2021 Division 3 Player & Coach of the Year
In this article:
The 2021 Division 3 prep season is where we saw a lot of new faces emerge at the top. The state finals include a handful of new teams, while the two-time defending champions, SMCC, had almost an entirely new starting…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe 2021 Division 3 prep season is where we saw a lot of new faces emerge at the top.
The state finals include a handful of new teams, while the two-time defending champions, SMCC, had almost an entirely new starting lineup.
When the smoke settled, it was the lively group from Reese that emerged on top thanks to the play of their senior outside hitter and enthusiastic coach.
For that reason, the Rockets swept the 2021 Division 3 postseason awards.
2021 D3 Player of the Year
Maddi Osantowski Maddi Osantowski 5'10" | OH Reese | 2022 State MI , Reese
Osantowski was a name that was pretty well known around the state, but it wasn’t until she got to showcase her talents at Kellogg Arena that people found out just how talented she was.
The senior showcased tremendous athleticism and explosiveness while leading the Rockets to their first Division 3 state title.
Nobody was as productive as Osantowski at the net during finals weekend. She tallied 34 kills and 17 digs in the five-set finals win over SMCC, and had 37 kills and 19 digs in the four-set semifinal win over WMC.
Those massive performances put her over 600 kills and 400 digs for the 2021 season.
Osantowski moved around the court with ease and has tremendous form on her attacks and passes. Her energy was contagious as well, as the Rockets were a team that lived off positive vibes and energy.
Special Mention: Kyla Wiersema Kyla Wiersema 6'0" | MB Western Michigan Christian | 2022 State MI , WMC; Gabrielle VerBerkmoes, McBain; Kate Collingsworth Kate Collingsworth 5'10" | S Monroe | 2022 State MI , SMCC; Jaydn Cary, Bronson.
2021 D3 Coach of the Year
Angie Compton, Reese
There was no question that Reese handled things a little differently in Battle Creek and Compton was big on encouraging that.
The volleyball team turned dance team played with more life and energy than any other team during finals weekend. That proved to pay off, as the Rockets were never rattled, even when trailing two sets in the final against SMCC.
Reese’s dancing and liveliness during timeouts and between sets became infectious and it carried over onto the court where the team played loose and with plenty of confidence.
Compton knew when her team needed a dance break and when they needed a kick in the butt. She definitely had a great feel for her players and played into their fun style.
Special Mention: Cassandra Haut, SMCC; Trent Smillie, WMC.