Top Athletes Leading The Way In Tradition Rich WaMac

The WaMaC consistently has programs that compete not only for state tournaments, but state titles in all sports. To finish in the top four of the conference is usually an indicator of success heading into regional and state level competitions. For volleyball, it is no different with the likes of West Delaware, Beckman, Mount Vernon, and Marion who were all playing in the state tournament a season ago. Who are the standouts and what teams will be competing for a conference championship as well as some hardware in Cedar Rapids? [caption id="attachment_98760" align="alignleft" width="248"]<img class=" wp-image-98760" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/06/DSC03181-e1592945393490-290x300.jpg" alt="" width="248" height="256" /> [player_tooltip player_id="79013" first="Natalie" last="Welch"], Mount Vernon[/caption] Mount Vernon Returns Depth and a Target Mount Vernon survived five set match and five set match all through regional and state tournament play to win the Class 3A state title in 2019. They return a loaded Senior class which includes big time pin hitter [player_tooltip player_id="17217" first="Lauren" last="Schrock"] as well as other attackers in [player_tooltip player_id="79061" first="Camryn" last="Ellyson"], [player_tooltip player_id="79013" first="Natalie" last="Welch"], and Madi Cranston. They also return top libero [player_tooltip player_id="41296" first="Jorie" last="Randall"] and will welcome the addition of libero [player_tooltip player_id="41237" first="Sydney" last="Dennis"] who previously played at North Cedar. She will head to Iowa at the completion of her prep career as one of the top players in the Class of 2021. This team will have plenty of athletes, but also the target on their back likely being the number one team and returning state champion.     Marion, Beckman, and West Delaware Eye Return To State [caption id="attachment_98757" align="alignright" width="319"]<img class=" wp-image-98757" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/06/DSC02977-e1592944970833-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="319" height="210" /> Marion at state.[/caption] All of these teams advanced to the final four of their respective classes and will look to make a return trip to CR. Despite key graduations, there are athletes returning who will definitely be stepping up. With Marion, All-State libero [player_tooltip player_id="41281" first="Trinity" last="Zika"] is back as well as the setting and attacking duo of [player_tooltip player_id="79251" first="Elise" last="Mehaffy"] and 2023 standout, [player_tooltip player_id="79714" first="Avery" last="VanHook"]. Beckman has always been a contender and this season will rely heavily on [player_tooltip player_id="79239" first="Kiersten" last="Schmitt"] who can set and swing, always creativing positive touches for her side. West Delaware will return Ava Hauser as the top attacker and scrappy libero, [player_tooltip player_id="79255" first="Ella" last="Koloc"], but will have to replace one of the top setters in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="40905" first="Macey" last="Kleitsch"] who will continue her volleyball career at NAIA powerhouse, Grand View. Pollock and Clubb Power Clippers Western Illinois recruit [player_tooltip player_id="41245" first="Hailey" last="Pollock"] and one of the top available Junior prospects [player_tooltip player_id="17332" first="Calia" last="Clubb"] will be teaming up to make a run with CCA. As Sophomores and Freshman, they fell one match short of the state tournament and last season, Pollock had her season cut short with a hand injury. Clubb is coming off a state basketball run as is Morgan Etscheidt who was a key contributor in both sports last year. This squad should be dangerous throughout the season. [caption id="attachment_98758" align="alignright" width="277"]<img class="size-medium wp-image-98758" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pd/uploads/2020/06/DSC02935-e1592945131459-277x300.jpg" alt="" width="277" height="300" /> WD at state.[/caption] Freshman To Watch Williamsburg had a young roster in 2019, but will be returning plenty of experience led by [player_tooltip player_id="79025" first="Gracie" last="Ehret"], the crafty lefty who can swing and set. They will also add one of the top liberos in the Class of 2024 with incoming Freshman, Meg Berkland who was selected to the USAV High Performance A2 squad along with Clubb of CCA. Berkland plays up on the Iowa Rockets 15R team where she connects extremely well with setter, [player_tooltip player_id="79714" first="Avery" last="VanHook"] of Marion. Keep an eye on the Raiders this upcoming 2020 season. NOTE: Shortly after this article was published, we were notified that Meg Berkland will be playing for Clear Creek-Amana this coming fall. Independence Making A Return The Mustangs were a state tournament team with an extremely talent Senior class the 2018 season and will be returning plenty of defense and scoring for the 2020 season. Middle blocker Reese Martin will be back who can make a difference with her attacking and blocking as well as [player_tooltip player_id="79030" first="Grace" last="Bohlken"] who can do a little bit of everything on the court from scoring to passing. They will also return team leader in digs with Brooke Beatty.