Gateway League Bid Event Weekend Top 14U Setters/ Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the Gateway League Bid Weekend unfolds, attention is drawn to the exceptional young athletes in the 14U division. Throughout the weekend, standout athletes will showcase their impressive skills, volleyball IQ, and teamwork. From precise setters orchestrating plays to agile defenders excelling in court coverage, these rising stars are making significant strides and paving the way for future success in the sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Anna Burns - HPSTL 14 Royal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anna has been immersed in volleyball her entire life, as evidenced by her confident on-court demeanor and high volleyball IQ. She excels at positioning her hitters for scoring opportunities, delivering precise sets to the pins, and contributing defensively. Whether running a solo show or collaborating in a 6-2 formation, Anna consistently demonstrates her versatility and leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Avery Kleekamp – HPSTL 14 Royal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the second half of the dynamic 6-2 duo for HPSTL 14 Royal, Avery seamlessly maintains the flow of the offense. Known for her quick decision-making, she expertly reads the opposing defenders to create one-on-one opportunities for her hitters. Both setters are capable of leading the team independently, but their combined efforts in the 6-2 formation have proven to be highly effective for the top team in the Gateway 14 division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='909880' first='Frankie' last='Vonderahe'] – HPSTL 14 Royal</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frankie shone brightly during the Gateway League's first weekend, earning recognition among the top defenders. Quick to the ball and adept at reading opponents, she positions herself strategically to cover the court effectively. Her strong passing platform allows her to maintain consistent defensive play, making her a crucial asset to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emry Mudd – Rockwood 14 Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Emry stands out as a versatile defender who excels in both libero and defensive specialist roles. With her quick reflexes and keen ability to read hitters, she consistently positions herself well for defensive plays. Emry's solid passing skills and strong platform make her a valuable contributor on the court, whether she's starting or coming off the bench.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Celia Wunderlich – Rockwood 14 Elite</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Celia is a skilled libero and defensive specialist with a deep understanding of the game. Her quick reflexes enable her to respond effectively to fast-paced plays. Whether adapting to the libero position or fulfilling her role as a defensive specialist, Celia brings a strategic edge to her team's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Callie Warner – [program_tooltip program_id='428760' first='Core' last='STL'] 14 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Callie is instrumental in [program_tooltip program_id='428760' first='Core' last='STL']'s strong season, excelling at involving all her hitters in the game. A player with high volleyball IQ, she showcases soft hands and delivers strong pushes to the pins. With solid height for blocking and a consistent serve, Callie is a reliable presence on the court, rarely leaving the action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Callie Greco – [program_tooltip program_id='428760' first='Core' last='STL'] 14 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing middle back defense, Callie covers the court with ease, demonstrating a strong platform and impressive game knowledge for her age. Her hardworking attitude not only enhances her performance but also elevates those around her, making her a key player in her team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brynlee Burris – HPSTL 14 South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brynlee brings remarkable versatility to the court, excelling in both defensive and offensive roles. As a quick setter with strong hands and extensive volleyball knowledge, she orchestrates the offense flawlessly, proving to be a vital asset to her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kate Covington – [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'] 14 Navy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kate is a standout libero who excels in preparing the offense and positioning herself effectively on defense. She skillfully handles the second ball, delivering perfect sets to her pin hitters. With strong coverage and solid passing skills, Kate consistently contributes to her team's overall performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->