18s GJNC Preview: Oly Reign 18 Gold
The most important tournament of the year for the class of 2021 players is just in front of us as the 2021 USAV Girls 18s Junior National Championship is set to happen from April 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio, and as…
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Continue ReadingThe most important tournament of the year for the class of 2021 players is just in front of us as the 2021 USAV Girls 18s Junior National Championship is set to happen from April 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio, and as many as 280 teams from the entire country are expected to compete in the five divisions.
Even though the high school season is still ongoing in Washington for a few divisions, the state will be represented in the tournament with four teams making the trip out East and this week we’ll present them and analyze their most important players.
In the 18 American Division, the state of Washington will be represented by Oly Reign 18 Gold and here’s our preview of them:
Representing the Oly Reign Volleyball Club out of Olympia, Oly Reign 18 Gold have won 13 of their 21 matches so far in the club season. The group led by head coach Christie Oldright advanced all the way to the final of the Puget Sound Region 18 Bid Challenge, where they qualified to the GJNC.
Here are their key players:
Devyn Oestreich – Outside Hitter – HS: Capital – 2021
A 5’11” outside hitter, Devyn Oestreich is recognized as one of the strong offensive players in the state in her age group. A prolific scorer for her high school Capital, she brings a lot of firepower to Oly Reign 18 Gold’s left side of the net. The daughter of the team’s assistant coach Todd, Devyn has an interesting ability to time her run precisely regardless of the set and can hit the ball in unlikely angles. She has committed to the Western Washington University.
Calyne Schmidt – Right Sider – HS: North Thurston – 2021
The ability to perform multiple skills at a very high level is what defines Calyne Schmidt’s game the best. As a super talented, 5’11” left-handed prospect, she slotted perfectly on Oly Reign 18 Gold’s right side of the net. Her main duty with the team is hitting the ball, but she’s also skilled enough to play as a setter if needed and with the combination of her technique and her size, she immediately becomes one of the best out there.
Samantha Mueller – Middle-Blocker – HS: North Thurston – 2021
Samantha Mueller is another 5’11” prospect who will be part of Oly Reign 18 Gold’s core during the tournament in Columbus. A long and athletic middle-blocker, she uses her size and great timing at the net to seal the space for opposing hitters and make of her blocks her trademark moves. Her offense is very solid too.