Class of 2023 Makes Major Statement At Top 250
With athletes from the Class of 2020-2023 involved in the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo at TVA in La Vista, there were plenty looking to make statements. For some it was hoping to catch the eye of college coaches, others…
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Continue ReadingWith athletes from the Class of 2020-2023 involved in the Prep Dig Top 250 Expo at TVA in La Vista, there were plenty looking to make statements. For some it was hoping to catch the eye of college coaches, others it may have been some extra touches to get ready for the club season, and others a mixture of both to get on the radar. One major statement was from the Class of 2023. These athletes came in with plenty of energy, communication, athleticism, and overall skill.
Communication
The Class of 2023 (which the year 2023 still seems decades away) would be the Freshman class, with most of them competing at the 15s level for this upcoming club season. Many of these players have not been on the same side of the net together, but that didn’t stop them from frequently communicating with each other where it was a 3 on 3 queens game or a full six on six scrimmage setting. Clapping with encouragement to get after a ball, calling out sets, and obvious celebration for the great plays.
Overall Skill
I’ve noticed this throughout my interaction with Nebraska volleyball the past couple years (I cover Wisconsin and Iowa extensively), is the athletes are so well rounded and trained in a variety of skills and positions. The competition drills the expo starts with lead to long rallies because for the majority of athletes, they are able to ball control, set, and everyone knows how to approach like a true attacker. I love it. Even though they come from different clubs and high school programs, they collectively have a strong sense of the game and the skills needed to be successful.
Grit
This is something that is really hard to train – can you? These athletes had it. They were laying out for balls out of reach just to get that extra touch, the competed, and flat out got after it. This wasn’t only apparent in the drills, but at the event going from station to station, they ran – and ran hard. Again, a testament to the athletes and the standard set among clubs and programs across the state.
A Few Individuals To Note
Again, after covering the high school season for Wisconsin and Iowa I came into this event only knowing the athletes’ number and shirt color – no idea where they played high school or club. Was refreshing to watch and just make notes on the overall play and effort from the athletes.
Anna Weberg – Skutt Catholic – Nebraska Premier
The court sense – amazing. A DS/L who can set as well, was slicing and dicing in the competition drills where she found the open spot, the opposing side out of position. Well trained, high IQ, and really solid defensively, Weberg will play for Premier 15 Black this club season. Athletes like this are fun to watch and even better to have on your side of the net.
Ivy Leuck Ivy Leuck 5'8" | S Skutt Catholic | 2023 State NE – Skutt Catholic – Nebraska Premier
Watching the competition drills, I would have pegged Leuck as an outside hitter. She plays great defense, swings aggressively, and sees the court extremely well. Once athletes broke out to positionals, she went with the setters and wow – great hands and the ability to connect with her attackers. First and foremost a really solid athlete and volleyball player and even a bigger bonus is her ability to set.
Evan Glade Evan Glade 5'11" | OH Millard West | 2023 State NE – Grand Island Central Catholic – Nebraska Juniors
Long, athletic, and the makings of being an electric pin. Glade has the foundation to really be a threat for years to come as a six rotation pin. She can serve, defend, and isn’t afraid to aggressively swing and find a way to score points. Besides her athleticism and overall ability, she hustles from court to court, encourages other athletes on the court, and will be a treat for Nebraska volleyball fans to watch the next three years of her high school career.
Kaelyn Andersen – Elkhorn – Nebraska Elite
Court presence is so big for defensive specialists/liberos. Andersen has it. Cool, calm, collected, Andersen moves extremely well going from base to release very quickly as well as being solid in serve receive. Overall, the libero group throughout the whole group was very impressive!