Leaving South Dakota State, Looking for Beach Gold

#2 posting 8.8.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Former Gopher Nicole Branagh is looking for gold on the beach at Beijing. This is teammate Elaine Youngs third Olympics. From the St. Paul Pioneer Press and NBC.

MORE OLYMPICS
American indoor volleyball coach Jenny Lang Ping has returned to Beijing. Here is a press conference along with the men's indoor coach.

LEAVING SOUTH DAKOTA STATE
SDSU has had two players leave (and one verbal) after coach Andrew Palileo left for Washington State. They only have one player with 45 kills returning. From the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

PRESEASON OUTLOOKS
The first official practices start tomorrow for colleges.
Indiana has released their preseason preview.

Iowa State is hoping to return to the NCAA tournament for the third straight time.

Rhode Island is picked to finish 4th in the Atlantic 10 West (?) division. Jillian Bekke of Cretin-Derham Hall plays for the Rams.

Ohio starts their practice at 9 am Saturday.

COACHING NEWS
Stephanie Blackburn of Ohio University '07 will be a volunteer assistant at Ohio State. OSU coach Geoff Carlston was the coach at Ohio previously. Shane Wilkinson has been named director of volleyball operations.

TELEVISION
Wisconsin will be on national television five times, four times on the Big 10 Network, once on ESPN2.

Next up: tomorrow, unless news breaks

Chambers Verbals, Youngest Coach

#1 posting 8.8.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

CHAMBERS VERBALS
Brittany Chambers has made a verbal to Kansas State for basketball. The multiple sport athlete also entertained several D1 volleyball offers.

COACHING NEWS
Minneapolis Roosevelt has hired Wendy Vang as their new girls volleyball coach. She replaces Jill Kalvik who is now an assistant coach at the University of Chicago. Vang is the youngest head coach in the state at 19 years old. She is a 2007 high school grad from Minneapolis Henry. Last year she was an assistant at Henry.
This is the third coach that used to assist me that is now a head coach: John Yunker of St. Michael-Albertville, Bill Quan of Osseo and now Vang at Roosevelt. The odd thing was Kalvik also was an assistant with me at Henry. There must be something in the water.

Next up: more news

Penn State, Creighton Outlooks

#1 posting 8.7.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PRESEASON OUTLOOK
Defending NCAA National champion Penn State has released their detailed preseason outlook.

Creighton has released their preseason outlook. Allie Oelke of Chaska plays for the Bluejays.

COUNTDOWN
The Wisconsin Badgers continue their countdown to the season with the Best things about playing in Madison.

SCRIMMAGE
Ohio will have their Green vs. White scrimmage on August 23 at 4 pm.

TELEVISION
Penn State will have six games on the Big 10 Network and also one on ESPN2.

ACADEMICS
Illinois has taken AVCA Academic honors.

Next up: tomorrow

Olympic Q&A, Pac 10 Preview, Byrd Returns

#2 posting 8.6.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
The American women's volleyball coach Jenny Lang Ping, and players Danielle Scott-Aruda and Nicole Davis do a Q&A.

PAC 10 PREVIEW
Washington State has been picked to finish 10th in the Pac 10. Former South Dakota State coach Andrew Palileo is the new WSU coach.

BYRD Q&A
Former Badger Erin Byrd has returned to Madison and does a Q&A. Byrd is currently a beach player and works with Mission Volleyball camps.

REDECORATING
Illinois' Huff Hall has received a fresh coat of paint.

Next up: tomorrow

Berg Q&A, Gone in 10, Drowning, Police Blotter

#1 posting 8.6.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
Former Gopher Lindsey Berg does a Q&A.

The Star Tribune looks at former Gopher Nicole Branagh and her rise on the beach.

GOPHER MEDIA DAY
The Gophers will hold their media day on August 19 at 2 pm.

GONE IN 10 MINUTES
Nebraska sold out their season tickets in 10 minutes. From the Grand Island Independent.

PRESEASON OUTLOOK
The Badgers season is previewed in the Badger Herald.

MSU Mankato has released their preseason outlook.

COACHING NEWS
Kelly Hollands has been hired as the new girls volleyball coach at Climax-Fisher. Hollands has come full circle. From the Crookston Times.

DROWNING
Newly hired Elms College volleyball coach David Hildebrandt drowned after slipping on rocks during a camping trip near the swift river in New Hampshire.

POLICE BLOTTER
Teri Rhodes, a volleyball player from Mercyhurst college in Pennsylvania, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and faces a maximum of 10 to 20 years in prison. She suffocated her newborn baby last year. Rhodes went to Livonia Ladywood HS in Michigan. From the MLive site.

Next up: more news

Beach Rivals, Badger Countdown

#1 posting 8.5.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BEACH RIVALRY
Misty May-Traenor interviews Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh on the rivalry between the two beach volleyball powers. From the NBC Olympic site.

COUNTDOWN
The high schools aren't the only teams getting ready for the August 11th start of practice. Colleges start Monday too. Wisconsin is counting down the days with a video feature with players talking about what it means to be a Badger --including Nikki Klingsporn.

YOUTH CONFERENCE
Purdue coach Dave Shondell spoke at a youth leadership conference recently.

SCHEDULE
South Dakota has released their first schedule on their way to D1 status. From the Yankton Press & Dakotan.

NEW EMAIL
If you have news, or need to get a hold of me, I have a new email kja8067@gmail.com

next up: tomorrow

Olympics & High School Practice Countdown

#1 posting 8.4.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
The indoor Olympic volleyball action starts on August 9th for the women, and the 10th for the men. The US Women open with Japan on the 9th. (5 days)

PRACTICE
In one week the high school volleyball season begins in Minnesota. Here is the MSHSL official site with a section on news and a section on resources. (7 days)

Next up: tomorrow

Walk Ons, Early vs Late, and Heard on the Street

#1 posting 8.3.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

WALK ONS
College Volleyball Coach looks at walk ons at the D1 level. The last two paragraphs are vital in that article.

CVC also looks at the difference between early and late signing. Again the last two paragraphs are key.

HEARD ON THE STREET
6-4 Cassie Rochel of Lakeville North may be playing volleyball this year. Rochel has excellent quickness and would be a force on defense at the net. She has been a starter on the basketball team the last two seasons.

next up: tomorrow

Bethany Lutheran Preview, TV Time, Transfer

#1 posting 8.2.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PREVIEW
Bethany Lutheran of Mankato has released their preseason volleyball preview.

TV TIME
The Gophers home volleyball contest vs Michigan State on October 17 will be televised on ESPN2.

TRANSFER
Addi Radke has transferred from Kansas State to Morningside. The 6-1 outside hitter is from Santiam High School in Corvallis class of 2005, Oregon. She has attended Cal Poly, Northeastern JC in Sterling, CO, and Kansas State. From the Sioux City Journal.

Next up: tomorrow

Coaching Changes, Olympic Beach Schedule

#1 posting 8.1.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Doreen Matteson is the new volleyball coach at Bigfork.
Brooke Schaffer is the new volleyball coach at Robbinsdale Cooper.
Former SW Star coach Rick Haberman is an assistant at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton this year. He teaches in TMB.
Lesley Bonin is the new volleyball coach at Eagan.
Leah Welch is the new volleyball coach at Totino-Grace

OLYMPIC SCHEDULE
FIVB has released the Olympic schedule for beach volleyball.
On August 9th former Gopher Nicole Branagh and teammate Elaine Youngs plays a pair from the Netherlands at 6 pm Beijing time. Misti May-Traenor and Kerri Walsh open their play the next day at 9 am.

NAIA TOURNAMNET
Blue Bunny will sponsor the NAIA tournament in Sioux City. From the Sioux City Journal.

CLINIC
The Minnesota Girls Volleyball Coaches clinic wrapped up at Sauk Rapids yesterday. If you missed the event you can become a member of the organization here online.

Next up: tomorrow

All Star Game wrap, and Academics

#1 posting 7.31.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR WRAP UP
In case you haven't seen my report from last night here is the Marshall Independent's report on the event won by North Country Region.

ACADEMICS
MIAC teams Bethel, Carleton, Gustavus, Macalester, St. Mary's and St. Thomas received the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the 2007-2008 season. UW Eau Claire was honored as well. From the Eau Claire Leader Telegram.

In the Big 10 Ohio State took AVCA honors.

