Western Wisconsin Athletes Finding Big Success With Minnesota Clubs
With the Twin Cities Metro being a healthy buffet of club volleyball option, Western Wisconsin athletes have had the opportunity to take advantage and Kokoro and MN Select. This experience playing club has turned into success at the high school…
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Continue ReadingWith the Twin Cities Metro being a healthy buffet of club volleyball option, Western Wisconsin athletes have had the opportunity to take advantage and Kokoro and MN Select. This experience playing club has turned into success at the high school level individually and for teams heading to the state tournament, especially River Falls High School, who will be one of the top teams in contention for a Division 1 state title this fall. Here are a few players heading across the Mississippi to play their club ball and are having a big week at AAU Nationals.
Haley Graetz and Dani Lien – Kokoro 15-1 – River Falls High School
Graetz and Lien are consistent point scorers on the pin, however for Graetz its been a little bit of a transition. Graetz is accustomed to playing middle the past couple years and was a starting middle for River Falls High School last Fall when they played in the state tournament. Her future may be on the pin where she is a really dynamic athlete. This makes her a swiss army knife so to speak for the Wildcats this fall. Lien is an athletic six rotation pin who can swing on the left or right side.
Maddi Kealy and Emily Banitt – Kokoro 17-1 – River Falls High School
Kealy to Banitt has been quite the combo for River Falls High School and for Kokoro as well. Both will be entering their Senior year along with Halle Olson who is playing for MN Select. Kealy is committed to Minnesota-Duluth, where Banitt is committed to Loyola-Chicago. Kokoro is guaranteed a top ten finish in the championship bracket at 17 Open at AAU Nationals with Kealy and Banitt being a major part of that success.
Makenna Hollman – Kokoro 17-1 – Osceola High School
Hollman has had a breakout year playing for Kokoro 17-1 where she has been the second middle behind Maddie Whittingon who is committed to Illinois. Hollman is incredibly efficient knowing what shots to hit based on what the defense gives her. Zone four open for a tip? No problem. Corners open for a deep shot, got that one too. She is hanging with the big dogs and going beyond being just a blocking middle, but also incredibly offensive when called upon.
Abby Denucci – Kokoro 17-1 – New Richmond
Denucci is one of the liberos for Kokoro 17-1 which sometimes they will run a double libero system where either one can go in (not at the same time). Denucci will be a Senior at New Richmond High School where at Kokoro she provides a really solid first contact to get their high powered offense in system.
Halle Olson – MN Select 17-1 – River Falls High School
Olson is committed to Florida Atlantic and is an uber athletic outside where she can do a little bit of everything. She has been one of the main pin hitters for MN Select which along with Kokoro and Northern Lights is one of the top clubs in Minnesota. The offensive firepower is a guarantee, but Olson’s defense out of middle back has been a big addition to her game. Although, it still is fun to watch her approach and just rip.