A Sign Off and Shoutout to the Prep Dig Wisconsin Class of 2020
As a former 6th grade teacher, I always struggled with the end of the year. I always wanted to create the perfect ending where we all would laugh, cry, reminisce, and it would just be this picture-perfect way to send them off to the next grade. For anyone in education, especially this year, we know that closure and a perfect way to say farewell isn’t always possible.
For this year’s Class of 2020, especially those I’ve watched the past couple of years, I could write a book. I could pick out particular tournaments, matches, and even plays that just stick out to me. What is so fortunate about the position I’m in is that I can root for everyone. I honestly leave high school and club tournaments feeling like I’ve won every time. From watching the matches to the conversations with coaches, the stories of the athletes in talking with parents, I love everything about it. Here’s to you Class of 2020. Here are just a few stories, shoutouts, and stories to send you off as you graduate over the next few weeks.
Here We Go:
The Taylor Alden jump set or swing. Alden just had a way of putting pressure on the other side of the net everytime she jumps. With games for the ages with double doubles in assists and kills, Alden was always lethal. She will continue her career at Northern Iowa.
@tayleralden with the swing and a boom. @oconomowocvoll1 on to the semifinals for the third year in a row pic.twitter.com/cIkb0vrwVU
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) November 8, 2019
The one clap by Kaley Blake Kaley Blake 5'8" | S Burlington | 2020 State WI . Kaley Blake Kaley Blake 5'8" | S Burlington | 2020 State WI played 11 matches at state, winning two state titles. I saw her play countless times and she would just have that fire in her eye and one clap that was either getting herself and teammates fired up or in celebration. A fan favorite for so many. She will be a welcomed addition at UW-Milwaukee!
The comeback of Abby Wucherer Abby Wucherer 6'0" | MB Brookfield Central | 2020 State WI . The Wucherer sisters of Miranda, Abby, and Mckenna will be one of the first families of Wisconsin volleyball at Brookfield Central and Sting. Abby is one of many athletes I’ve covered who has had to battle through injury and did it with grace. She came back from a knee injury that occurred in 2018 and had such a strong Senior season and was Prep Dig’s Co-Comeback Player of the Year along with Courtney Pearson Courtney Pearson 5'10" | OH Kimberly | 2020 State WI of Kimberly.
The River Falls Class of 2020. This crew. Wow. Great athletes, great people, great families, they have accomplished so much in their careers as Wildcats. This program has made a historic run the past four seasons which included four state tournaments and three final four appearances. They blazed their path and made such an impact not only in Western Wisconsin, but across the state.
The Amber Bischel Amber Bischel 5'7" | DS/L Germantown | 2020 State WI celebration. Amber Bischel Amber Bischel 5'7" | DS/L Germantown | 2020 State WI of Germantown and Wisconsin Juniors just had a scrappy grittiness to go along with her rock solid defensive skills. I always enjoyed the passion she played with, wearing her heart on her sleeve. She will head to the SEC and play for one of the best to have ever worn a USA libero jersey in Kayla Banwarth who will be the new head coach at Ole Miss.
@CapitalVbAll with the 🏡🏡🏡 to win in three over @6packvbc pic.twitter.com/K2dPWk2nrz
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) January 31, 2020
The Capital Class of 2020. I seemed to always find Capital’s court. I started covering volleyball with Prep Dig in 2018 which would be the 16s year and many of the same events I also attended. I think their parents first started calling me, “Prep Dig Guy” which I soon took great pride in. Thank you for supporting what we do and letting me tell the story of these athletes the past few years.
The Rosens and Clear Lake. I saw Clear Lake play at a River Falls summer league in 2018. At summer leagues, half the time you don’t know which team is who, especially if it’s tye dye night for their team (which I’m a huge fan of….sometimes). I saw this team that was long, athletic, and had no idea who they were. But I did know they were going to be a force. Just over a year and a half later they go on to win a state championship with an undefeated record. Lizzie, Maggie, Julianna, and Maddie Rosen were key pieces to the squad.
Wisconsin Volleyball Academy – 15 Black Highlights 2017: https://t.co/FtxHYWvqC8 via @YouTube
— Chris Fitzgerald (@PrepDigChris) June 16, 2017
The WVA ( Wisconsin Volleyball Academy ) 15 Black squad. We all dove into club volleyball together. A quick backstory, I use to do recruiting individuals and highlight videos (think pre Hudl time) and was able to work with their team in 2017. From there I was able to follow their careers, get to know their families, and ride the highs and lows that is high school, club, and the recruiting process. Congratulations to these athletes on a great career, allowing me to write their story, and good luck as you move on to your adult lives!
Lastly, thank you for giving Prep Dig a chance. This class was first we heavily covered at a really crucial time during their recruiting. Thank you for giving us a chance to tell your story, attend our events, and be part of your volleyball journey. Whether you are competing at the collegiate level or heading to the intramural and rec leagues, the volleyball world is one of the best communities to be a part of and will always have a spot for you!
Best Wishes!
The “Prep Dig Guy”
Have a shoutout to give back to Prep Dig? Have a positive experience? We would love to hear from you! Email chris@prepdig.com or info@prepdig.com