Sophomore Attackers Standout at PrepDig/Baden PNW Invitational
Over the weekend of August 1st I had the privilege of covering the PrepDig/Baden Pacific Northwest Invitational Training Camp. The camp was structured to bring the best athletes in Oregon and Southwest Washington into one facility and let them compete.…
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Continue ReadingOver the weekend of August 1st I had the privilege of covering the PrepDig/Baden Pacific Northwest Invitational Training Camp. The camp was structured to bring the best athletes in Oregon and Southwest Washington into one facility and let them compete. With COVID-19 the opportunities for athletes to compete have been severely limited, so this was a great chance to get the best of the best in one place. While some players were not able to attend, the Courts were filled with forty-seven incredible volleyball players. Be on the lookout for content coming highlighting players in attendance.
Below are the sophomore outside attackers who represented their class and position well at the camp.
Sophie Gregoire-Salagean Sophie Gregoire-Salagean 6'2" | OH Newberg | 2023 State #49 Nation OR , 6’0″, OH, Newberg High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Sadly, Gregoire-Salagean was out with a knee injury during the camp (don’t worry, nothing serious!). However, she was still there cheering her fellow athletes on and soaking up any coaching she could.
What makes Gregoire-Salagean such a special player is her ability to continue to elevate as she is hitting. This coupled with her high volleyball IQ has turned her into a dynamic and dominant six-rotation outside hitter. She has developed many shots and angles over the past seasons. Starting volleyball in the 7th grade, she is still fairly new to the sport but continues to improve given her athleticism and coachability.
Being the only freshman on the Newberg High School Tigers Varsity team, Gregoire-Salagean did not let that stop her. Early on she became a six-rotation outside hitter for the Tigers. She was the leading scorer on the team in both kills and hitting percentage, she ranked second in serve receive, blocking and digs, and had the third-most assists. There were few freshmen to make an All-League First-team selection, but Gregoire-Salagean was one of the few. She was awarded Pacific Conference First Team All-League and was a contender for the Pacific Conference Player of the Year.
Last club season she played for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy on their 15-1 National team.
Addie Hoover Addie Hoover 5'9" | OH West Linn | 2023 State OR , 5’9″, OH, West Linn High School, Portland Volleyball Club
What makes Hoover such a special player is the speed and power behind her attack. When she connects with the ball, it comes at defenders with such velocity, making it hard to receive. Also, she is a dynamic athlete with the ability to step into any position on the court. She has experience playing on the right-side, outside, and as a defensive specialist.
Check out her booming outside attack!
Hoover was one of two freshmen to make the West Linn Lions varsity squad and often saw court time in the back row, with Warmenhoven (#1 2022 recruit in OR) and Wilmes (University of Washington commit) on the outside for the Lions. She helped the Lions finish fifth at the 6A State tournament this past season.
Last club season she played for Portland Volleyball Club’s 16-1 National team.
Naima Foster Naima Foster 5'10" | OH Valley Catholic | 2023 State OR , 5’10″, OH/MB, Valley Catholic High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
What makes Foster such a special player is her insane vertical. While she touches 10 feet 2 inches, she can do a lot more than jump high. Starting club volleyball in the seventh grade, she has made significant improvements to her game in a very short amount of time. She brings her athleticism, explosive approach, and fast arm swing to the court. This past season she has begun to make the transition from the middle to the outside.
Check out her high flying right-side attack!
Foster had a breakout freshman season as a starting middle for the Valley Catholic High School Valiants. She helped them win a consecutive 4A State championship.
Last club season she played for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy 15-1 National team.
Kalista Lukovich Kalista Lukovich 6'0" | OH Nelson | 2023 State OR , 5’11″, OH, Clackamas High School, Portland Volleyball Club
What makes Lukovich such a special player is the athleticism she brings to the court. With this, she has the ability to play across the front row and see success. She is incredibly coachable and continues to improve with each season.
Check out her powerful swing in the middle!
Lukovich was the lone freshman on the Clackamas High School Cavaliers roster but that did not stop her from seeing court time. She primarily played on the right side for the Cavaliers and helped them finish second in the Mt. Hood Conference.
Last club season she played for Portland Volleyball Club 16-1 National team.