Nebraska Recruiting Spotlight for the Class of 2022: Outside Hitters
June 15th is a date that weighs heavily on the minds of prospective student-athletes and their families. A recruiting whirlwind is set to begin, as coaches will soon be allowed to establish (or re-establish) communication with prospects from the Class…
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Continue ReadingJune 15th is a date that weighs heavily on the minds of prospective student-athletes and their families. A recruiting whirlwind is set to begin, as coaches will soon be allowed to establish (or re-establish) communication with prospects from the Class of 2022. This communication becomes even more vital as the D1 dead period has been extended to July 31st, thereby prohibiting camps and in-person contact.
With that in mind, I thought it would be timely to put together a comprehensive recruiting guide on some athletes who ought to be receiving calls in a few short days. Call this a “big board”, if you’d like.
We’ll start with outside hitters today. Throughout this series, I’ll frequently reflect on things I’ve said in past articles regarding these athletes. By referencing other articles, as well as offering some fresh perspectives, I hope to create a complete picture of what these talented players have to offer. It’s time to kickstart the new era of recruiting.
Let’s get started.
Shaylee Myers Shaylee Myers 6'0" | OH Lincoln Southwest | 2022 State #199 Nation NE – 6’0 OH – Lincoln Southwest – Premier 16 Gold
Allow me to revisit the Uncommitted Tall Talents of 2022, where Myers occupies the title photo. I took note of her “floor-denting kills” and “all-around game” that would surely translate well to the next level. Premier has a history of producing great outside hitter talent, and Myers is no exception. She remains one of the most promising young prospects in the state capital.
Maddie MacTaggart Maddie MacTaggart 5'10" | OH Millard South | 2022 State NE – 5’10 OH – Millard South – Premier 16 Gold
MacTaggart made an appearance in my feature on outside hitters in Douglas County. Her quickness and athleticism stand out, and I’ve mentioned her “long, gliding approach” before, too. She plays a loud game from the front row, but she also has the kind of balanced game that coaches look for. Her rock-solid passing cannot go unnoticed.
Ava Heyne Ava Heyne 6'1" | OH Skutt Catholic | 2022 State NE – 6’2 OH/MB – Omaha Skutt Catholic – Nebraska Elite 16-1
Volleyball is in Heyne’s blood. Anyone who has recruited in the Nebraska area will surely recognize her name. Another athlete to make my Tall Talents list, Heyne looks like a Division 1 talent, just like the two sisters before her. She’s a player with experience at multiple positions across the net, and she also plays some of the best back-row defense of any outside hitter in her class.
Ella Waters Ella Waters 6'3" | OH Norris | 2022 State NE – 6’2 RS – Norris – Premier Nebraska 16 Gold
Upon revisiting Ella’s film, I was reminded of why I also included her on the Tall Talents of 2022. If you need a player that’s ready-made to play opposite, Waters is the player to watch. She’s such a fluid athlete and combines her athleticism with a great reach and wingspan. Based on my prior analysis in the Class A rendition of the Unfinished Business series, it’s likely that you’ll see Waters perform on the big stage this fall with her talented Norris squad. What a great opportunity to raise her stock even further.
Erison Vonderschmidt Erison Vonderschmidt 6'0" | RS Falls City Sacred Heart | 2022 State NE – 6’0 RS – Falls City Sacred Heart – Nebraska Elite 16-1
Vonderschmidt got a shoutout in the Class D2 Unfinished Business feature because she is one of the best small-town prospects in the entire state. She’s a southpaw opposite with a quick arm swing. That, in itself, is what coaches dream of. Vonderschmidt also plays great zone-one defense and can be relied upon to take the first ball in transition. She’s as steady as they come, and her development is only just beginning.
Kealy Kiviniemi Kealy Kiviniemi 5'11" | RS Bellevue West | 2022 State NE – 6’0 RS – Bellevue West – Premier 16 Gold
Kiviniemi was included in my Sarpy County outside hitter feature. Realistically, she could play opposite or middle blocker. Kiviniemi is yet another talented right-side hitter in a 2022 class full of good ones, and she has the kind of unparalleled versatility that makes her a unique player. She will look to expand her production with Bellevue West, as well as with her excellent Premier squad.
Cordelia Harbison Cordelia Harbison 5'10" | OH Lexington | 2022 State NE – 5’10 OH – Lexington – Lexington SWAT
Here’s an under-the-radar athlete who has caught my eye. When Harbison attacks, she does so with a fearless attitude. She knows how to tool a block, partly because she has such a powerful swing. An energetic presence for her team, this is an outside hitter that cannot be overlooked. Harbison will continue to grow, and she is sure to put Lexington on the map.
Other Names to Know:
Masa Scheierman Masa Scheierman 6'0" | OH York | 2022 State NE – 6’0 OH – York – VCNebraska 17-2
Jadyn Hahn Jadyn Hahn 5'10" | OH Johnson-Brock | 2022 State NE – 5’10 OH – Johnson-Brock
Sydney Jelinek Sydney Jelinek 5'10" | OH Norris | 2022 State NE – 5’10 OH – Norris – Nebraska Juniors 16-1