Top Uncommitted Athletes At The Girls Winter Championships 18s Qualifier in Chicago
Over the past couple of years I have had the privilege of being able to cover athletes across multiple states. The players listed below I have seen play live…multiple times. Whether it’s a high school gym in Southwest Minnesota or…
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Continue ReadingOver the past couple of years I have had the privilege of being able to cover athletes across multiple states. The players listed below I have seen play live…multiple times. Whether it’s a high school gym in Southwest Minnesota or a conference match in Northeast Wisconsin, volleyball is the same game and the same intangibles apply when looking at athletes to compete at the next level. The Chicago Championships will have plenty of committed athletes playing at the 18s level, but there are also plenty of athletes who are still available from the Class of 2020 and 2021 who would be a great pick up. Here are a few to keep tabs on.
Lizzie Binder – FC Elite 18-Elite (WI)
Class of 2021
Binder is one of the top available athletes out of the Class of 2021 in Wisconsin. Well trained, high IQ, and the versatility to contribute in a variety of ways, Binder is a positive contributor on either pin as well as someone who can serve receive. With her all-around ability along with being accustomed to swinging out of the right side, she always brings an attack from the backcourt to score points as well.
Emily Larson – Milwaukee Sting 18 Black (WI)
WillerClass of 2020
Just steady. Larson is in the right spot at the right time, makes routine plays, and is just solid and dependable. She recently won a state title with Arrowhead in Wisconsin’s biggest class and has always been a little under the radar. Not anymore, she is one to watch and take note of this season to really build momentum into the next level.
Linnea Willer – FC Elite 18-Elite (WI)
Class of 2021
Willer is high character, high academic, and one of those athletes you want to have be part of your gym culture. A big swing from the outside, Willer brings a blend of power and efficiency to her game knowing when to go for the big swing or when to roll for a point over the block. Willer not only exceeds on the volleyball court, but has competed at the state tournament for basketball and has earned state honors as a musician as well.
Emma Powell – Iowa Select 18 Mizuno (IA)
PowellClass of 2020
Powell is a high flying pin for Iowa Select 18 Mizuno who will have a team that is scrappy all around. Six rotations, dynamic, and the ability to score points, Powell was a key member in leading her high school team to history by qualifying for the Class 4A State Tournament in Iowa.
Sophie Jesewitz – M1 17-1 (MN)
Class of 2021
Jesewitz is a 6’4 pin that is continuing to develop an all-around game. She has previously played for MN Select and now will be a key piece for M1 who has some new athletes that are going to make a major statement in the 17s club world. The high touch of Jesewitz, combined with her ability to play in the backrow makes her a great pick up at the next level.
Kate Long – MN Select 18-2 (MN)
Class of 2020
Whoever is able to get Long at this stage of the game is definitely landing on a gold mine. She knows how to win, she can score points, and she definitely has a vibe of positive energy on the court. She has been part of successful high school and club programs her whole career.
Hannah Polk – MN Select 18-2 (MN)
Class of 2020
I saw Polk play at a high school tournament early in the year in Southwest Minnesota, she would then go on to lead her high school team to multiple upsets throughout the year as a setter, connecting extremely well with her middles. She has grit, she has fight, and she has skill to go with it that would make for a great setter at the next level where you know you can depend on her to be solid and consistent.
Prior to last nights victory over SLP, Senior setter Hannah Polk was recognized for reaching a career milestone of 1,000 assists, achieved in the final match of the 2018 season. Congrats Hannah! #soarhawks pic.twitter.com/MhlGrfiAA8
— Chaska Volleyball (@Chaska_vb) September 18, 2019
Kirsten Anderson – Capital 18 Adidas (WI)
Class of 2020
Anderon’s improvement over the past year has been special. She was a major contributor for Sun Prairie’s run back to the Wisconsin State Tournament and she is extremely quick and athletic out of the middle. With an approach touch nearing ten feet, Anderson has a knack for blocking with her timing as well as her ability to get up quickly to get her hands over the net.
Liz Pierce – Club Ignit Select 18 Blue (IA)
Class of 2020
Pierce is a great athlete that can take control of the show. She will be teaming up with Olivia Curry, an Omaha commit who can also set and hit for Club Ignit Select . Pierce isn’t afraid to be offensive and physical at the net. She will have plenty of options to set to as well with a really athletic group out of the Des Moines area.
Abbey Griffin – Club Ignit Select 18 Blue (IA)
Griffin first jumped to my attention when she was actually on the bench at a tournament in Omaha. I was on the baseline and she was so engaged with the court, calling out hitters, where the libero was, and what was open. Details matter, and Griffin is the type who can play out of the middle or blast on the outside. Really strong and aggressive, she will be really key in being able to score points this weekend.