Watching SMV 16-1, it doesn’t take long to take note of Elliot Wirkus Elliot Wirkus 5'10" | OH/RS Triton Public School | 2028 State MN .  The six rotation outside hitter puts a hurt on the ball.  She is a physical attacker with a violent arm swing.  Even watching her warm up, her contact it just different.  She was a key player for SMV where she found ways to score points by her go to power shots, but she always was able to swing out of the backcourt, the right side, and was a go to in and out of system.  She is a sophomore at Triton High School and will be one to watch as an upperclassmen in the fall. 

Elliot Wirkus Elliot Wirkus 5'10" | OH/RS Triton Public School | 2028 State MN is playing with explosive tempo on either pin. Her last-two steps are aggressive and loaded, generating lift that allows her to contact well above the block. She’s staying square at takeoff and finishing high through contact, which has led to cleaner seam attacks and smarter high-hand usage. On the right side, her blocking footwork has sharpened — she’s pressing over the tape rather than absorbing contact.

What separates Wirkus right now is her transition urgency. She reloads immediately after first contact and demands involvement in extended rallies. The pace of her game has increased, and it’s producing results. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

College Watch: A physical, dual-pin attacker trending upward with improved tempo and finishing mechanics.

Elliot Wirkus Elliot Wirkus 5'10" | OH/RS Triton Public School | 2028 State MN – Pin Hitter (Left/Right)
Elliot Wirkus Elliot Wirkus 5'10" | OH/RS Triton Public School | 2028 State MN stood out for her versatility and adaptability. Comfortable attacking from either pin, she showed great body control and the ability to adjust to different tempos and set locations. She scored effectively in transition and remained composed in broken plays, making smart, high-percentage decisions. Elliot’s ability to contribute on both sides of the net gives college coaches lineup flexibility, and her competitiveness and volleyball IQ make her a valuable long-term prospect. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas

I came across Wirkus a few times this past season and it is safe to say, I am still a big fan. She is an explosive pin who brings dynamic energy, athleticism, and grit to the court. Wirkus showed a ton of growth this year, especially with her control and the range in her swings. In addition to her power, she also utilized well-placed tips, roll shots, and smart off-speed attacks. The result was fantastic as the sophomore was the go to attacker on her team with 278 kills on the season. I expect this will carry over into the club season and this stud will be lighting up the courts.

It’s not a secret that I am a huge Wirkus fan…and with good reason. This girls is something special. Every time I see her play, I am amazed at the growth she has shown in her skills, the range of her game, and the sheer grit she showcases on the court. Relentless as ever, Wirkus did a fantastic job reading the block in front of her. She found the seam, went around the block, and when finesse was needed, this girl showcased her range and put on a show throwing down some incredible, well disguised rolls and tips. Keep it up Wirkus.

I have seen Wirkus play a number of times and she keeps getting better and better. She definitely knows how to explode to the pin and deliver hard cross and line shots. However, I have seen her increase the range of her shots by throwing in some off speed and tips as well. Her passing game has also grown in consistency and she definitely knows how to put up a big block. Landing at 13 in the OH hitting rankings, I only expect this to go up for her over the course of the next several months.

Honestly, the first time I saw Wirkus play, I didn’t realize that she was a freshman as she certainly doesn’t play like one. This outside hitter is quick, agile, and can get to those sets that are placed too tight to the net. While that is an important skill to have, what really sets her apart is her explosiveness. She is so dynamic and powerful that when she takes a huge swing, the result is not only positive but so fun to watch. I am excited to follow her over the next three years and see where this kid ends up as I anticipate her to have a long and successful volleyball career.