Several returning players – including three starting seniors – are back this season for the Weyauwega-Fremont volleyball team.
Those three seniors – Megan Young, Jordan Krause and Miranda Potratz – should help keep the Indians in the mix for a Central Wisconsin 8 Conference championship, according to coach Rena Tomaszewski.
“We will see a lot of big hits out of Megan this year from the middle position,” she said. “She’s coming off a year of club volleyball with FC Elite and has been selected to play in the UnderArmour All-Star match in Lake Placid, New York, this coming December.
Krause will see time as a setter and a right-side hitter.
“She came on very strong last season in the setter position for our 5-1 offense,” Tomaszewski said. “She played with the Wisconsin Volleyball Academy last winter and we expect another great season from Jordan.”
Potratz is a setter and a defensive specialist.
“Manni is scrappy and has great ball control skills in the back court,” Tomaszewski said. “She also spent a great deal of time working on her setting skills this summer, so we will be able to give Krause a break at that responsibility.”
Other returning players include juniors Karissa Akey (outside and middle hitter), Alyssa Goode (outside and right-side hitter), Rachel Knorr (middle blocker) and Courtney Gorges (libero and defensive specialist); and sophomores Becky Schroeder (hitter) and Hailey Krause (outside hitter, defensive specialist and setter).
“Karissa is a very strong player and very capable leader,” Tomaszewski said. “She’s not afraid of bringing everything she has to the floor every time she plays. Karissa will be a go-to hitter for us this season.”
Goode has improved since last season, according to Tomaszewski.
“Her confidence and court sense shows and she is going to be a very strong contender for a full six-rotation player,” she said.
Knorr’s competitive attitude stands out, the coach said.
“She is developing to be an absolute beast on the net,” she said. “She is also gaining in her confidence.”
Gorges is ready to take on the challenge of a full-time spot on the varsity team, Tomaszewski said.
“She’s very scrappy and has good ball control,” she said.
Schroeder saw time on the court as a freshman last year.
“Becky is so ready to get out on the court,” Tomaszewski said. “We will see so many good things from her this season.”
Krause will also see time on the court after getting a taste of varsity volleyball as a freshman.
“Hailey is a very smart player and is also eager to bring her best for the team,” Tomaszewski said. “She will see time at the outside and DS position this season. We have a great backing of setters, but she is also ready to be used in that position if needed.”
Taylor Miller, Jordan Rucks, Hannah Sroka and Genna Knorr are new to the varsity squad and each player brings something to the table, Tomaszewski said.
“Taylor is very confident and determined to win,” she said. “She has a great attitude and really pushes her teammates. Jordan will likely see court time on varsity. She has great hands and works hard all the time. Hannah played for the FC Elite Volleyball Club last winter and will make an excellent combination with Gorges in the back court. Genna will likely see time on the varsity court as well. She has great setting skills, is quick to the ball and can also play a good front row.”