More 2022 Prospects –this time from Nebraska Juniors
Ital Lopuyo | 6’7 Middle | Omaha Central | Highlights – Ital may not have been on many people’s radars a year ago, but her stock has risen quickly. At 6’7, Ital is a threat in the middle and on…
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Continue ReadingItal Lopuyo | 6’7 Middle | Omaha Central | Highlights
– Ital may not have been on many people’s radars a year ago, but her stock has risen quickly. At 6’7, Ital is a threat in the middle and on the right. She has learned to play at a height that many teams will have a tough time defending. Look for her attacking and blocking to improve as she gets more experience in high level matches…Coach Coomes
What are you looking for in a college? When looking at colleges things that factor in are the location of the school, the school’s reputation, conference of play, and the ability to see myself attending this school and enjoying my experience.
Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE | 6’ S/RS | Papio South | Highlights
– Ava may be one of the most versatile players at Nebraska Juniors (as evidenced by her performance in last year’s state championship match). She runs a smart offense as a setter, but holds her own as an attacker and defender. While she’s solid across the board, her most underrated skill might be her blocking. She breaks the stereotype that setters can’t block… Coach Coomes
What are your top things you are looking for in a college? Competitive school, great coaching staff, good dorm rooms, fun people to play with, great strength/conditioning program, having a history of making it to the tournament and a big school in or near a big city.
What sets you apart from other recruits/prospects? When you think of setters you don’t really think of them blocking, but I would say I am good blocker and I love the feeling of blocking someone. I have also had experience in every position at a pretty high level. I will do whatever a coach needs and try my best at it.
What do you want to study? I want to study business and go into Real Estate.
Where are you in the process? I do have one offer from before the rule change, and I went to a couple camps this past summer that I think really moved the process along for me. It is tough to say whether some schools are interested or not just because they might view your profile and maybe even send you a camp invite but they can’t tell you if they are or aren’t interested.
What was your first success in volleyball? How did it shape your volleyball path? I have been on the volleyball court since I was born. My mom was coaching and I have watched my sisters play my whole life. I loved to get in any playing time I could if they would let me.
Brenna Schmidt Brenna Schmidt 6'4" | MB Elmwood-Murdock | 2022 State NE | Elmwood Murdock | 6’5″ | Middle | Highlights
Brenna is another half of Nebraska Juniors 16 Black that is hard to miss. Brenna has worked hard in the weight room and grown into her 6’5 frame this past year. She’s stronger and has improved in nearly every facet of the game. She is a natural blocker and reads the game very well.
Harlei Cole Harlei Cole 5'6" | DS/L Papillion-La Vista South | 2022 State NE | Papio South | Libero/DS/OH | Highlights
Harlei plays a very versatile role for Nebraska Juniors 16 Black, but she plays it well. Even though most would consider her an undersized outside, she doesn’t back away from her opportunities to attack and block as a 6 rotation outside. Outside of that, Harlei can pass and defend just as well as many liberos around.
What are you looking for most in a college? Available majors, athletic programs/school activities and spirit, and location.
What sets you apart from other recruits/prospects? I’m a very versatile player. I have played every position since my first club season from middle –to outside –to strictly back row I’m a well-rounded player . Whatever position I’m playing I set goals for myself . Setting goals helps me to succeed mentally and physically.
How important is location and level of play? Location and level of play are in my top 3 important things in deciding how to choose a school. Overall academics is my first priority. My dream would be to play at a in-state school that offers my major and has a great athletic program.
What do you want to study? I’ve always thought being a gang unit officer / S.W.A.T officer would be fun. In the last year or so I’ve thought more about a career as an ICU Nurse or nurse anesthetist. Undecided– but I know wherever I go to school I want to be able to play volleyball.
Harlei helped her high school team win a state championship and also plays varsity tennis.
Favorite volleyball quote
Winning is not a sometime thing; it’s an all -time thing . You don’t win once in a while , you don’t do things right once in a while – you do them right all the time . Winning is a habit . Unfortunately so is losing . – vince Lombardi
What was your first success in volleyball? How did it shape your volleyball path? Mental toughness has been a personal success for me . There have been many mental and physical lessons I’ve learned on and off the court . I’ve learned to keep working hard and to get back up every time I fell. Learning how to deal with failure, criticism & doubting myself. It has all shaped me into being a leader on the court.
Presley Liberty Presley Liberty 5'6" | DS/L Bellevue West | 2022 State NE – Presley is the definition of a gym rat. She makes the most of every rep in the gym and gives herself the opportunities to get as many reps as possible. For Nebraska Juniors 16 Black, she acted as the back court leader. She was a key piece of a steady passing core and she defends really well. As a talented beach player, Presley has gained great touch and ball handles as a passer and out of system setter.
Katelynn Oxley– Katelynn is one of the most natural blockers in the gym at Nebraska Juniors. She makes solid blocking moves to both pins and reads the game with patience. At 6’3, she is becoming an increasingly more aggressive attacker, both in front of, and behind the setter.
What are you looking for most in a college? I want to have a great education, strong athletic support, and a supportive team.
What sets you apart from other recruits/prospects? I am a team player that gets along with others, with a positive mentality, and a strong work ethic.
How important is location and level of play? I have not decided on location and would love to play at a competitive level. I also have not decided on my area of study, but once decided I would prefer to have the best of both worlds.
Where are you in the process? I have had a few colleges take interest in me.
What was your first success in volleyball? Ending my volleyball season with the most blocks and kills. It has shaped my career in which I now know I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to.
Jayna Hope Jayna Hope 5'6" | S Bellevue West | 2022 State NE | Bellevue West | S | Highlights
– Jayna took over a setting role for Nebraska Juniors 16 Black this year and ran a poised offense. She’s quick and has a good feel for the game. Besides her skills as a setter, she defends in right back really well, and does a nice job setting up a block as a right front blocker.
What are you looking for most in a college? I’m looking for solid place where I can play volleyball and also call home. I’m looking forward to making new friendships and traveling to other schools and experience what it’s like to play against and with big schools.
What sets you apart from other recruits/prospects? I think what sets me apart from most recruits is that I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help my team. I changed positions from DS to setter this past high school season so my team could be successful.
How important is location and level of play? Honestly, I’m looking to go anywhere that I think I would fit in, location and level of play is just a plus. If the program is great and I think I would love the school and they don’t have my major then I would probably be looking for a very close second to that major.
Where are you in the process? As of right now, I’ve had no offers but I have been in touch with a school around my area. I’ve been sending emails of my film to many colleges around the country as well.
What was your first success in volleyball? Something that I’ve been very proud of was switching my position. Like I mentioned before I switched from DS to setter for my high school team and I’m very happy I did so. I began to be more confident and actually started seeing a future in volleyball for myself.