Round 3 player interviews, Setters Boesiger & LeGrand; Liberos McCune & Miller
Nebraska High School 2020 Preseason Player to Watch We have made it to Round 3 and from here on out, we will hear from the players on a variety of topics that you won’t want to miss! Our group of…
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Continue ReadingNebraska High School 2020 Preseason Player to Watch
We have made it to Round 3 and from here on out, we will hear from the players on a variety of topics that you won’t want to miss! Our group of 32 players is now down to 8! After this round, we have the semi-finals and then the finals.
April 6 Winners – Middle Kalli Kroeker, Norris; Pin Hitter Hannah Kepler, Milford – Welcome to the semifinals!!!
Wishing we could see this competitive drive taken out on the court! In one of the closest matchups of the bracket, Hannah Kepler edged out Whitney Lauenstein Whitney Lauenstein 6'1" | OH Waverly | 2021 State NE of Waverly 50.7% to 49.3% which calculates to 477 to 463 of the 940 votes. And for those that like to scout, keep an eye on dark horse libero Ellie Miller (pictured above ⇑, info below ⇓) of Omaha Marian. In round 2 she racked up 962 votes to win by 53% and round one she had 854 votes for a 51.3% win. Those are just her votes! The all-girls school Class A Omaha Marian had 524 girls in grades 9, 10, & 11 this year. I think they are out to win the gold! Ellie, we have our eye on you!
Prep Dig – Pre Season Player to Watch Updated Bracket
Vote for these players on our Twitter site between 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.
ROUND 3
SETTERS
Maisie Boesiger Maisie Boesiger 5'5" | S Norris | 2022 State #198 Nation NE , Norris Vs Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE , Papio South
[player_tooltip player_id="37546" first="Maisie" last="Boesiger"], Norris.⇒ Maisie Boesiger Maisie Boesiger 5'5" | S Norris | 2022 State #198 Nation NE , 2022, Uncommitted
Downtime essentials
I play club volleyball for Premier 16 gold and train with Xplosive Edge in Omaha. I also train with Gwen Egbert as much as possible. Off the court, I like to watch film of myself and also of other great setters and liberos. With this quarantine, I am trying to still get a lot of touches. I have a setting board in my garage, and we set up a volleyball net in our backyard so my mom works with me a lot. We have had some fun 2 on 2 games of family volleyball.
Volleyball learning curve through your high school career
When I was a freshman, I ran a 6-2 with Michaela Boon. She was a great role model for me. She was such a great player and person. I loved learning from her. In my sophomore year, I transitioned into running a 5-1 for my team. I haven’t switched positions, but I am being recruited as a setter and libero. I have enjoyed training as both. Ever since I was little my mom has always told me, you need to be able to pass, set, serve tough, and have good ball control.
Top Mentors in Volleyball
Lauren Cook is a player that I loved watching when I was growing up. I have had great coaches that have pushed me to be a better player. I love playing for my mom. We have a special relationship. Gwen Egbert has been a great 1 on 1 coach for me. She really focuses on the details, which I love. Last year, I played club volleyball for Shannon Smolinski and I loved her intensity and energy. She really pushed me to a better player mentally and physically.
⇒ Ava LeGrand Ava LeGrand 5'11" | S Papillion-LaVista South | 2022 State #46 Nation NE , 2022, Uncommitted
Downtime essentials
Making sure I am working out, lifting weights, and getting and many touches on the ball as I can.
Top Mentors in Volleyball
My whole family. I would say we are a sports-based family, but mostly volleyball. With my parents both playing sports in college and then my two older sisters being able to play at a high level in college has really led me to look up to them and see the hard work that is put into the sport to play at those levels.
Slogan, theme, or phrase for your team and why
I would probably say some like “play like a family” and “make it two”
I think it is really important to play like a family. Families always have your back and will be there for you. Make it two because we won last year and we aren’t done!
LIBEROS
Skylar McCune Skylar McCune 5'9" | DS/L Gretna | 2022 State #53 Nation NE , Gretna Vs Ellie Miller, Omaha Marian
[player_tooltip player_id="58783" first="Skylar" last="McCune"], Gretna. Photo contributed.⇒ Skylar McCune Skylar McCune 5'9" | DS/L Gretna | 2022 State #53 Nation NE , 2022, Uncommitted
Downtime essentials
As of right now, I’m really just focused on staying in shape for whichever seasons next, whether its possibly finishing club season strong at nationals or starting high school season. There isn’t anything I can do on the court since all facilities shut down but just getting touches in the garage and whenever I can. I’m still working out every day as I usually would in a season.
Top Mentors in Volleyball
Shannon Smolinski would be my mentor and influencer. She was my coach my 15s year and ever since I started playing volleyball when I was 9, she’s been there and I definitely believe she’s the reason I’m where I’m at today with volleyball. I’m very grateful to her.
Slogan, theme, or phrase for your team and why
PWP- play with purpose
That was our slogan this year for Gretna and I think it meant a lot to everyone and had meaning to us all. It just reminds us that we’re playing for something more than ourselves and for each other. Our purpose this year was to make it to state and play in the finals and win a state title. In the end, we didn’t win, but I was really proud of how we played for each other and played with purpose all season.
⇒ Ellie Miller, 2021, Omaha Marian, Uncommitted (Pictured above, photo contributed)
Downtime essentials
I have been staying in shape by doing outdoor runs along with at-home workouts that Marian’s volleyball program has provided me with to prepare for this upcoming season.
Top Mentors in Volleyball
My top volleyball influences are my Marian coaches. I have learned so much from them these past years and have shown most of my improvements with them.
Slogan, theme, or phrase for your team and why
Back to state
My teammates and I are very eager and motivated to get back on the road to state and focus on our short team goals to lead to this overall goal.
Prep Dig strives for the readers to get to know the players and teams. These young ladies are amazing in their work ethic, leadership, and just being great kids.