Top returning 2021 classes in Division 3
The best of the best in Division 3 was able to rise above the rest in 2019 despite having a lot of young rosters. That should lead to some even better play in the 2020 prep season behind some veteran…
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Continue ReadingThe best of the best in Division 3 was able to rise above the rest in 2019 despite having a lot of young rosters.
That should lead to some even better play in the 2020 prep season behind some veteran rosters. Here’s a look at five D3 programs that will bring back talented senior rosters this fall.
SMCC
The 2019 D3 state champions managed to win the title this past fall with nine juniors on the roster, meaning they are going to be locked and loaded for another big run in 2020 behind a very veteran squad. Outside Mikayla Haut Mikayla Haut 5'11" | OH SMCC | 2021 State MI has been the measuring stick in Division 3 throughout her career. She is the lone in-state athlete to be First Team All-State all three seasons of her time with the Kestrels. She will be part of a powerful SMCC attack that will include returning seniors Kyle Barron in the middle and Anna Dean on the outside. Both were Second Team All-State in 2019. Abbie Costlow is another dynamic middle that was Third Team All-State for the Kestrels. They also will return setter Grace Lipford as a senior, among others. This is definitely a loaded senior class.
Schoolcraft
Kelby GoldschmedingThere’s no denying that the 2019 D3 runner-up will have a tough time replacing Miss Volleyball runner up Andelyn Simkins Andelyn Simkins 6'2" | OH Schoolcraft | 2020 State MI on the outside, but the Eagles are going to have a great foundation behind a 2020 senior class of six players. Kayla Onken will return at setter to be the on-the-floor leader and develop the new go-to hitters. Middle will be a strong point for Schoolcraft behind seniors Maggie Morris and Anna Schuppel, a pair of Second Team All-State honorees. In the back row, Kelby Goldschmeding returns at libero for her senior season. She was a real unsung hero for the Eagles during their impressive 2019 campaign.
Beaverton
The Beavers made a run to the Division 3 semifinals last year with just two seniors on the roster, which bodes well for what 2020 could bring. A large senior class with big-game experience should make Beaverton a tough team to deal with. Outside Molly Gerow was able to hold her own against anyone in Division 3 last year and should be a dominant player in her senior season. Setter Mady Pahl is also back to be the leader on the floor and run the offense.
Traverse City St. Francis
The Gladiators have been a top contender in Division 3 for years and that big-match experience will carry over into their veteran seniors in 2020. Leading the way will be outside hitter Kaylin Poole and setter Hannah Sidorowicz, who were both All-State honorees in 2019. They both have experience at Battle Creek, which should help carry them throughout the year.
Hudson
The Tigers were a quarterfinalist this past season and will bring back seven seniors in 2020, including one of the best hitters in the state in 2019, Callie Bauer. Despite spending some time at setter last year, Bauer still collected 730 kills while hitting .385. Fellow outside Kayla Walkowicz will also return at the net while Ali Marry was a steady option in the back row for the Tigers last fall.
Other top Class of 2021 rosters: Beal City, Bronson, Maple Valley, USA, Valley Lutheran