Countdown to Nationals: 4 Under the Radar Teams With Potential
Nationals is only four days away. If I could, I would insert the “mind blown” emoji. I can’t wait for volleyball teams to descend upon Indianapolis. There are a number of Badger teams going. Some have a little higher profile…
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Continue ReadingNationals is only four days away. If I could, I would insert the “mind blown” emoji. I can’t wait for volleyball teams to descend upon Indianapolis. There are a number of Badger teams going. Some have a little higher profile than others on the national stage. This article focuses on those teams who have had successful seasons and flown a bit under the radar but could make a huge impact at nationals! Keep these teams on your radar. Their rosters are packed with talent.
I AM VBC 17 Red – 17 Patriot Division
This team has had a ton of success this season. They won several local tournaments, took 3rd in the 18 Elite division of the Badger Region Power League, and 2nd in the club division of the Badger Region Championships. Now they will look to take their talent to the national stage. Meredith Bock Meredith Bock 5'7" | DS/L Kettle Moraine Lutheran | 2023 State WI is a talented libero with a wide range of coverage in the back row. Lilly Bandle Lilly Bandle 6'1" | MB West Bend East | 2023 State WI is an explosive middle who is powerful, smart, and always ready to earn points. Setters Emily Dickman and Sydney Hoeft Sydney Hoeft 5'10" | S Port Washington | 2023 State WI run the offense efficiently and move the ball around very well. Ella Ahlstrand is a pin who flies high and can manufacture points. This team will be fun to watch compete on a national level.
Milwaukee Sting 15 White – 15 Liberty Division
This Sting 15 White team is scrappy and gritty. They can fight back in tough matches and are overall very mentally tough. They got 3rd at the President’s Day Classic in Saint Louis as well as the Windy City Qualifier and the Mideast Qualifier. They also won the club division of Badger Region Champs and had several other huge successes this season. Paige Boettcher Paige Boettcher 5'8" | OH Germantown | 2025 State WI is a six-rotation outside for 15 White and has a huge impact in every rotation. From her powerhouse serve to her smart decisions on offense, she is constantly earning points for her team. Setters Madelyn Marquardt Madelyn Marquardt 5'8" | S Kewaskum | 2025 State WI and Kaitlyn Connors Kaitlyn Connors 5'10" | S Oconomowoc | 2025 State WI are solid athletes who better the ball. Libero Ellie Bruns Ellie Bruns 5'5" | DS/L Menomonee Falls | 2025 State WI is scrappy and very good on serve receive.
Midwest Penguins 16 Black – 16 Patriot Division
This Penguins team had a PACKED and tough tournament schedule. They have improved every time they step on the court and have a dynamic group of athletes. They seem to have hit their stride recently placing 3rd in the Midwest Championships, 9th at the Asics National Championships, and 4th in the 17s/18s division of the Jrs Summer Splash. Chloe Bulacan Chloe Bulacan 5'4" | DS/L Pewaukee | 2024 State WI is a scrappy libero who is a leader and energizer on the court. Middles Faith Hudson Faith Hudson MB Pewaukee | 2024 State WI and Lara Kavalaskaus have both become quite powerful and very smart on the net. Setters Natalie Boehmer Natalie Boehmer 5'9" | S Horicon | 2024 State WI and Eavan Finnerty Eavan Finnerty S Wauwatosa East | 2024 State WI are both talented and run the offense well. Pins Maeve Edmund Maeve Edmund 6'0" | OH Pius XI | 2024 State WI and Jessi Riesterer Jessi Riesterer 5'9" | OH Sussex-Hamilton | 2024 WI are quick and dynamic on the pin.
Wisconsin Ice 16 National – 16 Freedom
This Ice team had a very good season. They placed in the top 7 in all but one tournament this season. The team had a challenging schedule including Badger Region Championships, the Badger Qualifier, the JVA World Challenge, and several Prep Dig Circuit events. Pin hitter Ava Krueger Ava Krueger 5'8" | OH Marathon | 2024 State WI is incredibly dynamic. She has a toolbox of shots she can use to manufacture points and can play all six rotations very well. Fellow pin Courtney Sommer Courtney Sommer 5'9" | OH Columbus Catholic | 2024 State WI has a solid and consistent swing and a highly aggressive serve. Middle blocker Lyndsie Truitt Lyndsie Truitt 5'10" | MB DC Everest | 2024 State WI has a high reach and snap on the ball and puts up a massive block. Setter Paige Guld Paige Guld 5'3" | S Newman Catholic | 2024 State WI has a high volleyball IQ and is very gritty and scrappy on the court. She will make any play work and hustles hard on every point. Libero Ashlyn Barwick Ashlyn Barwick 5'5" | DS/L Marshfield | 2024 State WI is an energizer on the court and has a great platform and clean angles.