Minnesota 18s Cap Off Illustrious Careers at AAU Nationals
Plenty of long car rides, nights in a hotel, water bottle refills, and whistles later, the final one was blown this past week for the 18s to finish off their club careers. For the teams clubs out of Kandi Elite , Kokoro, and Southwest Minnesota Volleyball Club (SWMNVB) it was only appropriate to have what was close to a fairy tale ending in Orlando this past week.
Southwest Minnesota Volleyball Club 18-1
For these athletes around Marshall and surrounding area there have been plenty of state tournament and even state titles won. This group came in as the number one seed, but started out in a bit of a hole going 1-2 on day one. However, a major bounce back over the next two days going 4-1 and finding themselves back in the championship bracket was a feat in itself. A quarterfinal loss to Premier Onitsuka out of Ohio, giving Southwest a 5th place finish. Maddy Guetter, the future Augustana athlete was named AAU All American. The outside hitter was a weapon from anywhere on the court and was always an outlet in every situation. Whether it was in system or our she was able to find a way to score points in big moments.
Kokoro 17/18
This team was not in the conversation to be competing for a spot in the championship bracket on the last day. After going 2-1 on the first day which was expected being the two seed in their pool, it was like a fire was lit under this team on day two going 3-0 as the number three seed in their pool. Amazing what a little spark of confidence can do, a contagious winning feeling with both Kokoro teams continuing to advance. They would advance to the championship bracket before falling to another Minnesota team in Kandi Elite . Overall, this squad went 11-3, placing fifth. Lindsey Sutton was named an AAU All American for the 18 Pinnacle Division. Sutton will actually be a Senior at Anoka High School this fall.
One of the highlights from the week for both Kokoro teams is the huge support, the “Kokoro Krazies”, that was a loud and supportive student section for the 17/18s team as well as the 18-1squad.
Schmoll and Germann earn All American honors.Kokoro 18-1
Plenty of weapons on this team to do some damage, and they had to scratch and claw their way to the championship bracket where they would eventually finish third overall. Carolina Rogue would be the thorn in Kokoro’s side who dealt them two losses, but it was Premier Onitsuka who would defeat them in the semifinal match in the third set 15-13. One of the biggest moments of the weekend was in the quarterfinal match against COA 18-Red out of Indiana. In the third set, match point, it was Sarah Langlois who came up with the huge block followed by a dog pile to celebrate the victory. Ava Schmoll and Skyler Germann were named AAU All Americans. Schmoll will continue her volleyball career at North Dakota State while Germann will be a Senior at Minnetonka High School.
Rolfs and Wedel earn All American honors.Kandi Elite 18-1
Kandi Elite was dominant from the first serve, starting out 11-0 and only dropping one set. The athleticism of Kandi Elite along with their size on the right side was just too much for their opponents. A bit of a patchwork lineup due to various injuries, there were moments where everyone stepped up to contribute in a positive way. At some point, all good things must come to an end and for Kandi Elite it was to Sports Performance 18 White in the semifinals. SP would go on to win the national title. South Dakota State commit Carly Wedel and Central Connecticut State commit Izzy Roufs were named AAU All Americans. With their play on the right side, there were times where they were unstoppable. With their power they were hitting through, over, and around the block. They were also a major mismatch for the opponents with their block. For these athletes of Kandi Elite , they leave behind a legacy of plenty of volleyball success, but also an impact for future Kandi Elite athletes and for younger players in their own community.