SWMNVB’s Top 10 Middle Hitters
Practice has started for most club programs but there is still awhile before events kick off. Over the last several years, Southwest Minnesota Volleyball Club (SWMNVB) has been growing a positive, skilled volleyball community for this part of the…
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Continue ReadingPractice has started for most club programs but there is still awhile before events kick off. Over the last several years, Southwest Minnesota Volleyball Club (SWMNVB) has been growing a positive, skilled volleyball community for this part of the state. Here are look at some of their best middle hitters and their teams.
18-1
- Paige Andries 6′ Marshall 2020 – When describing her style of play, the word that comes to mind, is empowering. Her size, attitude, and competitive nature have a positive impact on all of her teammates. Not to mention she can easily get 10+ kills on any given night. She does a great job of seeing the court and pounding it cross court. This talented middle led her team in the regular season in kills and blocks. Her team went on to win the consolation championship for 2A. We hope she is ready and healthy for a long club season. She will continue play at St. Ben’s College.
- Katelyn Nichols 6′ Windom 2020 – Nichols is a natural. She didn’t start playing volleyball until about her eighth grade year. Her length and overall athleticism helped her catch up and even surpass her peers. The coaches at Southwest State recognize her skills and potential as she has committed to playing with them next year. Not only does she play in the middle but has a killer swing from the outside too.
17-1
- Bryn Hoekman 6’1″ Murray County Central 2021 – You could refer to his as the finisher, with a hitting percentage of 0.252. It is hard to teach an arm-swing as fast as hers. The all-conference junior is one of the best blockers in the Red Rock. She had over 70 solo blocks this season. Also, her performance in the section tournament match vs. Tracy Milroy should have advanced her team. She added 13 kills and 5 block in their five-set loss.
- Abby Rost 5’9” Minneota 2021 – You can refer to her as the utility player. She may not lead in every stat, but she contributes in multiple ways. Abby played mostly middle for her championship high school team but during the club season, she may be used on the right or left side. She has a strong serve that always adds a few easy points. The club season is the perfect time for her to step into a bigger role and really shine.
16-1 & 16-2
- Karli Arkel 6’2″ Red Rock Central 2021 – On this team, the 6’2” middle doesn’t even feel that tall with five others who are also over six foot. All of her movements and plays feel so aggressive backed by so much power; that’s why we will call her the enforcer. During the high school season she averaged 7+ kills a game. Her personal best was 22 kills over Hills Beaver Creek. In that match she was set nearly 90 times and forcefully put it away with very few errors.
- Abby Panka 5’11” Marshall 2023 – This up and coming freshman is going to be fun to watch as she develops. She played on the Marshall B-squad team and improved a lot within the dominant program. Playing with older girls has helped and this club season she will be able to take on more of a leadership role.
- Halle Gravley 5’9” Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 2023 – Another young athlete who play B-squad for her school. She is a work horse; undersized in the middle but you don’t notice because she fast along the net blocking, and jumps well.
- Emily Rohrer 6’2” MCC 2022 – Although not a primary fixture in the MCC varsity roster, yet. She did get valuable court time, and the off-season will be her chance to showcase her skill set even more. One of her biggest strengths currently, is her serving.
15 and under watch-list:
Ruby Bones 5’11” Yellow Medicine East 2023
Ellie Weg 5’11” Worthington 2023
Alexis Nurmi 5’9” MaCray 2025