SCHEDULE
The Buckeyes have released their 2008 schedule. They travel to Minnesota on Sunday, November 23.

YEARBOOK
The Wisconsin Badgers have released their 2008 volleyball yearbook.

Next up: tomorrow

Minnesota All Star Game

#2 posting 7.30.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

21ST ANNUAL MINNESOTA ALL STAR GAME
Sauk Rapids High School
NORTH COUNTRY REGION 3, BADEN 0
25-19, 27-25, 26-24

North Country Region swept Baden in a tight contest at Sauk Rapids High school tonight. The event is held in conjunction with the Minnesota Girls Volleyball Coaches Association All Star game. Miss Volleyball of 2007, Jennifer Lopez of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton put her stamp on the game with 15 kills and 18 assists as she picked up the Lindi Fogelberg MVP award for NCR.

In game one North Country Region broke free from a four all tie with a 8-3 run to lead 12-7. NCR used a strong side out game at the start holding Baden to a 1/7 start. NCR's run stopped on a miss serve. That opened the gate for a four point run for Baden. Baden used a 7-2 run over two serves to tie the game at 14. Hannah Johnson had three points in the run. The game was tied at 18 when NCR scored six straight points. Mallory Fultz had two kills in the burst. Again a missed serve stopped the run. Lopez finished off game one with a side out kill.

Baden held the early advantage in game two with a 6-3 lead. Once again a missed served stopped the momentum cold. Baden did get six straight side outs to start the game. Baden held an 11-7 lead when NCR scored four straight to tie it up. Chelsea Nagle had two straight aces for NCR to tie it. Baden regained momentum with the help of some NCR errors. NCR was forced to take a time out at 17-14. The time out didn't pan out as Steph Boulton added an ace. Baden led 20-17 when NCR had another run, this time five points, four on Brittany Wenzel's serve. Nagle made a great save during the 21st go ahead point which resulted in a Baden time out. The game was tied once again at 22 after a kill by Johnson. Two Baden hitting errors put NCR on the verge at 24-22. Baden took time out and this time got the side out on a Johnson kill. Baden tied it at 24 and that forced a time out by NCR. Coming out of the time out Baden served into the net. NCR gave the ball right back with a setting error. Another missed serve by Baden put the ball in Lopez's hands. She finished off game two with an ace.

NCR led early with a three point run. Jenna Green led off with two straight kills. Side outs ruled in game three. 20 straight side outs kept the game competitive. NCR again had a run of three to make it 16-12 forcing a Baden time out. NCR held two point advantages with Baden shaving a point off her and there. When a hitting error put NCR up 21-19 Baden decided they needed to talk. NCR scored twice after the time out to go up 23-19. Courtney Bitter had a kill to stop the run. Nagle had a kill of her own to put NCR on the verge 24-20. A net violation gave Baden new life. It translated into three more points and a tie game at 24. On the 23rd point NCR took a time out but Nicole Buysse came out of the time out with a kill for Baden. A hitting error gave NCR a one point advantage. Green ended the evening with a kill.

I have a new lens and this was the first time out shooting volleyball. You can see the entire Minnesota All Star game photo gallery at kevinanderson.photostockplus.com

key: rotation, player, school, position (as listed), aces-blocks-kills--total points
NORTH COUNTRY REGION
1. Brittany Wenzel, Chaska, S 1-0-0--1
1. Liz Schlobohm, Bethlehem Academy RH 0-1-2--3
2. Katie Kimman, Pierz, OH 0-0.5-4--4.5
2. Chelsea Nagle, Fillmore Central, OH 2-0-6---8
3. Mallory Fultz, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, OH 0-0.5-4.5
4. Jennifer Lopez, DGF, S/MB 1-1.5-15-17.5
5. Jenna Green, DGF, OH 0-1.5-9-10.5
6. Laura Slinger, Bethlehem Academy, MB 0-0-3---3
At various times Nagle and Green paired up.
total points: 4-5-43--52 points earned, 26 points on Baden errors

BADEN
1. Courtney Bitter, Bemidji, S 0-1-9--10
2. Nicole Buysse, Pipestone, OH 1-0.5-4--5.5
3. Megan Bezdicek, Jackson County Central, MB 2-1-4--7
4. Julie Blume, Wheaton, S 1-0-0---1
4. Chelsea Koth, Hibbing, MB 0-1-4--5
5. Hannah Johnson, Greenway 0-0.5-9--9.5
5. Steph Boulton, Minneota, OH 1-0-0---1
6. Claire Kopfmann, Minneota, OH 0-0-6---6
These line ups varied in the game 2-3.
totals: 3-4-36---45 points earned; 23 points on NCR errors

TRENCH PLAYER
Jennifer Lopez

BY THE NUMBERS
team, first ball side outs/chances; points, % earned; % allowed
North Country Region 32/47 (.681); 78; .667; .338
Baden 28/47 (.596); 68, .662; .333
3+ Runs: NCR 7, Baden 4
missed serves: Baden 8, NCR 6
Time Out success: Baden 2/5-.400; NCR 1/3-.333

ROTATIONS
NORTH COUNTRY REGION
1. Wenzel 19-11 .633
2. Nagle 15-13 .536
3. Fultz 11-11 .500
4. Lopez 13-16 .448
5. Green 12-10 .545
6. Slinger 8-7 .533
totals: 78-68 .534

BADEN
1. Bitter 12-20 .375
2. Buyses 16-12 .571
3. Bezdicek 12-9 .571
4. Blume 9-11 .450
5. Boulton/Johnson 12-11 .522
6. Kopfmann 7-14 .333
totals: 68-78 .466

Next up: tomorrow morning

Peterson Resigns, Coaching Clinic & All Star Game Today

#1 posting 7.30.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Katy Peterson has resigned as University of North Dakota volleyball coach. Her twin Kari will be the interim coach this year.

ACADEMICS
Creighton and North Dakota State both have won an AVCA academic award for the fifth straight year.

CLINIC
The Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Clinic begins today at Sauk Rapids at 3 pm. The All Star game takes place at 7 pm.

Next up: later tonight after the all star game

All Star Rosters, Hall of Fame, International Action

#1 posting 7.29.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME
Marshall's Dan Westby and Jon Hegerle will lead Team Baden along with Lindsay Ashburn of St. Cloud Cathedral, and Matt Busch of Shakopee; in the MN Coaches All Star Game.
team members include Claire Kopfmann and Stephanie Boulton, both of Minneota

Team North Country Region will be led by Franz Boelter of Bethlehem Academy, Jean Lopez of Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and Ron Wendorff of Windom.
Some players include
Mallory Fultz of Tracy-Milroy-Balaton
Brittany Wenzel of Chaska.

The All Star Game takes place at Sauk Rapids High School tomorrow at 7 pm.
You can see the player bios here.
From the Marshall Independent and the Chaska Herald.

HALL OF FAME
Gustavus has named nine individuals to their 2008 Hall of Fame class. Sue Erlandson Breckner '83 made the list. SEB made all conference in 1981 and 1982.

NORCECA TOURNEY
Illinois recruit Michelle Bartsch played a key role in the US NORCECA gold medal victory.

OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL
The US Olympic indoor volleyball team will scrimmage at Cal Berkeley on Thursday. The Americans also held a press conference yesterday. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg is on the squad.

Next up: tomorrow

Clinic, NORCECA & High Performance Champs

#1 posting 7.28.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME & CLINIC
The Minnesota coaches All Star game takes place this Wednesday at Sauk Rapids at 7 pm.

The event is held in conjunction with the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association clinic.

NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIPS
The US Women’s Junior National Team swept Dominican Republic in the NORCECA championships in Mexico.

HIGH PERFORMANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The final two divisions crowned their winners in the High Performance championships on Sunday in Tucson. Badger Region won the gold medal in the Girls’ National Youth Division and Southern California Region Red won the Girls’ National Select Division title.

COVERING THE HITTER
About.com reminds players to cover the hitter.

Next up: tomorrow

NORCECA Tournament, High Performance Camp, Sparby Returns

#1 posting 7.27.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Tammy Sparby will return as Thief River Falls volleyball coach. She resigned at the end of last season. From the Bemidji Pioneer toward the end of Jim Carrington's column.

HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMP
The High Performance camp wrapped up in Tucson. USA Junior White won the gold in the Women’s International Division. Arizona Region High Performance won the Girls' International Youth Division title.

NORCECA TOURNAMENT
The U.S. Women’s Junior National Team beat Cuba 3-1 to advance to the title game of the NORCECA tournament in Mexico. The US will face the Dominican Republic for the championship.

next up: tomorrow

US Juniors Top Mexico

#1 posting 7.26.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NORCECA TOURNAMENT
The US Junior National Team defeated host Mexico in a sweep thanks to the blocking game. Incoming Illinois freshman Michelle Bartsch scored a team-high 12 points.

Pretty short and sweet today

Next up: tomorrow

All Stars, Sand Volleyball, NORCECA Tourney

#1 posting 7.25.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ALL STAR GAME
Katie Kimman of Pierz is one of the All Stars that will play next Wednesday in Sauk Rapids at 7 pm. From the St. Cloud Times.

NORCECA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Future Illini Michelle Bartsch had 12 points for the USA Junior Nationals in a win over Canada. The Americans are 2-1 and finished 2nd in pool A. Now comes the single elimination round.

NCAA BEACH VOLLEYBALL?
The NCAA is considering adding "Sand Volleyball" to the roster of sports sponsored. 40 schools need to add the sport for a championship. Schools would have five doubles teams. The schools that have three victories would win the match.

Next up: tomorrow

Dixon Verbals, A-10 & Farmington Previews

#1 posting 7.24.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

DIXON VERBALS
Tori Dixon has verballed the Gophers. Dixon is a 6-4 MH from Burnsville. During the JO season she plays with Northern Lights. Her 16u team placed third in the recent JO nationals. From RichKern.com

CONFERENCE PREVIEW
The Atlantic 10 has released their preseason preview. Charlotte and George Washington have players with Minnesota connections.

FALL PREVIEW
Farmington wins the award for the first high school volleyball preview. (that I found). The Farmington Independent looks at the upcoming fall season.

CAMPING
Camping numbers have been up at Indiana this year.

Next up: tomorrow

Manuel in Tucson, Hawkeye Clinic

#1 posting 7.23.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HIGH PERFORMANCE
Alexa Manuel of Eden Prairie is on the USA Women's Junior Blue team in the USA Volleyball High Performance Pipeline event at Tucson, Arizona starting July 23-27.

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Here are the results from the Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.

CLINIC
The Iowa Hawkeyes will run a coaches clinic Saturday, August 16 from 9 am to 4 pm.

Next up: tomorrow

Gophers Recruits 12th, Big 10 Network

#1 posting 7.22.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

RECRUITS RANKED
Minnesota's 2008 recruits are ranked 12th by prepvolleyball.com.

BIG 10 NETWORK
Minnesota will be on the Big 10 Network four times this fall.

Purdue also will be on the cable station four times.

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
The BIP/USA team is 2-1 in the Global Challenge in Pula, Croatia.

Next up: tomorrow

Global Challenge

#1 posting 7.21.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Western Carolina coach Stephanie Dragon has a blog on day 2 in Pula, Croatia. Abby Severson of George Washington (and Minneapolis Southwest) is on the BIP/USA team in this tournament.

REMINDER
The Minnesota volleyball coaches clinic will be held on July 30 and 31 at Sauk Rapids.

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights Wraps Up Trip, Basic Skills

#1 posting 7.20.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

EUROPEAN TRIP
Here are the final photos and blog entry of Northern Lights European trip. The destination on this day: Paros Island. Mollie Geske closes out the blog writing for day 17 and 18.

BASIC SKILLS
The College Volleyball Coach examines the basic skills need to get on the floor. (hard hitting is down the list). CVC also looks at why more international players are playing at the college level these days. The last paragraph hammers home the point.

next up: tomorrow

Berg, Bartsch, Badgers & Gas

#1 posting 7.19.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
The Big 10 looks at Olympians from their conference including former Gopher Lindsey Berg who is headed to Beijing.

JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM
Future Illinois player Michelle Bartsch has made the Junior National Team. The team leaves Sunday to participate in the NORCECA Women's Junior Continental Championships in Saltillo, Mexico.

2007 HIGHLIGHTS
Wisconsin has released video highlights from the 2007 season. There is no dialogue on the highlights, but dramatic movie background music leads to rap.

GAS COST
The Tower-Soudan school district tabled a proposal to increase participation fees. Volleyball would have risen to $112.50. The culprit---rising gas prices. From the Timberjay Newspapers.

next up: tomorrow

Three (or Four) Coaching Hires

#1 posting 7.18.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Margaret Essler will return to coach New London-Spicer for the third time. She will be co-coach with Mimi Knutson, a former coach at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa. They replace Kay Czarnetzki who resigned after last season. From the West Central Tribune.

Long time Minneota assistant Stephanie Hennen has been hired as head coach. From the Marshall Independent.

Kelli Kurth will return as Lincoln HI's head volleyball coach. Last couple lines in the Marshall Independent.

SCHEDULE
Marquette has released their 2008 volleyball schedule.

NATIONAL TEAM
Incoming 6-3 Illinois freshman Michelle Bartsch has made final 14 players on the way to 12 for the U.S. Women's Junior National Training Team.

EUROPEAN TRIP
Here are the photos from day 10 of Northern Lights European Trip. They journey from Athens to Paros Island.

Next up: tomorrow

Verbals 2008-09

VERBALS 2008-2009

This is an ongoing list. If I am missing any player, go to kja8067@gmail.com and email me.

2009-33
D1-13
Amy Braun, Lakeville North, Northern Iowa, 5-10, OH
Ariel Carlson, Alexandria, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, 6-1, MB/RS (August 16, 2008)
Tia Gaffen, Wayzata, California, 6-2 MH
Katherine Harms, St. Michael-Albertville, Minnesota
Brianna Haugen, Minneapolis Southwest, Minnesota, MB
Leah Johnson, Lakeville North, North Dakota State
Brynn Joki, Grand Rapids, North Dakota State
Megan Lambertson, Litchfield, North Dakota State
Karlee Lursen, Eastview, SE Missouri State, 5-9, RH
Kelsey Mattai, White Bear Lake, Marquette
Ari Mewhorter, Blaine, Akron
Greta Strenger, Woodbury, Stony Brook
Catherine Yager, St. Michael-Albertville, Michigan
D2-19
Brigetta Berg, Wadena-Deer Creek, SW MN State
Shannon Byers, Faribault, South Carolina Aiken
Lauren Cipperly, Andover, St. Cloud State, OH
Samantha Dale, Alexandria, MSU Mankato
Maggie Finkel, Chaska, Winona State
Chelsea Fogarty, Belle Plaine, MSU Mankato OH
Michelle Graham, Woodbury, Concordia St. Paul, S/RH
Cassie Haag, SW Christian Chaska, Concordia St. Paul, MH
Madeline Haben, Holy Angels, Michigan Tech, S
Katelyn Horihan, Mabel-Canton, Winona State
Taylor Hrdlichka, Lakeville South, Augustana
Kelsey Jacobs, Maple Grove, Winona State, OH
Brooke Lewko, Lakeville North, Augustana
Kenzie Niesche, Chaska, SW MN State, L
Kara Pioske, Waconia, Concordia St. Paul, OH
Lindsey Sathre, Osseo, Michigan Tech, MH
Crissi Schewe, Sleepy Eye St. Mary's, SW MN State MH
Jordan Spatenka, Owatonna, Augustana, OH
Anna Zyvoloski, St. Cloud Cathedral, UM Duluth, OH
NAIA-1
Rachel Pekarek, Osseo, SD Mines

2010-3
D1-2
Tori Dixon, Burnsville, Minnesota
Ashley Wittman, Shakopee, Minnesota
D2-1
Katie Lange, Hibbing, UM Duluth

Olympian Berg, Wisconsin #10, More Athens

#1 posting 7.17.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPIAN BERG
Former Gopher Lindsey Berg has been selected to the American Olympic team. Berg also was on the 2004 team.

RECRUITING CLASS
Wisconsin has the tenth rated recruiting class in 2008 according to prepvolleyball.com.

TICKETS
The Gophers have season tickets available now, and will have single game tickets available starting Monday.

SCHEDULE
North Dakota State has released their 2008 volleyball schedule.

