2022 Club Season Spotlight: Nebraska Elite 16-1
The Nebraska club spotlights are going to keep coming, so let’s get some Nebraska Elite representation in here. We’re on the cusp of the club season getting into full swing. Teams have already been tirelessly preparing for some early events…
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Continue ReadingThe Nebraska club spotlights are going to keep coming, so let’s get some Nebraska Elite representation in here.
We’re on the cusp of the club season getting into full swing. Teams have already been tirelessly preparing for some early events this year, and the stakes will be high right away. It’s a perfect time to ki9ck our spotlight series into gear once again.
So, it’s time for Nebraska Elite. We’ve just talked a lot about athletes on their 15s team while we went through the 2025 watch list this week. Let’s take one step up the age group ladder and check out what the 16s bring to the fold.
This is Nebraska Elite 16-1.
Omaha Athletes
Naturally, we’re starting with the roster’s Omaha natives.
Omaha Westside’s Tatum Godinez Tatum Godinez 5'11" | RS Omaha Westside | 2024 State NE is surely a name to follow here. She made the trek to Grimes for our Prep Dig Iowa Top 250 Expo last month, and she stood out for both her floor defense and her ability to attack at the net. This attacker is a force at either pin.
Include Emily Love in this discussion, too. The Omaha Duchesne product can play in the middle, outside, or at opposite. That versatility is a common thread at that high school program, and Love is not the only player on this team that can switch from middle to the outside. Kennedy Richardson from Elkhorn South also has the skills and physical traits to do both.
Two more Omaha stars will also play key roles in the backcourt. We just mentioned Elkhorn South, so let’s highlight another rising Storm athlete who will have a big influence here. Sarah Galligan perhaps has those “good libero bloodlines,” but she’s also forging her own path that will make her a future standout in the Nebraska prep scene. Sage McGill joins Galligan in the back row for 16-1 and also has the benefit of training with another elite high school program: Omaha Skutt.
Beyond Omaha…
We’ve got Omaha covered. Now, let’s venture outside of the metro and meet a few 16-1 players who will be commuting in to train with this squad.
Douglas County West High School is contributing two players to the 16-1 roster. Middle blocker Nora Wurtz Nora Wurtz 6'4" | MB DC West | 2024 State #109 Nation NE will undoubtedly be a major contributor with her six-foot-four frame and unmatched work ethic. She is always looking to improve and will have a great chance to do that this winter.
Wurtz’s DC West counterpart, Anna Borner Anna Borner 5'4" | DS/L DC West | 2024 State NE , is another defensive specialist to keep an eye on this season. Her tremendous body control and stout passing are an asset to whichever team she represents during the year.
There are a couple more players from the northeast Nebraska area to note on 16-1. Norfolk’s Carly Ries could be a big factor on the right pin this year. Likewise, Addison Johnson Addison Johnson 5'10" | OH Columbus | 2024 State NE from Columbus could make an impact as either a frontcourt attacker or a defensive specialist. The options here are endless, and I’m excited to see how it comes together.
…and into Iowa
Now, let’s wrap up with two players who will be crossing the Missouri River.
Alizabeth Jacobsen Alizabeth Jacobsen 6'3" | MB Underwood | 2024 State IA is one of Iowa’s most exciting 2024s. The Underwood outside hitter can hit over, around, or through any block, and she does it with serious power. Put her anywhere along the net, and she’s bound to thrive.
Lastly, Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln’s Molly Romano Molly Romano 5'10" | S Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln | 2024 State IA puts everything together at the setter spot. She has been a mainstay at our Prep Dig events lately and is beginning to get plenty of recognition on the high school side. That should continue in club ball with 16-1.
Always great to see Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln setter Molly Romano Molly Romano 5'10" | S Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln | 2024 State IA . Connects with hitters so well.
She got some much deserved recognition after this year’s high school season. #PDTop250 pic.twitter.com/KevBRb1kNg
— Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) December 4, 2021