Club Team Spotlight: NW Elite 18 Gold
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NW Elite 18 Gold has had a very successful and competitive season thus far. With a 9-7 record, the team has shot up to #4 in the 18U division, not including teams competing in the Open division. They have put…
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Continue ReadingNW Elite 18 Gold has had a very successful and competitive season thus far. With a 9-7 record, the team has shot up to #4 in the 18U division, not including teams competing in the Open division. They have put themselves in an impressive position heading into Regionals, with the opportunity to compete against some very high-level teams. In contrast, last season’s NW 18 Gold team finished #40 in the Region. So to move up 36 spots speaks to the work the athletes and coaches put in this season. Leading the team is Nathan Blankenship, who has been with NW Elite for 6 seasons. He took over the Clackamas High School program recently, previously coaching at Wilsonville High School, where he won NW Conference Coach of the Year two times.
Emma Alewine
Emma Alewine
Alewine is back in a NW Elite jersey for her final club season after playing for Volleyball Alliance last year. She is a physical middle blocker with a hammer of an arm when she connects with the ball. She is quick in transition, making herself readily available for her setters. Alewine is an athlete that has shown a lot of continued improvement and growth in her past couple of seasons and would be a great addition to a collegiate program!
Brumitt is new to NW Elite this season, previously playing for Athena, and has made an immediate and lasting impact. Already committed to play sand (and potentially walk-on for court) for St. Mary’s College of California, she joins the team with a high level of play under her belt. A true six-rotation outside hitter, she is reliable in all aspects of her game. Shouldering a significant offensive load, she is able to obliterate the ball down the line or cross-court. Her sand knowledge translates well to the court as she sees holes in opponents’ defense to create point-scoring opportunities for herself.
Kali Dransfeldt
Kali Dransfeldt
Dransfeldt is a well-rounded six-rotation pin hitter. She recently committed to Northwest University to play sand. This sand experience translates well to the court because although a bit undersized, standing at 5’7”, she has an impressive vertical jump and good court vision. She displays solid, controlled defense and serve receive as well.
Alana Keepes
Alana Keepes
Keepes is a returning athlete to the NW Elite 18 Gold team. A talented defensive specialist/libero, she has been splitting libero duties with Carlie Lewis this season. She is calm and consistent across the back row. She brings a tough jump float serve to the service line that garners lots of service aces and disruptions.
Knight is an athletic setter. She showcases a lot of natural talent in her setting capabilities, with a beautiful touch on the ball and athletic feet. Standing at 5’10”, she can easily set across the front row, or step in to attack the ball. She is a talented attacker with a quick arm. Knight has a lot of potential and is definitely a setter to keep your eyes on.
Highlights
Molly McCoy
Molly McCoy
McCoy typically splits setting duties opposite Lilly Dawn Knight Lilly Dawn Knight 5’11” | S Barlow | 2024 State OR . She displays solid decision-making skills, knowing who to set when which allows lots of one on one opportunities for attackers. With a soft touch on the ball and athletic footwork, she has been a key aspect of the teams success this season. She recently committed to play for Mt. Hood Community College.