EUROPEAN TRIP
Northern Lights continue their journey across Europe with a blog entry from Natalie Walseth (awesome in Athens) and more Athens photos on day nine plus another blog entry, this time from Elly Braaten.

Next up: tomorrow

Sauk Rapids Needs Coach, MSU #7

#1 posting 7.16.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

RECRUITING CLASS
Michigan State has the 7th best recruiting class according to prepvolleyball.com.

COACHING NEWS
Sauk Rapids is looking for a volleyball coach. Former coach Paul Meyer is now the head coach at Waldorf College in Iowa. From the St. Cloud Times.

Katie McGuine has been Director of Operations for Purdue. She was DO at Iowa the last two years. She also was the head coach at Pine Island. She is a grad of Rochester Lourdes and MSU Mankato.

NORTHERN LIGHTS TRIP
Here are the photos from Northern Lights European trip day seven on the travel from Berlin to Athens. Day 7s blog is by Lauren Grant. The photos on day 8 are all Athens.

Next up: tomorrow

Cincinnati #15, Home Visit Dos & Don'ts

#1 posting 7.15.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

RECRUITING CLASS
The University of Cincinnati's 2008 volleyball recruiting class is ranked #15 in PrepVolleyball. Kelsey Brandl of Lakeville North is among those recruits.

HOME VISITS DOS AND DON'TS
I have come across College Volleyball Coach (anonymous) and the latest posting covers dos and don'ts on the home visit. The don't list includes things like take phone calls and going out with friends when the home visit is going on.
This is a good resource---look at the subject list on the right. The list includes advice to players, recruiting plans and other topics.

SCHEDULE
Iowa has released their 2008 schedule. The Hawkeyes are at Minnesota on Wednesday, October 15.

CONFERENCE NEWS
The Minnesota Community College Conference is now called the Minnesota College Athletic Conference. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

Next up: tomorrow

Berlin Day 2, Minnesota Volleyball Clinic

#1 posting 7.14.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BERLIN NORTHERN LIGHTS
This is day six of the Northern Lights tour of Europe. It is day two of their Berlin stay. Here are the photos, here is the blog haiku style by Kristin Amermann of Eagan.

VOLLEYBALL CLINIC
Here is the tentative schedule of the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Clinic to be held at Sauk Rapids on July 30, and 31. The All Star game is on the 30th.
speakers this year include Northwestern coach Keylor Chan, Bemidji State coach Donna Palivec,
MSU Mankato coach Dennis Amundson, SW MN State coach Terry Culhane, St. Benedict coach Carol Howe Veenstra, Waldorf coach Paul Meyer, Central Lakes coach Jane Peterson, former Apple Valley coach Walt Weaver, Marshall coaches Dan Westby & Jon Hagerle, FBA coach Franz Boelter, and Mabel-Canton coach Lonnie Morken.
If you haven't registered you can do so here, or you can register at the door.

Next up: tomorrow

London to Berlin, America Tops China

#1 posting 7.13.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GRAND PRIX
The Americans beat China 3-2 in the Grand Prix. The USA trailed 2-1. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg started as setter. The USA is #4 in the world according to the polls.

NORTHERN LIGHTS IN EUROPE
Here is day four of the Northern Lights photos and Sophie McBride's blog as they moved from London to Berlin.

Day five was spent in Berlin. Here are those photos and Danielle Dombek's blog.

Next up: tomorrow

Rooney Transfers, Syverson in Global Challenge

#1 posting 7.12.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE DECISIONS
Emily Rooney has transferred from South Dakota State to join her former coach at Washington State. Rooney played her high school volleyball at Red Wing and started the last three seasons at SDSU.

Jenny Noordmans of Hancock will play both volleyball and basketball at UM Morris. From the Morris Sun Tribune.

GLOBAL CHALLENGE
Abby Syverson of George Washington (and Minneapolis Southwest) has been selected to play for the USA team at the 2008 Global Challenge volleyball tournament from July 20-24 in Pula, Croatia. She is a 6-2 middle headed into her junior year.

Next up: tomorrow

NORCECA Champs

#1 posting 7.11.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

NORCECA TOURNAMENT
The US Youth National team swept Mexico in the championship of the NORCECA Youth Continental Championship in Puerto Rico. The Americans will now head to India for the FIVB championships next year. Tori Dixon and Ashley Wittman each had 10 points in the win.

Before that the Americans swept host Puerto Rico in the semis on Wednesday. Tori Dixon has her photo on the article as she led the team with 13 points.

GRAND PRIX
The Americans lost to Cuba in five in the third Grand Prix contest. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg plays for the team.

COACHING NEWS
Lincoln HI is still looking for a volleyball coach. No one has applied yet. Late in the article from the Marshall Independent.

Angie Mlinar has been hired as the director of volleyball operations at Iowa. Mlinar was a grad assistant at Alabama the last two years. Mlinar is originally from St. Paul, Nebraska.

EUROPEAN TRIP
In day three Northern Lights went from London to Sanstead. Here are the photos. Ellen Senf writes the journal for day 3.

RETURN HOME
North Dakota player Amanda Polzin returned to Hutchinson to do a camp. From the Hutchinson Leader.

CONFERENCE NEWS
South Dakota and North Dakota will join the Great West Conference in all sports, not just football.

Next up: tomorrow

Ohio Preview, USA vs Japan, Northern Lights in London

#1 posting 7.10.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SEASON PREVIEWS
Ohio has released their 2008 season preview. Amanda Andersen of Centennial could see time at the middle or opposite.

GRAND PRIX
The Americans were playing Japan today in the Grand Prix. Japan led 2-1 with the USA up 9-6 in game four when I posted this morning. Here is the live information on how it ended up.

EUROPEAN TRIP
There are several 16 and 17 year old players from Mizuno Northern Lights touring Europe right now. They began their trip in London on July 8th and will travel to Berlin and then end in Greece on July 20th. They will be playing several Youth and professional volleyball teams from those areas. Here are photos from day 1 when they group arrived in London and day 2 when they toured London landmarks.

Next up: tomorrow

US Youth National in Semis

#1 posting 7.9.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

US YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM
The US Youth National Team beat beat the Virgin Islands in a sweep. It was deja vu in each game 25-7 (three times). Ashley Wittman (Shakopee) is the team captain and had 9 points (4 kills, 1 block, 4 aces). Tori Dixon (Burnsville) also had 4 kills. Molly Kreklow (Blaine or Delano?) had 2 aces. They now move to the NORCECA Girls' Youth Continental Championship semis.
Previously the US team beat Trinidad & Tobago, and the Dominican Republic in sweeps.

GRAND PRIX
The Americans lost to Brazil in the first three in the first match of the final round of the Grand Prix. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg had 12 assists.

BROADCAST
Wisconsin will broadcast their entire 2008 volleyball season on Clear Channel Radio Madison and also Yahoo.

SCHEDULE
Northwestern has released their 2008 volleyball schedule. They open the Big 10 season at Minnesota on Friday, September 26.

Next up: tomorrow

#67 & #68, SDSU Hires Assistant

#1 posting 7.8.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE DECISIONS
The Press Newspapers in the Northeast Metro Area has listed the college decisions of six different schools. The volleyball players:
Becka Meiser, Centennial, Northern State
Chelsie Sobieck, Forest Lake, St. Benedict
Meiser is the 28th D2 player, Sobieck is the 14th D3, and together they are the 67th and 68 players headed to college to play volleyball from the Minnesota 2008 class.

COACHING NEWS
Kim Fletcher has been hired as an assistant volleyball coach at South Dakota State. She is from Missouri and played her college ball at Notre Dame.

Next up:

Grand Prix Final Round

#1 posting 7.7.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

FIVB GRAND PRIX
Here are the stats from the Italy vs USA match at Taipei. Former Gopher Lindsey Berg was the setter in this contest and finished with 17 assists.

From July 9-13 the Grand Prix final round takes place in Yokohama, Japan. They play Brazil on the 9th, Japan on the 10th, Cuba the 11th, Italy again on the 12th, and China the 13th.

next up: tomorrow

Branagh Beijing Bound, JO Tourney Wraps Up

#1 posting 7.6.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

OLYMPICS
Former Gopher Nicole Branagh and partner Elaine Youngs are Beijing bound. They finished second in the Moscow FIVB tournament losing to the #2 duo from China Xue Chen and Zhang Xi 21-8, 21-18. That gave Branagh and Young enough points to solidify second place on the American side. Only two pairs advance from each country. From NBC.

