Class of 2023 athletes in the Illinois spotlight
As we all know by now, most club athletes have transitioned from their club’s seasons into their high school seasons as the IHSA resumed the volleyball season this spring. As the spring season is moving into the first half of…
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Continue ReadingAs we all know by now, most club athletes have transitioned from their club’s seasons into their high school seasons as the IHSA resumed the volleyball season this spring. As the spring season is moving into the first half of the season, we are watching some athletes whose athletic talents have landed them in the spotlight and are definitely ones to watch.
Ava Nepkin– Ultimate Volleyball of Chicago
Standing at 6’3”, Nepkin is going to be one outside hitter to watch throughout her volleyball career. Nepkin shows excellent athleticism and sportsmanship on and off the court, and that’s what coaches are looking for. Nepkin is an up and coming outside hitter that is not afraid to go after the ball. She is attentive, quick on her feet, and displays impressive communication skills across the floor. Nepkin is young and has the potential to grow and sharpen her skills, but don’t let her age question her ability to be a threat on the floor. Nepkin is one expected to shine in the spotlight and will continue to surprise you as she continues to get stronger and play harder.
Lia Schneider– Sports Performance Volleyball Club
Schneider is definitely going to be one to keep in the spotlight and under your radar as she continues to prove her skillset positioned as a libero. Schneider is fast, attentive and definitely can follow the balls movement across the court. She serves as a defensive specialist for her team, so she is going to have a special set of skills when it comes to her ball handling and control amongst the court. Schneider moves freely across the floor, making it very hard for the ball to touch in her area, and she has impeccable ball handling skills. Her mindset shows that she is competitive, determined and always hungry to win when she steps foot onto the court. Schneider is going to be on libero you are going to want to watch throughout her high school and club career.
Madeline Heil– Ultimate Volleyball Club
Heil is heading into the right direction as she is a very powerful player on the court. The middle hitter stands at 6’0” with a block jump of 9’3” and approach jump of 9’6”. Heil has a very powerful swing but is able to switch up with having a soft enough touch when it comes to needing to set the ball over the net to score points for her team. Her competitiveness and aggression are brought full force when she is on the court and does not fail to impress those watching. The sophomore is currently playing in her high school season, already bringing attention to herself as she started off her season with a couple kills, allowing her high school team to win over their opponent. Heil is going to be one to keep in the spotlight as she continues to make a name for herself.
Jordan Heatherly– 1st Alliance Volleyball Club
Heatherly has seen most of her action this season with her club team 1st Alliance this season but did not fail to leave her mark on the court. Heatherly has the ability to play effectively in several positions, making it more diverse for her to see action on the court and be a reliable asset to her team. She has the soft touch to be a setter and has quick and attentive foot movement to be a opposite side. Heatherly stands at 5’10” and is fluent in playing in several positions, making her athletic abilities highly noticed on the court. Heatherly is going to be one to watch and to keep in the spotlight this spring season and club season.
Amanda Otten– Club Fusion
Otten is a very impressive player, as she stands 6’3” and has an approach jump of 10’5”. Her size and athleticism are something to keep your eyes on as she continues to perform a prestigious level throughout her high school career. Otten started her high school career on varsity and continues to make herself know as she is a very persistent setter. Though she is soft in her touch, she is able to still set a very strong and willing attack on the opposing team. Heatherly is going to be one to keep in the spotlight as her skills are only going to progress and get better.
Grace Egan– Club Fusion
The 6’1” sophomore is going to be a threat in her coming years, as Egan has an strong and powerful swing when it comes to attacking on the ball. Egan, the outside hitter, has managed to secure 360 kills, 35 blocks, 252 digs and 53 aces in her previous season as a freshman. Egan does not fail to g=let us know who she is and what she is about. Egan is definitely going to be an athlete to watch as she is an important player not only to her club team, but to her high school team as well, as they have started their high school season. Egan has a few more years to go and is going to bring some heat with her and show us what she is capable of.