Tour of Oregon: Top Passers from Portland Metro (2023/2022)
As we tour the state of Oregon, we will be making many stops throughout this great State. We will be stopping by cities big and small, highlighting the best athletes in those places. First stop: Portland Metro! Here are the…
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Continue ReadingAs we tour the state of Oregon, we will be making many stops throughout this great State. We will be stopping by cities big and small, highlighting the best athletes in those places. First stop: Portland Metro! Here are the top defensive specialists from the class of 2023 and 2022:
2023
Kennedy Cheung Kennedy Cheung 5'2" | DS/L Westview | 2023 State OR , 5’2″, DS, Westview High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Cheung had a standout freshman season playing for the Westview High School Wildcats as their starting libero. She had no problem stepping into a huge leadership role in her first high school season and did so with a great sense of ease. She is absolutely fearless on defense. She is courageous in her pursuit to never let a ball die, sacrificing her body at all costs. She is a quick and dynamic defender and this allows her team to stay in rally after rally. On serve receive, she is confident in her ability to handle the ball and place it exactly where the setter needs. Last club season she was the libero for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy 15-1 National.
Sam Keightley Sam Keightley DS/L Oregon City | 2023 State OR , DS, Oregon City High School. Portland Volleyball Club
Keightley was the lone freshman to make the Oregon City High School Pioneers Varsity squad. Although not in the Libero position like usual, playing behind Abby Bareksten Abby Bareksten DS/L Oregon City | 2021 State OR , a 2021 Libero with First Team All-League honors, she made her way into the starting line up with her consistent serve receive and powerful serve. She helped the Pioneers finish second in the Three Rivers League. Last club season she played for Portland Volleyball Club 16-1 National Team.
Frances Eisenhardt, 5’8″, OH/DS, Valley Catholic High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Eisenhardt had a breakout freshman season for the Valley Catholic High School Valiants as one of two six rotation players on the team. She finished the fall season with the most aces out of anyone on the team and the highest perfect pass percentage. Her exceptional ball control, consistent serve receive, and smart attacking helped the Valiants secure the 4A State Championship for the second year in a row. During the club season, she fulfilled more of a defensive specialist role but was not afraid to go up against big hitters in the front row and put the ball away when given the opportunity. This past club season she played for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy 15-1 National.
2022
Maisie Alexander Maisie Alexander 5'6" | DS/L Jesuit | 2022 State OR , 5’6″, DS, Jesuit High School, Athena Volleyball Academy
Alexander had a stellar sophomore season, competing with the Jesuit High School Crusaders. Even though she had a few defensive specialists ahead of her she was able to work her way into the starting line-up and eventually became their libero. She helped the Crusaders secure another 6A State championship. For her play, she was awarded Metro First Team All-League. An incredibly fast and limber athlete, she reads the attack well and is able to react to the ball quickly on defense. Last club season she was the libero for Athena Volleyball Academy’s 16-1 National team.
Hannah Nguyen, 5’5″, DS, Jesuit High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Nguyen returned for her sophomore season at Jesuit High School, playing the back row rotation for one of their outside hitters. She helped the Crusaders win another 6A State championship. For her play, she was awarded Metro Third Team All-League as well as given the Team Hustle Award. Her passing stays consistent match after match . She has played at a very competitive level since the fifth grade so she has become accustomed to the fast-paced nature of the game. Always playing on elite teams, she has a very high volleyball IQ that translates well defensively. On serve receive, she is confident in her ability to handle the ball and place it exactly where the setter needs. Last club season she was the libero for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy’s 16-1 National team.
Sophie Biehler Sophie Biehler 5'7" | DS/L Tualatin | 2022 State OR , 5’7″, DS, Tualatin High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Biehler had an outstanding sophomore season for the Tualatin High School Timberwolves. She has stepped into just about every role for the Timberwolves given her versatility. She juggles different roles depending on the team she is on. Though she has transitioned to a defensive specialist role this past club season, for the Timberwolves, she is a smart and powerful hitter and can step into the setter role if needed, given her naturally nice hands. She is a constant positive presence both on and off the court. This positive attitude she carries with her elevates the energy of her teammates greatly. Attitude aside, she is also an incredibly hard-working athlete who pours her heart into every practice, point and set. Last club season she played for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy’s 16-1 National team.