2020 Club Preview: Michigan Elite
Michigan Elite has always put together a strong mix of talent and that will be no different for the 2020 club season. This year’s Michigan Elite roster features some squads that should be able to compete on a national level…
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Continue ReadingMichigan Elite has always put together a strong mix of talent and that will be no different for the 2020 club season.
This year’s Michigan Elite roster features some squads that should be able to compete on a national level right away, while others may need some time to hit their stride. Each could be a real force by the time the summer hits.
Here’s a breakdown of the Mizuno clubs for Michigan Elite in the 18-15 age group.
18 MIZUNO
Emily Van DykeThis squad will be coached by Neil Rucinksi and is working a lot of new pieces in, as just three return from the 17 Mizuno squad of 2019. The returners are quality leaders in middle Carly Doros, S/OPP Elizabeth Norris and DS/L Shannon Jennings. This team will have some solid leapers as well. Middle Solana Hickinson can play well about the net while outside options Emily Van Dyke, Sedona Coon, Jordan Newblatt and Katie Yatooma give the squad a lot of hitting depth. Juliana Dunning is also available at setter if Norris moves to the attack, while Grace Danzinger is a 2021 libero that is joining the roster and has the potential to be a real breakout player this club season. Michigan Elite has some ground to make up to get near the top of the Great Lakes Region in this age group, but if the new roster can gel quickly, it could be a big year.
17 MIZUNO
Julia BishopThis group carried the banner for the state of Michigan last year in the 16’s, earning a top-five finish in the AAU nationals. Coached by Kristin Eddy, the entire squad is back this year and ready to try and contend for a championship in 2020. It could be a slow start as outside Kaylin Collins will miss the club season due to a knee injury late in the prep season. Star setter Julia Bishop and standout MH/OPP Ellie Tisko are tied up with girls basketball season at Mercy, but will certainly be major pieces to the 17 Mizuno this summer. Add in fellow Mercy middle Charli Atiemo, and there is a big Marlins feel to this squad. Mikayla Haut is a six-rotation star that is coming off leading SMCC to a state title this fall and Ashley Nordmann is a dynamic hitter that can play all over the net. Jenna O’Brien is also an explosive pin-hitter and Jenna Vaske is a hitting option that can also play setter when Bishop isn’t available. Defensively, Rachel Jennings continues to establish herself as an elite passer. She is joined by Olivia Kowalkowski, who has more big-match experience than nearly anyone in her age group. You really can’t find a weak spot in this group. When on their game, they certainly look like they should be able to compete with anyone nationally.
16 MIZUNO
Ava BrizardMichigan Elite earned a bronze medal in the 15 Open of the AAU Nationals last summer and six are back from that group to try and take a few steps up the podium this year in the 16 Open. Coached by Vince Muscat, this squad has a lot of dynamic players that can fill multiple positions, as well as solid length. Amanda Glanton is a 6-foot-3 middle option that will be alongside some tremendous finishers in Sarah Sylvester, Kimani Johnson and Serena Nyambio. Both Johnson and Nyambio can also move to the outside. Ava Brizard is a proven six-rotation stud that plays with a lot of heart and intensity. Sophie Treder and Aly Borellis are also outside options that can move around. Borellis is a standout setter and tremendous passer as well. Kendyl Andrews is a primary setter that can spread the ball to the endless hitting options while Jessica Mondragon and Ava Petrucci will be in the back row running the defense. Petrucci also can move to the outside when needed. This team won’t have to rely on a single hitter and can find the hot option match-to-match, which should keep them very competitive with any team they face.
15 MIZUNO
Ava SarafaThe 15 Mizuno squad isn’t going to have the luxury of having a lot of height to work with, but the young squad has a lot of team speed and athleticism. The team also has a veteran coach in Mayssa Cook to guide them through the early challenges. The back row of Kalliann Cook and Erica Maladecki will be vital, as defense will have to be a strength. Ava Sarafa is coming off a great freshman season at Marian and now will be the setter for this group while Megan Grose can step in, or play the outside for 15 Mizuno. On the outside, Remi Madison, Ella Schomer and Emma Thamarus join Grose as athletics hitters that will use their explosiveness to overcome their size. In the middle, Michigan Elite has Olivia Gardner, Neele’ge’ Sims and Reagan Sass. This is a team I would expect to see a lot of improvement from over the club season, as they have plenty of natural talent to work with.