The Class of 2022 has taken a hard hit in recruiting by the cancelling of basically the club season. They were put on hold last May for recruiting and were planning on using this club season to impress/show off their…
The Class of 2022 has taken a hard hit in recruiting by the cancelling of basically the club season. They were put on hold last May for recruiting and were planning on using this club season to impress/show off their skills for college recruiters at qualifiers. They will be able to actually talk to schools June 15th and I know many are waiting (not so patiently) for that date to arrive. Guessing will be some virtual tours going on. :). Let’s take a look at some top recruits for VCN 16 Elite.
Karsen is a go-getter and one of the fastest kids in the gym. Her speed allows her to make some incredible saves and is a standout Libro in her class.. Coach Mader
What are you looking for in a college? First, I am looking for a college that has a strong biology program that will prepare me to continue on to medical school with the goal of becoming a radiologist. Second, I am looking for a college with a competitive volleyball culture that focuses on player development. Third, location is important to me. I would like to find a good fit in the midwest so I can stay close to my family and so they can come to my games.
What sets you apart from other student athletes? I would say my strong leadership and work ethic on and off the court would set me apart. I hold myself to really high standards in the classroom, which has resulted in maintaining a GPA of 3.9 and recently being selected the Waverly High School chapter of National Honor Society. I also expect a lot from myself on the court. I set aggressive goals for myself and my team and stay focused on those until they are achieved. I am vocal in the gym and feel like my communication is a differentiator. I have experience playing all three back row positions, so I am an agile player that can adjust quickly. Finally, I am able to balance my education, a demanding volleyball schedule, and a part time job, which has helped me become a more focused athlete and a versatile player.
What about location? School, my major, my grades and my family will always come first. I think if the school I was interested in for volleyball didn’t have my major I would decide to take the next best volleyball program where I can pursue my desired major. I am trying to keep my options open on level of play and location, but hope to play at the most competitive level possible. I would like to stay within a 5-hour radius of home.
Where are you in the recruiting process? I have been emailing coaches sharing my highlight reels and other game film and making sure they had my tournament schedules. Some schools, however, cannot respond to me until next month. I have been communicating with a few NAIA and division 3 schools. I had an aggressive summer camp schedule planned to help me get to know more schools and coaches, however, many of these camps have been canceled.
Other sports? In addition to volleyball, I still play select softball and compete for Prodigy Easton Elite as a pitcher and outfielder. Softball helps with my agility on the volleyball court and is a sport that has introduced me to some of my best friends and teammates.
First volleyball success? The earliest success that I can remember is trying out for my first club volleyball team and the club director asked me to play up in the back row on a team that was three years older than me. That was when I realized that this sport would play a major role in my athletic career. I enjoy the back row because I can use my speed, agility, and ability to read the other team to help make plays for my team.
Regan has come into her own as an offensive threat in front and behind the setter. She has great blocking fundamentals that will take her far as a middle. Also watch out for her hybrid serve. One of our best rotations is with her at the service line…. Coach Mader
Shayla’s athletic ability allows her to be an offensive threat at all times. As her ball control skills improve we see her as one of top 6 rotation player in her class… Coach Mader
What are you looking for in a college? What I am most looking for in a college would be the team atmosphere, coaching staff, academics, and I would prefer mostly smaller class sizes because that’s how I learn best.
What sets you apart from other recruits? I think something that sets me apart from other recruits is that aside from volleyball, I play basketball and compete in track. I have played at the varsity level in all three since freshmen year.
How important is location for a college? For me, location and level of play is a big factor in deciding what college I want to attend. It would be ideal to stay in the Midwest area and be part of a successful program. If the college I love doesn’t have my intended major I would have many conversations with coaches and others to find the best possible solution.
What do you want to study? I would like to study sports psychology.
Where are you in the recruiting process? Before the NCAA rules changed I had conversations with a couple coaches, but no offers. Since then, I have received and sent emails to many colleges I am interested in attending and am looking forward to June 15th!
What was one of your first volleyball successes? One of my first successes in volleyball would be helping my team get to the state tournament my freshmen year, It was so exciting to be competing at a higher level and playing in front of our fans, I knew this is what I want to be doing in college.
Jordana (Jordie) Nekl | Lakeview High School | OH/L | Highlights
Jordie hits in high school and is a great all-around player. Her experience as an attacker has translated to her reading the game extremely well on the other end as a Libro…. Coach Mader
What are you looking for most in a college? I am looking for a great team atmosphere and awesome coaches. I obviously want a good education too but I want my volleyball team to be my second family!
What sets you apart from other recruits? I think something that sets me apart from other recruits is that I have really great energy on the court that really brings everyone together.
How important is location and level of play? If a school doesn’t have your major but the volleyball program is a great fit, how will you decide? For me the location isn’t that important, I am open to go anywhere for college. I am interested in playing D1, D2, and NAIA volleyball. Being a sophomore, I still have a couple of options for my major but education is very important to me so the college wouldn’t be a great fit unless they have the major I am wanting to go into.
What do you want to study?I want to be either a veterinarian or an athletic trainer.
Where are you in the process? I am just kinda starting to get into the process. I have been contacting many colleges that interest me but only some can respond as of right now because of my age and new rules in place. I don’t have any offers yet.
Next school year, 2020-2021, I will be transferring/attending Lakeview High School in Columbus, Nebraska.
What was your first success in volleyball? How did it shape your volleyball path? I started playing volleyball when I was very little so I don’t exactly remember my first success, but one that is very memorable to me is my 7th grade year. My teammates and I made it to the conference championship and we won in 3 sets! I think this game made me realize that college volleyball is something that I want to pursue and I will have to keep putting in the work in order to get there.
Karli Is a great teammate and competitor. It is rare to have a setter that plays defense and blocks as well as her. As her setting matures we are excited to see her speed up her tempo and continue to expand her great setter attack skills.