JVA Watch List: 2021 Middle Blockers
Every spring JVA releases its Ultra Ankle Watch List. This will be the first of a multi-part series highlighting the Wisconsin athletes that were nominated from JVA Member Clubs. Of these nominations, approximately 20 will be selected by the JVA…
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Continue ReadingEvery spring JVA releases its Ultra Ankle Watch List. This will be the first of a multi-part series highlighting the Wisconsin athletes that were nominated from JVA Member Clubs. Of these nominations, approximately 20 will be selected by the JVA Awards Committee to be honored on the JVA All-National Team. This award recognizes the Top JVA players in the nation for their accomplishments on the court.
In our final day covering the 2021 class and their JVA standouts, we cover the middles. Being a middle you have to do the dirty work. Your impact and success oftentimes is never seen on the stat sheet. These girls work their tails off going pin to pin enabling their defense to set up and make the dig. After that, they transition to sell their approach as hard as possible giving their other two attackers a chance for a 1-on1 opportunity. To be true impact middle there is so much more than how many blocks and kills you have. These 4 athletes are a few of the many that find ways to help their team be better without necessarily being in the spotlight.
Lakyn Graves Lakyn Graves 6'1" | MB Sussex Hamilton | 2021 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 17
Black – Sussex Hamilton
Lakyn has been a force in the middle for her club and high school varsity teams. Regardless of who is setting the chemistry is quick to be found which leads to an immediate impact. Graves combines her length and speed to lead to an explosive finish with every attack. She is the definition of selfless while always giving her teammates everything she has. Her Sting Black team has gone up against some of the best teams in the country at the Open level and her consistency is a big reason for their success. She leads by example and ensures her teammates can rely on her in the most pivotal moments of every match. Lakyn is just as comfortable transitioning to hit a 31 as she is going off one foot with a slide behind the setter. That versatility has proven dangerous for opposing defenses as you can not get too comfortable and assume where the attack will come from. If you had to pick a middle to go back and serve with the other team at game-point, look no further. Not only does she put over an aggressive serve but there is the confidence that she will get that necessary dig to extend the rally. I know Graves will soon be taken off the uncommitted list and take her talents to the next level. Not only has she proven she is a student of the game, but she takes her school work just as serious with a GPA north of 4.0.
Anna Ruhland – Capital Volleyball Academy 17 Navy – Dodgeville
Clare Wellenstein Clare Wellenstein OH DSHA | 2021 State WI – Milwaukee Juniors 17-Elite – DSHA
Quite simply…underrated. Clare is part of a Dasher varsity squad that always seems to be in the conversation for a WIAA State Tournament run. While she may not be the top blocker or offensive weapon, you can count on Clare to be giving max effort for her team. Her transition from closing the block to ready and loaded in the air is impressive and gives her an advantage over her opponents’ block. That work ethic opened up the door for her DSHA pins to get numerous solo blocks throughout the season. You will see Clare be more of a featured offensive weapon in 2020. She is also an important piece to Milwaukee Juniors’ successful season. That team finished 3rd in St. Louis at the President’s Day Classic and 2nd in the Rockin’ Rockford Grand Prix. The grit and determination to be the best teammate she can have made her a great leader for this team.
Randi Wellhoefer Randi Wellhoefer 6'2" | MB Oshkosh West | 2021 State WI – Milwaukee Sting 17 White – OshKosh West
(#15 in the featured image)