Former Gophers Lindsey Berg and Cassie Busse are on the preliminary Olympic volleyball roster. They find out later this month if they are headed to Beijing. The Americans will be in pool A as the schedules have been released.
On July 5th the Americans beat Turkey 3-1 and lost today (July 6th) to Italy 3-0.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC TOURNAMENT
Here are the standings for the last age classification of the JO National tournament in Dallas.

14s
OPEN
15th: Northern Lights 6-4, 14-12
NATIONAL
35th: MN Select 3-6, 10-12
AMERICAN
5th: M1 5-4, 10-9
41st: Club Falcons (Faribault) 4-6, 9-13
46th: North Juniors (Woodbury) 1-9, 4-19
47th: MN North 0-9, 1-18

15s
NATIONAL (Final)
9th: Northern Lights 10-1, 20-5
33rd: MN Select 6-4, 13-10

Two 3rds in 16 JO Tournament

#1 posting 7.5.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings for the two remaining JO tournaments

16s
OPEN
3rd: Northern Lights 7-1, 23-6. Their only loss was to second place finisher Mizuno Long Beach 16M in a fiver. (13-25, 23-25, 29-27, 25-18, 13-15)
NATIONAL
3rd: M1 9-1, 18-4. They lost to champions NorCal in the semifinals 0-2 (21-25, 22-25)
31st: MN Select 3-6, 9-12
34th: Northern Lights-2 5-5, 13-12
AMERICAN
19th: Northern Lights-3 4-5, 10-13
22nd: SMV 3-7, 7-15
33rd: SW MN Jrs. 5-5, 12-11
35th: M1 East 4-5, 10-13

14s
OPEN
Northern Lights 6-3, 13-10
NATIONAL
MN Select 2-5, 8-10
AMERICAN
M1 5-3, 10-7
Club Falcons (Faribault) 2-6, 5-12
North Juniors (Woodbury) 0-8, 2-16
MN North 0-8, 0-16

ALL AMERICANS
Here are the 16s All Tournament teams and team photos
Three Northern Lights 16s, Molly Kreklow (Blaine/Delano), Tori Dixon (Burnsville), and Ashley Wittman (Shakopee), made the Open All tournament team. Northern Lights 3rd place team photo is also here
In the National Division Amanda Konetchy (Chaska) and Bekah Saugen (Chaska) made the all tournament list for M1. Plus the M1 3rd place team.

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights 6-0 in 16 Opens

#1 posting 7.4.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings in the JO National Tournament in Dallas
16s
OPEN
Northern Lights 6-0, 18-2
NATIONAL
M1 8-0, 16-2
Northern Lights-2 4-4, 11-9
MN Select 3-5, 9-10
AMERICAN
Northern Lights-3 4-4, 10-11
M1 East 4-4, 10-11
SW MN Jrs. 3-5, 8-10
SMV 2-6, 5-13

15s
OPEN (FINAL)
10th: M1 6-4, 13-11
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 10-1, 20-5
MN Select 6-4, 13-10
AMERICAN (FINAL)
13th: Northern Lights-2 4-5, 10-12
39th: MN Select-2 1-8, 2-17
45th: Omeja 2-8, 6-17

14s
OPEN
Northern Lights 3-3, 7-7
NATIONAL
MN Select 1-4, 6-8
AMERICAN
M1 3-2, 6-4
Club Falcons (Faribault) 1-4, 2-8
North Juniors (Woodbury) 0-5, 1-10
MN North 0-5, 0-10

BADGERS COACH
Badgers Morgan Salow and Nikki Klingsporn have been coaching Capital Volleyball Academy. Salow writes a blog about the experience.

BRAATEN & AAU
Katy and Elly Braaten of Hastings and Northern Lights have their AAU National tournament experience featured in a piece in the Hastings Star-Gazette. (half way down article).

BRAEGELMANN INTERVIEW
UM Duluth's Vicky Braegelman has an interview with on KBJR

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights 16s Unblemished, 2 All Americans

#1 posting 7.3.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings for the JO National tournament in Dallas
16S
OPEN
Northern Lights 4-0, 12-0
NATIONAL
M1 5-0, 10-2
Northern Lights-2 2-3, 6-7
MN Select 1-4, 5-8
AMERICAN
Northern Lights-3 3-2, 7-6
SMV 2-3, 5-7
M1 East 2-3, 5-7
SW MN Jrs. 1-4, 4-8

15S
OPEN
M1 5-3, 10-9
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 7-1, 14-4
MN Select 4-4, 9-9
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 4-4, 9-10
MN Select 1-7, 2-15
Omeja 0-8, 2-16

14s
OPEN
Northern Lights 1-2, 3-4
NATIONAL
MN Select 0-3, 3-6
AMERICAN
M1 2-1, 4-2
Club Falcons (Faribault) 1-2, 2-4
North Juniors (Woodbury) 0-3, 1-6
MN North 0-3, 0-6

ALL AMERICAN
Chelsea Fogarty of Northern Lights (and Belle Plaine) was named All American in the 17 Open Division.
Samantha Dale of M1 (and Alexandria) was named All American in the 17 National Division.

READY FOR THE FALL
Penn State has released their 2008 season prospectus. Their 2007 media guide won awards from USA Volleyball for best media guide in schools over 25,000.

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Former Gopher Nicole Branagh and beach volleyball partner Elaine Youngs do a Q&A with NBC Sports.

HALF MARATHON
There will be memorial half marathon in Albert Lea July 12 for April Sorensen. She played volleyball for Albert Lea. She was murdered in her Rochester home in 2007. From the Rochester Post Bulletin.

Next up: tomorrow

Lakeview Hires, 17s Done at JO Nationals

#1 posting 7.2.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Phil Lalim has been named volleyball coach at Lakeview. Lalim is from Willmar, went to the University of Minnesota and SW MN State. From the Marshall Independent.

JO TOURNAMENT
Here are how the Minnesota teams stack up at the Junior Olympic national tournament in Dallas, Texas.
place (if final) team matches w-l, games w-l

17s (final standings)
OPEN
5th: Northern Lights 5-3, 17-13
NATIONAL
5th: M1 6-3, 14-8
9th: MN Select 8-3, 18-8
AMERICAN
11th: Northern Lights-2 6-6, 12-12
31st: MN Select-2 4-5, 9-11
37th: M1 Navy 4-6, 12-13
46th: YME Sting 1-9, 2-18

16s
OPEN
Northern Lights 2-0, 6-0
NATIONAL
M1 2-0, 4-0
Northern Lights-2 2-0, 4-1
MN Select 0-1, 0-2
AMERICAN
SMV 2-0, 4-1
M1 East 1-1, 3-2
Northern Lights-3 1-1, 3-3
SW MN Juniors 0-2, 1-4

15s
OPEN
M1 5-1, 10-5
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 5-0, 10-0
MN Select 2-3, 5-6
AMERICAN
Northern Lights-2 3-2, 6-6
Omeja 0-5, 1-10
MN Select 0-5, 0-10

Today the final group, the 14s, start play
OPEN: Northern Lights
NATIONAL: MN Select
AMERICAN: Club Falcons (Faribault); MN North; M1; North Juniors (Woodbury)

Next up: tomorrow

Two Coaching Moves, JO Tourney Results

#1 posting 7.1.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Former TMB volleyball coach Katie Gervais will be the new Tracy-Milroy-Balaton coach. Gervais was away from the job for two years. Gervais won two titles with TMB in 2001 and 2004. From the Marshall Independent.

Heidi Peterson has resigned as volleyball coach at Minneota to take the B squad job at Marshall. Peterson teaches in Marshall. Peterson won the A title in 2006. From the Marshall Independent.

