Seniors Get Set to Play
The class of 2021 has already faced many obstacles from delays, distance/hybrid learning, and growing Covid cases. However, yesterday the Minnesota State High School League decided to allow a Fall volleyball season. This decision comes after an outcry from many after they previously decided to hold off until March.
Perhaps most excited for the opportunity to play is the class of 2021. These seniors have worked for years to improve their game, build their resumes, and pursue college athletics. Here is a highlight of the seniors we can’t wait to watch this year – even if it means viewing online.
The top 10 on our list will take aim and conference and state titles before heading off to some of the biggest programs across the country. Erin Lamb Erin Lamb 6'3" | MB Stewartville | 2021 State MN (2) will hope to defend her 2019 class AA championship for Stewartville. Kennedi Orr Kennedi Orr 6'0" | S Eagan | 2021 State MN (1) of Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”], returns with a strong squad but will still have to take down sizable competition – Wayzata.
Several of the top recruits will spend their last season in the Minnesota cold before heading off to play down south: Ava Moes Ava Moes 6'3" | RS Lakeville South | 2021 State MN – Tennessee; Paige Thibault Paige Thibault 5'7" | DS/L Watertown-Mayer | 2021 State MN – Virginia, and Kali Engeman Kali Engeman 6'1" | MB Minnetonka | 2021 State MN – Georgia Tech. Only one athlete in the top 10 remains unsigned- Megan Reilly Megan Reilly 6'0" | OH Northfield | 2021 State MN (6). The Northfield senior who narrowly lost last season to Lakeville South in a close 5 set, section match.
The Minnesota Gophers were able to secure 6’4” Lauren Crowl Lauren Crowl 6'4" | RS Eastview | 2021 State MN of Eastview. It will be fun to see how they transform this talented senior over the next four years. Eastview has a good chance of advancing into the post season with Crowl leading the way.
There are a handful of other seniors who have been itching to play and hoping to use their last season as a stepping stone into a future career. Here are some of our top picks by position that have potential to climb to a higher rank:
41
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Jaidyn Brower Jaidyn Brower 5'8" | S Stewartville | 2021 State MN | 5’8″ |
Stewartville
|
SMV |
47
|
Olivia Koeppen Olivia Koeppen 5'7" | S Minnetonka | 2021 State MN | 5’7″ |
Minnetonka
|
M1 |
64
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Tori Moe Tori Moe 5'10" | S New Prague | 2021 State MN | 5’10” |
New Prague
|
71
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Abbie Higley Abbie Higley 5'5" | DS/L Cambridge Isanti | 2021 State MN | 5’5″ |
Cambridge Isanti
|
Synergy |
78
|
Kendyl Storlie Kendyl Storlie 5'10" | RS Lakeville South | 2021 State MN | 5’10” | Northern Lights |
80
|
Audrey Spolidoro Audrey Spolidoro 5'11" | S East Ridge | 2021 State MN | 5’11” |
East Ridge
|
Northern Lights |
109
|
Ellie Ready Ellie Ready 5'6" | S Waterville-Elysian-Morristown | 2021 State MN | 5’6” | Waterville-Elysian-Morristown |
122
|
Isabelle Mrozek Isabelle Mrozek 6'0" | MB Rocori | 2021 State MN | 6’0″ |
Rocori
|
KEVC |
134
|
Ellie Launstein Ellie Launstein 5'9" | S Rosemount | 2021 State MN | 5’9″ |
Rosemount
|
M1 |
151
|
Kennedy Hady Kennedy Hady 5'8" | OH Rochester Mayo | 2021 State MN | 5’8″ |
Rochester Mayo
|
SMV |
154
|
Isabella Stein Isabella Stein 5'10" | OH Prior Lake | 2021 State MN | 5’10” |
Prior Lake
|
Northern Lights |