Words of Wisdom: Part 1 – Advice from Current MN Standouts

"What's one piece of advice you would give to players that look up to you?"

I recently caught up with the top recruits in MN for the class of 2019 and 2020 and asked them the question above.  Let's be honest, we can all agree that these girls are #goals.  We've stopped by their courts at tournaments just to study their game, we've driven across town or attended the state tournament to watch them dominate the court.  We follow them on Twitter and Instagram because we are true fans.  They are all headed to some of the top programs in the country, and for good reason.  

For those of you looking to up your mental game, here's a tip:  
Print out this page and cut out these quotes.  Tape them to your bathroom mirror and
read them Every Day....You're sure to be inspired!  

 

Photo: www.gozephyrs.com

KYNDRA HANSEN - UNIVERSITY OF IOWA - 2019
"My advice would be to set big goals for yourself and make plans to help achieve those goals.  And to always remember that every choice you make, on and off the court, will affect all of your goals" 

 

 

Photo Credit: Star Tribune

PEYTON SUESS - WAKE FOREST - 2019
"My advice would be to never take anything for granted and make sure to give 100% of what you got into everything you do, in and out of volleyball.  If that means working as hard as you can in every game or practice, being a great teammate, or taking care of yourself outside of sports.  Most importantly, just enjoy every moment you have because these are some of the best experiences I could have asked for."  

 

CIANNA SELBITSCHKA - UMD - 2020
"My one piece of advice would be to never give up!  if you want to reach something you have to keep working for it no matter how hard you may think it is!  Nothing comes easy, but as long as you work hard for it, you're gonna achieve it!"

 

ELIZABETH HELMICH - JAMES MADISON - 2019
"One thing I would tell younger players is to never let anyone tell you what you can and can't do.  You know how far you can push yourself and if you test that limit every time you get the chance to, on and off the court, it will pay off.  I would also say, try to have as much fun as possible so you can fall in love with every aspect of the sport.  Passion will carry you further than many truly know.  Finally, I would say, trust the process.  Recruiting can be stressful and tedious, but trust that you will end up where you are supposed to be!"

 

Photo Credit: www.mnvolleyballhub.com

MADDIE WHITTINGTON - ILLINOIS - 2020
"The one piece of advice that I would share would be to remember why you love the sport.  There are a lot of times that the workouts and practices and tournaments get to be long!!!  But to remember why you love the sport and began playing it in the first place, to me, makes it all worth it!"

 

 

IZZY ASHBURN - WISCONSIN - 2019
"One piece of advice I would give would be to look at every moment as an opportunity to grow.  Along the journey you will make some of the your best memories and other times you will just have to make it through the day, but within every one of these moments there is something to grow from."

OLIVIA TJERNAGEL - UNI - 2020
"Be committed in everything you do, be able to take constructive criticism and always work hard, especially on your weak points.  Another point of advice I found very important is to play multiple sports because I think some of the most talented athletes have played multiple sports -- So don't be afraid to!  Lastly, would be to always use the gifts God gave you to the fullest."

 

ELIZABETH JUNKE -- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA -- 2019
"If you truly want something bad enough, don't be scared to go for it, give it your all.  Don't make excuses for yourself because that will not push you to be the best you.  Also, don't get satisfied, always strive to be a better you, no matter what aspect of life it might be in.  And love what you do, enjoy the process because it will all be worth it in the end if you can say you gave it your all and that you have no regrets."

 

Photo: www.hometownsource.com

ELLIE HUSEMAN - MINNESOTA - 2020
"Always be a good teammate and respect the game, your teammates and coaches.  Being a good person and respectful athlete is the most important thing, because people can notice the little things in how you play and carry yourself!"  

 

 

Check back soon for Part 2 where we ask the same question to some of MN's Former Greats who are Olympians, Women's National Team Members and Current Professional Volleyball Players.