JO TOURNAMENT
Here are the standings after yesterday at the JO Nationals in Dallas, Texas
17s
OPEN
Northern Lights 5-2, 17-10
NATIONAL
M1 6-2, 13-6
MN Select 5-3, 12-6
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 4-4, 10-10
MN Select 4-4, 8-9
M1 Navy 2-6, 8-13
YME Sting 0-8, 0-16

15s
OPEN
M1 2-1, 4-3
NATIONAL
Northern Lights 2-0, 4-0
MN Select 0-2, 1-4
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 2 2-0, 4-1
Omeja 0-2, 1-4
MN Select 2 0-2, 0-4

13s (final)
NATIONAL
37th: MN Select 5-5, 12-11
AMERICAN
43rd: Lady Lakers 2-7, 4-16

12s (final)
AMERICAN
7th: Mabel-Canton Jrs 3-6, 8-13

On Sunday the 18s finished. Here are the final finishes in the
AMERICAN
13th: SW MN Juniors
34th: MN North
35th: M1 Navy
43rd: MN Select 2

Today the 16s start tournament play.
OPEN: Northern Lights
NATIONAL: M1, MN Select, Northern Lights 2,
AMERICAN: M1 East, Northern Lights 3, SMV, SW MN Juniors

Next up: tomorrow

18s Finish JO Tournament

#1 posting 6.30.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings after Sunday
The 18s have concluded play
OPEN
TCA CA 3rd Degree won the tournament
10th place: MN Select 5-4, 16-18
17th place: M1 5-3, 17-14
18th place: Northern Lights 4-4, 18-15
AMERICAN
SW MN Juniors 4-5, 13-12
MN North 4-6, 9-14
M1 Navy 3-6, 8-12
MN Select 2 2-7, 5-16

17s
OPEN
Northern Light 2-2, 8-7
NATIONAL
M1 4-1, 8-2
MN Select 3-2, 7-4
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 2 3-2, 7-6
MN Select 2 2-3, 4-6
M1 Navy 1-4, 5-8
YME Sting 0-5, 0-10

13s
NATIONAL
MN Select 3-5, 8-10
AMERICAN
Lady Lakers 2-6, 4-14

12s
AMERICAN
Mabel-Canton Jrs 3-5, 8-11

Today the 12s and 13s finish play today, the 15s begin play. Here are the Minnesota connections.
OPEN: M1
NATIONAL: MN Select, Northern Lights
AMERICAN: MN Select 2, Northern Lights 2, Omeja

OLYMPICS
Former Gopher Lindsey Berg had 30 assists as the US National team beat Poland in the Grand Prix at Wroclaw, Poland. From the Honolulu Advertiser.

Next up: tomorrow

Minnesota 17s Strong at JO Tournament

#1 posting 6.29.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings after Saturday
18s
OPEN
MN Select 4-3, 12-14
Northern Lights 3-3, 14-11
M1 3-3, 11-13
AMERICAN
SW MN Jrs 4-4, 12-10
M1 Navy 3-5, 7-10
MN North 3-5, 7-11
MN Select 2 2-6, 4-14

17s
OPEN
Northern Lights 2-0, 6-1
NATIONAL
M1 2-0, 4-0
MN Select 2-0, 4-0
AMERICAN
Northern Lights 2 2-0, 4-2
M1 Navy 1-1, 2-2
MN Select 0-2, 0-4
YME 0-2, 0-4

13s
NATIONAL
MN Select 2-3, 5-6
AMERICAN
Lady Lakers 1-4, 2-9

12s
AMERICAN
Mabel-Canton Jr. 2-3, 6-7

LAST WEEK
Spring Grove won the Star of the North 16C tournament last week in St. Paul. From the Spring Grove Herald.

COACHING NEWS
Blackduck is advertising for a head girls volleyball coach.

Next up: tomorrow

17s Open Play in JO Nationals

#1 posting 6.28.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONALS
Here are the standings after two days
team, match w-l, games w-l
18s
Open Division
Northern Lights 3-1, 11-5
MN Select 2-2, 6-10
M1 is 1-3, 5-9
American Division
SW MN Juniors 3-2, 8-5
M1 Navy 1-4, 3-8
MN North 1-4, 3-8
MN Select 2 1-4, 2-9

13
National
MN Select 2-1, 4-2
American
Lady Lakers 0-3, 0-6

12
American
Mabel Canton Jrs. 1-2, 4-5

The 17s open tournament play today. Here are the Minnesota teams
Open: Northern Lights
National: M1, MN Select
American: M1 Navy; MN Select 2, Northern Lights 2, YME Sting

OLYMPIC HOPES
The Gopher volleyball website looks at Nicole Branagh in her olympic quest on the beach.

REFS
Marquette volleyball coach Patti Rolf will be a referee this weekend in Green Bay in a match featuring the United States and Finland.

Next up: tomorrow

MN Select 18s 2-0 in Dallas

#1 posting 6.27.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JUNIOR OLYMPIC RESULTS
Here is how the 18u teams fared in Dallas yesterday at the JO National tournament.
OPEN DIVISION
team, matches w-l, games w-l
MN Select 2-0 6-4
Northern Lights 1-1, 5-4
M1 0-2, 1-6
AMERICAN DIVISION
SW MN Juniors 2-1, 5-3
M1 Navy 0-3, 1-6
MN North 0-3, 0-6
MN Select 2 0-3, 0-6

The 13s begin play today with National team: (MN Select) and American Team: (Lady Lakers)

The 12s begin play today with American team (Mabel-Canton Jrs).

There are no open divisions at the 13s and 12s.

FLOOD HELP
Wisconsin volleyball coach Pete Waite helped out with sandbagging in the recent flooding in the Wisconsin town of Newville and blogs about the experience.

OLYMPICS
As stated before former Gophers Lindsey Berg and Cassie Busse are on the preliminary Beijing Olympic roster. Now the Gopher site looks at the two.

Next up: tomorrow, I hope. I will be out of town. If I can't get connected it will be Sunday.

Star of the North Results, St. Thomas' Italy Trip

#2 posting 6.26.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

STAR OF THE NORTH
Worthington Prairie Fire beat Ada-Borup in the Star of the North 18c tournament last weekend. Worthington was the #3 seed in the tournament.

In the 18ab tournament FM Select, the #5 seed, beat Faribault Red.

JCC Juniors won the 16ab Tournament over Minneota JO.

In the 16c bracket Spring Grove beat Prairie Fire.

ITALY TRIP
St. Thomas has returned from their Italy trip. They played and beat two club teams during their tour.

Next up: tomorrow

JO Starts Today, MN West 5, Leadership

#1 posting 6.26.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

JO NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
The JO National tournament kicks off today in Dallas, Texas with the 18s taking the stage first.
M1, MN Select, and Northern Lights will play in the Open division.
MN North, M1-Navy, MN Select 2, SW MN Juniors will play in the American Division.

MN WEST FIVE
MN West has signed five players for the fall season.
Kiah Vik, George-Little Rock, Iowa, DS
Amanda Murray, Hanson, South Dakota
Elly Schmitz, Round Lake-Brewster
Ally Rotert, Worthington, MH
Rachel Pavelko, Worthington, DS
From the Worthington Daily Globe.

Natalie Thomas of Champlin Park will be headed to UM Morris to play volleyball and basketball.

COACHING NEWS
Annie Adamczak-Glavan is the new volleyball coach at St. Louis Park. Adamczak played high school ball at Moose Lake and collegiate ball at Nebraska.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Katelyn Horihan, of the 2009 class, has been named female athlete of the year at Mabel-Canton. From the News Record.

LEADERSHIP
John Thomas of About.com writes about leadership on the volleyball court. He uses "he" in the descriptions, but obviously in applies to "shes" too.

Next up: tomorrow.

Olympic Dreams, Summer on the Beach

#1 posting 6.25.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE DECISIONS
Jes Rients of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown is headed to Luther to play volleyball. From the Waseca County News.
Rients is the 66th player overall from the 2008 class to make a college decision. She is the 13th known to go to D3.

BIG 10 NEWS
The national champion Penn State volleyball teams visited the White House yesterday.

The Wisconsin Badgers spend the summer on the beach.

The Indiana Hoosiers have 8 newcomers to their squad this fall and they have a Q&A with each.

Illinois has released their 2008 schedule. They travel to Minnesota on Saturday, November 8.

OLYMPICS
There are two former Gophers on the preliminary Olympic roster--setter Lindsey Berg, and right side Cassie Busse. Scroll down to the end.
Berg is making the trip to Poland in the second week of the Grand Prix. Here is the Press release.

