Eagles to have approximately 60 kids in volleyball

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Participation numbers for the New York Mills volleyball team has reached a fevered pitch as the Eagles had 44 players attend the first week of preseason practice with another 16-20 girls expected to join junior high volleyball. That means the Eagles will have about 60 girls in volleyball in grades 7-12, which will once again feature a line up brimming with experience and talent.

The Eagles will be led by several letter winners this season, including three-year letter winner Ayla Olson.

“Her ball control, power and knowledge of the game makes her a very important player on our court offensively and defensively,” said head coach Tammy Olson. 

The Eagles will also return senior Grace Brasel to the line up. Olson said Brasel is a great leader on the court and will help to guide a young team on and off the court this season.

Sophomore Annika Dunrud will also be returning to the Eagles line up this season and will anchor the front row this season. 

“She will add to our offense with her fast arm swing and experience on the court,” she said.

In order to fill the gaps that will be left by Kali Olson, who will be playing volleyball at Saint Mary’s University in Winona this fall, as well as Bella Bauck, Kailey Keskitalo and Kaylee Meech, the Eagles will turn to a number of non-letter winners this season.

Among the Eagles who could see time on the court will be senior Hayley Korkowski who will be one of the setters this fall. Olson said Korkowski’s quickness will be a great addition to the team as she will be able to get the ball to the NY Mills hitters.

After being injured for most of last season, junior Alayna Baune will be returning the NY Mills line up this fall.

“Junior Alayna Baune was injured for most of last season, so it will be great to get her back on the court.  She will be another offense of threat for our team and a huge block to help on our defense,” said Olson.

Another non-letter winner who could make an impact on varsity this season will be junior Belle Vaden who Olson said has good ball control and will help the team on serve receive. 

After finishing 21-7 overall and 5-2 in the Park Region Conference last season, Olson said the team is focused on building off their skills and becoming a more consistent passing and serving team.

“Our goal for this year is to build off of our skills each day. We also want to become more consistent in passing and serving,” said Olson.