Dike-New Hartford | 2024 State #195 Nation IA and Payton Petersen Payton Petersen 6'0" | OH Dike-New Hartford | 2024 State #55 Nation IA – Six Pack – Dike-New Hartford (IA)
This is a story for another day, but I would be very curious to know how to works to recruit your daughter. Northern Iowa Head Coach, Bobbi Petersen has two high level daughters with her twins Jadyn and Payton. This isn’t the first time this family has been through this process when the older twins, Baylee and Sydney. Baylee committed to UNI as an outside hitter/defensive specialist while Sydney went to play at Texas as a libero/DS, but will be finishing at UNI this season as a grad transfer. Payton is the top prospect in the Class of 2024 in Iowa where she is a dominant outside hitter, but could she play as a libero as well? Jadyn is a solid L2 where she is really solid in the back row. Does she look to play the libero at the next level? So many options for these solid athletes who have already won two state volleyball and two state basketball titles.
Gabrielle Wire Gabrielle Wire 5'10" | OH Crystal Lake South | 2024 State IL – Mission – Crystal Lake South
Wire has been an electric athlete for Mission 16 Elite this past season. She is explosive on the outside where she can score points, but is also a key passer and point scorer from the backrow. Wire is also a beach player which with more programs adding beach that could be an option for her. Wire has plenty of shots and power, but will her future at the next level be as a DS/libero. Either way, she definitely has options. Another athlete she played club with this past season is swiss army knife player Alivia Keegan. She is a setter/attack and has such a great feel for the game.