Next up: tomorrow

Braegelmann Honored

#1 posting 6.24.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BRAEGELMANN GETS HONOR
Vicky Braegelmann of UM Duluth picked up her D2 female athlete of the year yesterday at Columbia University in New York. From the Duluth News Tribune. Plus video and an interview from KBJR.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Marie Godwin (Chaska) has been selected as the Midwest Region representative to the NCAA D3 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

ACADEMICS
Ohio has been awarded the NCAA Public Recognition Award as one of only 41 collegiate women's volleyball teams to post multi-year Academic Progress Rate scores in the top 10 percent of all squads across the nation.

Next up: tomorrow

Former Gophers Shine

#1 posting 6.23.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PARIS BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Misti May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh won the Paris Grand Slam Sunday. On their way to the finals they beat former Gopher Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs in the semifinals. B&Y finished in 3rd beating the Chinese duo of Tian Jia and Wang Jie. From USA Volleyball.

US WOMEN BEAT JAPAN IN 5
The US Women's team beat Japan in five in the World Grand Prix. The Americans trailed 2-1 before mounting a rally. They took game five 15-13. Former Gopher setter Lindsey Berg is captain. Berg had 26 running and 88 still sets (according to the stats). Again from USA Volleyball.

Next up: tomorrow

4Ms: Marvelous, Marathons, Manual, Marquette

#1 posting 6.22.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BREAKDOWN VOLLEYBALL BOOKS
I received my copy of the first Breakdown volleyball book. It has 272 pages jammed packed with information. Every school in the state has a capsule. It has 2007 recaps, and previews of the upcoming 2008 season. The top teams listed for each class this year: A: Bethlehem Academy; AA: Jordan; AAA: Chaska. It also lists preseason all state teams and players to watch. It is a marvelous resource and record. True volleyball fans will eat it up.

BRAEGELMANN AND MARATHON'S
Vicky Braegelmann, the D2 female athlete of the year, ran in the Bjorklund half marathon yesterday during the Grandma's marathon event in Duluth. She was one of several UM Duluth volleyball players that participated.

NATIONAL A2 CAMP
Alexa Manuel, the 6-8 opposite from Eden Prairie, will be in Tucson, Arizona July 17-27 for the National A2 Camp.

TRIPLEFEST
Marquette hosted their Triplefest yesterday. Money raised goes to breast cancer awareness and and locker room renovation.

Next up: tomorrow

More AAU All Tournament, Kalvik Resigns

#1 posting 6.21.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
Minneapolis Roosevelt is looking for a new coach. Jill Kalvik has resigned after two season to pursue options available at the collegiate level.

ALL TOURNAMNET
Two Gopher recruits, Ashley Saupaia of Northern Lights 18-1 and Mia Tabberson of Munciana 18-1 Samurai were named to the 18 Open All Tournament team at the AAU National tournament. Saupaia (Bloomington Kennedy) is a 2008 recruit, Tabberson is a 2009 recruit.

Megan Plourde of NL 18-1 was also named to the all-tournament team. Plourde (Somerset, WI) is headed to Colorado State this fall.

TWO FOR THE WHITE HOUSE
The Penn State champion volleyball teams--women and men---will travel to the White House on June 24 "NCAA Championship Day" to meet with President Bush.

Next up: tomorrow morning

Northern Lights 16-1 and 16-2 Champs

#1 posting 6.20.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AAU NATIONALS: NORTHERN LIGHTS 16s CHAMPS TWICE
The Northern Lights took home two first place trophies in the AAU Nationals.
The 16-1s won the Open division and the 16-2s took the title in the Club Division.
They weren't the only trophy winners. The 18-1s and 18-3s took third in their divisions.
13 different players earned All American honors including 16-1 players
Tori Dixon, Molly Kreklow and MVP Ashley Wittman.
For the 16-2 the All Americans include: Paige Peterson, Christine Bielski, and MVP Elly Braaten.

JO TEAMS
It was the second season for Spring Grove JO teams. Their 14u team won the Caledonia tournament. From the Spring Grove Herald.

FEATURE
Emma Jaynes of St. Benedict has a feature in the St. Cloud Times. Jaynes played her high school volleyball at Hibbing.

BADGERS IN SUMMER
The Wisconsin Badgers will be on a Madison TV segment on their summer.

WALK FOR VOLLEYBALL
Marquette will host their 6th annual Triplefest (a 3 on 3 tournament) this weekend including a walk for volleyball.

next up: tomorrow

Classic in the Dells, Six Northern Lights Going for Gold

#1 posting 6.19.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PREPVOLLEYBALL.COM CLASSIC
Club Fusion 18 Black beat MN Select 18-1 in the Prepvolleyball.com Classic championship match at Wisconsin Dells 25-27, 28-26, 27-25. The final game was first to 15 win by two. It was one of the most exciting games of JO VB on record. After beating Fusion Black earlier in the tourney, MN Select met Fusion Black again in the Championship. Fusion Black is rated 4th in the country by PrepVolleyball.

Megan Carlson of M1 18-1 went down with an ankle injury in the semi-final match vs. Club Fusion 18 Black.
M-1 18-1’s took third.

AWARDS
From the M1 program Megan Carlson was named best passer and Kelsey Brandl was named best blocker.
From the Minnesota Select team Jess Menden was named all around best setter, Taylor Fieldsted was given the spirit award and Katherine Harms was given the all around best player award for the tourney.

AAU NATIONALS
Northern Lights will have six teams playing for the gold today in the AAU Nationals.

FOUR NCW PLAYERS DECIDE
Norman County West has four player that will continue their volleyball career next season in college.
Krystal Maroney, 5-6 DS, Concordia Moorhead
Jenna Guttormson, 5-11 MH, Valley City State
Amanda Hennen, 5-5 DS, North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton
Jessica Vanderplaats, 5-6 S, Northland Community & Technical College, Thief River Falls

COACHING
Former LeCenter volleyball coach Scott Bernard was rehired as girls basketball and track coach at LeCenter which prompted a resignation from a school board member. He was blocked from volleyball earlier in the year. From the Mankato Free Press.

SCHEDULE
Penn State has released their fall schedule. They will face 11 teams that played in the NCAA tournament last year. They face the Gophers at the Pavilion on Saturday, October 11.

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights Seven, Carlson an Alternate

#1 posting 6.18.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AAU NATIONALS
The Northern Lights 16-1 team is still undefeated in Orlando at the AAU Nationals. Northern Lights has seven teams still in the hunt for gold medals.

NATIONAL TEAM
Ariel Carlson of Alexandria is an alternate on the U.S. Women’s Junior National A2 volleyball team and is one of 36 athletes invited to train in the USA Volleyball Women’s Junior A1 in Colorado Springs.

COLLEGE DECISIONS
MH Cailin Timm of New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva is headed to St. Thomas. From the Waseca County News.

Next up: tomorrow

Northern Lights Shine in AAU Nationals

#1 posting 6.17.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AAU NATIONALS
The Northern Lights program has eleven of their teams involved in the AAU Nationals in Florida. The 16-1, 17-1, 17-2 all went 3-0 yesterday.

COLLEGE SCHEDULE
High Point has released their fall schedule. MH Stephanie Wallin of Armstrong is on the High Point roster.

next up: tomorrow

World Grand Prix

#1 posting 6.16.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GRAND PRIX
The United States is involved in the FIVB World Grand Prix tournament starting next weekend in Japan. The Americans are in pool H in Taipei along with Italy, Poland, and Turkey.

next up: tomorrow

Brazil Tops Americans

#1 posting 6.15.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

US NATIONAL TEAM LOSES TO BRAZIL
Brazil beat the US National Team 4-1 (both squads agreed to play a five game series to elvaluate talent). Former Gopher Lindsey Berg was the setter in game two which the Americans lost 25-20. Also on the squad is former Gopher Cassie Busse.

Next up: tomorrow

Illinois' European Trip, McDonald of Northfield

#1 posting 6.14.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

TRIPS
Illinois was 9-1 on their recent European trip.

AWARDS
Setter Katie McDonald of Northfield was named the Raider's athlete of the year. She does a Q&A with the Northfield News.

Next up: tomorrow

Gopher Schedule, More Braegelman

#1 posting 6.13.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

FALL SCHEDULE
The Gophers have released their fall schedule. Minnesota will host two tournaments this year with the Diet Coke Classic on September 12-14. The next weekend they will host the Gopher Invitational. Their first home Big 10 game is against Northwestern on September 26.

