Club Spotlight: MNL Setters
Minnesota Northern Lights has spent many hours preparing to give their athletes a safe club season. While there will be lots of changes and precautions put in place for the winter, they will continue to grow their program as one…
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Continue ReadingMinnesota Northern Lights has spent many hours preparing to give their athletes a safe club season. While there will be lots of changes and precautions put in place for the winter, they will continue to grow their program as one of the most elite in the country.
Among the hundreds of athletes are a group of talented setters who the Light’s coaches carefully place throughout the program to optimize their offensive power.
Kelly McArthur Kelly McArthur 6'2" | S Bloomington Jefferson | 2021 State MN 18-2
- The 18-2’s lineup is set to challenge and compete with the best in the country. Newly signed McArthur had a great career at Bloomington Jefferson and will stay game ready leading up to her college career at Niagara University. At 6’2” she is a forcibly on of the top setters in the state with her ability to throw off blockers.
Emma Berran Emma Berran 6'1" | S Eagan | 2022 State MN 17-1
- Eagan ‘ last=”]’ last=”]’s 6′ junior, Berran will share setting duties for the 17-1’s team. She combines her fast feet with a relaxed release to deliver consistent sets. We have watched her grow into a dual threat moving up from the 2’s team to the top for 17’s. Look for her to play opposite of teammate/setter, Madelyn Converse. This will allow them to use her as a hitting option on the outside. This team will have what it takes to be competitive at the 18’s level.
Stella Swanson 16-1
- Like many MNL setters before her, Swanson brings a lot of height to the setting position. The already six-footer is only in ninth grade (class of 2024-Wazyata.) She will have no problem stepping into the lead role for their top 16’s team after an incredible high school season. Joining her as the youngest on the team will be her sister, outside hitter, Olivia Swanson. This team will have a lot of height and a roster full of hitters who all the potential to go on to become a top recruit for their class. It will be up to Stella to spread the ball among them all.
Lily Bertsch Lily Bertsch 5'11" | S United Christian Academy | 2022 State MN 17 Black
- Mizuno Northern Lights is as successful as it is because of players like Lily. The depth in this program doesn’t stop at the top team. Lily is another setter/outside hitter with natural talent and valuable experience. She knows what it takes to win and how to get there. She was the conference Player of the Year 2019-2020 season as a part of United Christian Academy. The 5’10” junior, had great success as part of the Lights 16-2’s last year and we expect more greatness from this smart player.
Annika Mechelke 18 Red
- Coming off her undefeated high school season, Mechelke has the talent to make everyone she plays with better. Her hustle, confidence, and experience. In her junior season she had over 500 assists. On her squad are a handful of gifted hitters who have already committed: Isabelle Stein-St. Mary’s Univ., Kendal Storlie-Juson Unvi., & Rylie Kupka– UW Superior. She is the type of player that if matched with the right program could set records in college. If matched with the right program, we know she could go on to set school records in college.
Allison Ball 16 Red
- Keep an eye out for Allison and her 16 red team. She brings speed, precision and positivity to the team. We saw her dominate the Skyline Conference this fall. Ball has nearly 250 assists for the season. Equally impressive, is her serving. She loves to throw her opponents out of system with her forceful serving. This is a true volleyball family and Ball was made to play the game.
15 and under setters to watch:
Maddy Dombeck 15-1 (2024; Farmington)
Natalie Gillen 15 Black ( 2024; East Ridge)
Alexis Opland 14-1 (2025)