Prez Day StL Athletes Under The Radar: 17 Open

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With next weekend being the biggest club volleyball weekend in the country, our focus will be on the Saint Louis edition of the annual President's Day tournament pilgrimage to convention centers everywhere. Here are six athletes from three clubs flying under the radar and looking to make waves next weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evansville United U17-Black</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>EU has slowly but surely become a force in southwestern Indiana. With three Division 1 commitments already on this squad, this year is no different. If anything, this roster needs MORE attention because of the high level of play already in the practice gym. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='272388' first='Emma' last='Bruggenschmidt'] ('26, 6-0 OH, Castle)</strong> is a big and physical outside that can play both pins with strength and has the size to go after any block put in front of her. Her volleyball IQ is also quite high---playing up a year looks natural to this young lady. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='509052' first='Caroline' last='Kenworthy'] ('25, 5-7, DS/L, Castle)</strong> wears the special jersey with pride. Fast feet, a strong base and a quiet platform make her an ideal choice for recruiting a high-level libero.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Metro VBC 17 Pink</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The "other" club in the Evansville area is anything but "other". Metro has its fair share of size and skill, starting with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='192101' first='Halle' last='McDurmon'] ('25, 6-0 MB/RS, Mater Dei).</strong> Big and strong, Halle can adjust to any tempo set in the middle, take up space on the block, and hit all angles to score points for her team. Her long arms and high attack point make her very hard to block. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='184909' first='Kaitlyn' last='Oakley'] ('25, 6-0 RS/MB, North Posey)</strong> plays a ton of middle for this team, but has the footwork to be an exceptional right side at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Summit 17Blue Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the other end of the state, this Fort Wayne-area squad pulls from all types of different skill sets. Athletic for days, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227184' first='Bailey' last='Sinish'] ('26, 5-11 OH, Carroll)</strong> owns both the single-match kill record (28) AND the high jump record (5'8") at her school. Her springy abilities and natural athleticism are traits that allow her to points regularly, and can easily take over a match if you let her. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='216341' first='Keira' last='Dommer'] ('26, 5-9 S, Concordia Lutheran)</strong> is a scrappy and tough setter that gets to every ball, both in- and out-of-system, and makes them all hittable for her teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->