AWARDS
Here is the Duluth News Tribune article on Vicky Braegelman and her upcoming NCAA D2 Female Athlete of the year award. Here is the UMD Press Release.

ARENA UPDATE
Iowa's Hawkeye Carver Arena will undergo renovations.

COLLEGE DECISIONS
Brittany Schreader of JWP will play volleyball for Bethany Lutheran College.

POLICE BLOTTER
Jane Passa, the NDSCS Athletic Director and volleyball coach, has been sentenced for drunken driving. From the Grand Forks Herald.

BOOK SALE
If you haven't noticed, you can order the Breakdown's volleyball book now. See the link (with photo) on the right.

next up: tomorrow.

South Dakota Hires

#1 posting 6.12.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SOUTH DAKOTA HIRES
Matt Houk has been named the new volleyball coach at South Dakota. Houk has been an assistant at UW Green Bay and UW Milwaukee.

MORE COACHING NEWS
Lisa Bicknese has been hired at Kingsland. From the Spring Valley Tribune.

Rob Wolter has been hired as interim volleyball coach at UW Parkside. He had been an assistant there and also at South Dakota State, MSU Mankato, and Winona State.

AWARDS
Vicky Braegelman will receive the NCAA D2 female athlete of the year award on June 23 in New York. Braegleman played her high school ball at Albany and her college ball at UM Duluth. From the St. Cloud Times.

TOURNAMENTS
Minnesota North is off to the nationals JO tournaments in Dallas. The 18s and 14s qualified. From the Pine Journal.

SCHEDULE
Denver has released their schedule. Kresson Vreeman of Central Christian is on the Denver roster.

Next up: tomorrow

St. Benedict's Additions

#1 posting 6.11.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ST. BENEDICT'S INCOMING
The St. Cloud Times looks at the new additions to the St. Benedict volleyball program--
Alex Lenzen, St. Cloud Cathedral, Libero
Hallie Noah, South Anchorage, RH
Chelsie Sobieck, Forest Lake, OH

This makes 59 known 2008 Minnesota players continuing to play volleyball post high school and the 8th and 9th headed to a D3 program.

SCHEDULE
North Carolina has released their 2008 schedule. One of their trips will be to Minnesota. Brianna Eskola of Columbia Heights is a libero for the Tar Heels.

AWARD
Audra Jeffers of Wisconsin received the Big Ten’s Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

next up: tomorrow.

Bethel Review, Death in Poland

#1 posting 6.10.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

SEASON REVIEW
Bethel is reviewing their sports seasons for 2007-08. Today the volleyball season is reviewed.

INTERNATIONAL DEATH
The Polish National team lost Agata Mroz to bone marrow disease. She had helped Poland to two European Gold medals since 2003. From the AP.

Next up: tomorrow

Hermosa Beach Results

#1 posting 6.9.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor remain undefeated with their win at Hermosa Beach Open on Saturday. From ESPN.

JO NATIONALS
The Junior Olympic National tournament begins on June 26 in Dallas.

Next up: tomorrow

Pan Am 5th; Recruiting Standards

#1 posting 6.8.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

PAN AM CUP
The US National team finished 5th in the Pan Am Cup in Mexicali

RECRUITING STANDARDS
Ever wonder what coaches look for in a player? This is from the National Collegiate Scouting Association and looks at standards for a low, medium, and high candidate for D1, D2, and D3.
For example the height of an middle hitter
D1----6-2
D2----6-0
D3---5-11

Next up: tomorrow

Haugen Verbals

#1 posting 6.7.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

HAUGEN VERBALS
Brianna Haugen appears to be headed to the Gophers. The 6-1 middle plays with Minneapolis Southwest and with Northern Lights 17-1.
Haugen is the 11th overall player in the Minnesota 2009 class and the 9th to head to a D1 program. She Joins Katherine Harms of St. Michael-Albertville in the Gopher 2009 class from Minnesota.

Next up: tomorrow

USD Interviews, Mankato West Hires,

#1 posting 6.6.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COACHING NEWS
The University of South Dakota is interviewing two candidates for the head women's volleyball coaching job: Mary Schroeder-Miller, Briar Cliff head coach, and Matt Houk, former assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee. From the Yankton Press & Dakotan.

Mary Nelson has been hired as girls volleyball coach at Mankato West. She was an assistant at West. From the Mankato Free Press.

TRANSFER
Laurel Heggernes has transferred from St. Benedict to St. Cloud State after two years. She played her high school ball at Mora. From the St. Cloud Times.

SCHEDULE
Bemidji State has released their 2008 volleyball schedule.

AWARDS
The Northern Lights held their banquet this week and Ashley Suapaia received the 2008 Maurice Batie Award of Excellence. The award was presented by Naomi Johnson, last year's winner. Suapaia will attend Minnesota this fall. Johnson plays for Northwestern. Both went to high school at Bloomington Kennedy.

BRANAGH AND THE BEACH
Former Gopher Nicole Branagh was named Olympic Athlete of the Week by USA Today. Branagh was named Most Outstanding Player of the FIVB Beach Volleyball Tournament in Barcelona, Spain last weekend.

Next up: tomorrow

Roysland Wins Sportsmanship Award

#1 posting 6.5.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

AWARDS
Gopher Kelly Roysland is one of 22 winners of the Big 10 Outstanding Sportsmanship Award.

Pretty thin today.

Next up: tomorrow

Buehler Hired

#1 posting 6.4.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

EDINA HIRES
Emily Buehler, a St. Thomas grad, has been hired as volleyball coach at Edina.

MORE SCHUMACHER
A few days ago we reported Allison Schumacher of Crookston is headed to Jamestown College. Here is the Crookston Times with their report.

Next up: tomorrow morning

Flygare Decides, Awards, St. Thomas to Italy

#1 posting 6.3.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

COLLEGE DECISIONS
5-6 Setter Marcie Flygare of Minnesota Valley Lutheran is headed to Bethany Lutheran in Mankato.
Flygare is the 57th known Minnesota 2008 volleyball player to decide on a college. She is the 8th player known player headed to a D3 school.

AWARDS
UM Duluth volleyball coach Jim Boos is the only member of the school to be honored by the now defunct North Central Conference with the Legacy Award.

Megan Groen of Renville County West won the Hengstler-Ranweiler Award. Groen is an outside hitter in volleyball. From the West Central Tribune.

TRIPS
The St. Thomas volleyball team will be leaving for Italy on June 4th for a nine day trip.

JERSEYS FOR BRAZIL
Ever wonder what to do with those old, used, volleyball jerseys? Ever wonder what to do with those old, used volleyball/tennis shoes? We have got a GREAT use for them!
The Augsburg College volleyball team (MN Select alumni: Julie Jenkins & Laura Harms) recently played volleyball in Brazil. As part of their trip they participated in a social service project in one of the poor areas of Rio de Janeiro. Underprivileged children in Brazil play volleyball on rough, cement courts wearing no shoes. Jerseys are like gold to ALL the children and young adults in Brazil. The group’s tour guide indicated Americans throw away used shoes that these children would consider new. Minnesota Select will collect used volleyball jerseys, used warm up shirts, and tennis shoes. Those wishing to make donations can do so by bringing their items to Ralia. Scott will collect the items within his office. Thank you for caring and donating items that would mean more to children in Brazil than you or I could ever imagine

SUMMER CAMPS
If you haven’t done so already, please register online for the MN Select Summer camps you intend to. Many camps are nearing capacity… If you are interested in private lessons over the summer months, email us at privatelessons@mnselect.com to schedule… Also, Velocity has organized an opportunity for MN Select members to train with them this summer. Fliers about this opportunity are available at Ralia. MN Select is also planning some other opportunities geared toward returning players for this summer and this fall so stay tuned…

Thanks to the readers that help make this site go. Your information is appreciated.

next up: tomorrow

Atlanta Beach

#1 posting 6.2.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

ATLANTA BEACH TOURNAMENT
Misty May and Kerri Walsh won the Atlanta AVP beach tournament, their 5th title this year. From NBC.

Next up: tomorrow

Beach Gold in Spain

#1 posting 6.1.2008
your daily dose of girls volleyball news & information

GOLD IN SPAIN
The beach volleyball pair of Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs won the Barcelona Open. Branagh is a former Gopher. B&Y are edging closer to the Beijing Olympics.

Next up: tomorrow