Sunday, March 29, 2009

TOP TEAMS: BOOMERS ELITE 18


This week we have the pleasure of spot-lighting a unique team that is filled with talented ALL-State and All-County top performers. Three members of the team have already signed to play with universities and others are being looked at, as we spotlight this great team.

SPOTLIGHT IS ON: THE BOOMERS 18 ELITE

Many of these players came from different schools accustomed to be the top player or one of the top players from their respective school. On this team, they have had to deal with different roles and have had to learn to play together. Add a coaching change where head coach Todd Raasch had to leave due to a new job with Boston College mid way through the season and you would think this team would fall apart. Nothing could be further from the truth. The players and new Head Coach Lynze Roos continue being committed to winning.



New Head Coach Lynze Roos is in her third season at the helm of the Lynn University volleyball team. Already the all-time winning head coach in program history, she has developed the Fighting Knights into one of the premier squads in the Sunshine State Conference and has the Blue and White knocking on the door of national prominence. She has brought her presence and leadership to the Boomers team and we are sure that only good things are ahead for this team.

It is time that we meet the dynamic group of players that make up this years Boomers 18 Elite Team:

1 LINDSEY CHILDS LEFT/RIGHT 6Ft-1 Inch SOUTH PLANTATION H.S
High flying hitter is a presence at the net. 1st Team All Broward County - Signed with Florida Gold Coast University (FGCU).
2 CASSADY COOK LEFT/SETTER 5Ft-11 Inches RPB HIGH SCHOOL
Possesses excellent instincts and can play all around the court. Player of the Year for Palm Beach County.
3 ALEXANDRA DENNIS MIDDLE/LEFT 5Ft-11 Inches ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Solid Blocker/Hitter - Hon. Mention All-County
4 ASCHELY GADDY MIDDLE/LEFT 6Ft-0 Inches TRINITY CHRISTIAN
Dominant Hitter - 1st Team All County
5 ANNE LANGSENKAMP LIBERO/LEFT 5Ft-10 Inches ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Solid skill sets - Hon. Mention All Palm Beach County
6 BRITTANY LINDER MIDDLE/MIDDLE 6Ft-1 Inch ST THOMAS AQUINAS
Very strong presence at the net. Can most definitely play at the next level. 2nd Team All Broward County
7 KELLY MARBLE SETTER/LEFT 5Ft-11 Inches ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
High Flying hitter with soft touch as a setter - 2nd Team All Broward County
9 CINTIA NIGHTINGALE LIBERO/ 5Ft-3 Inches WEST BOCA
Tenacious defender with complete skill sets. 1st Team All Palm Beach County - Signed with FLorida Atlantic University
10 JENNA SHAWVER DS/ 5Ft-4 Inches NORTHEAST
Versatile player / strong defender. 2nd Team All Broward County
11 DARIAN WEPPNER LIBERO/DS 5Ft-4 Inches CALVARY CHRISTIAN
Quick to the ball, she has excellent ability to read opposing players. 1st Team All Broward County.
12 STEPHANIE ZIELINSKI SETTER/LEFT 5Ft-10 Inches ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
Is a gifted setter who possesses great size and knowledge of the game. Player of the Year for Broward County - Signed with Rutgers University.

We recommend that you make the time to see these girls play, you'll be impressed with their size, strength and team work. The 2009 Boomers Elite 18 team can be seen at one of the following tournaments:

April 3-5 Big South Qualifier Atlanta, GA.
April 17-19 Northeast Qualifier Baltimore MA.
April 18-19 Palm Beach Classic WPB FL.
April 25-26 Regional Championships Orlando FL.


We wish the very best for the players and the coaches of this years Boomers Elite 18.
Special Thanks to the Parents of the team with-out who's help this spotlight would not be possible.

ATTN: COACHES, PLAYERS and PARENTS - Time us running out in letting us know about your teams. We are looking to spotlight Top 16,17 & 18's teams from the South Florida Area.

Friday, March 27, 2009

5 ESSENTIALS TO BECOMING A TOP LEVEL SETTER - SEE THE SETTER VIDEO ON THE RIGHT SIDE-BAR


Nothing makes for a great game of volleyball like a good setter. A good setter can be the difference between a teams success and it’s failure. Because the teams offense runs through the setter – many folks refer to the setter as the quarterback of the team. If the sets are not delivered in the right location, strong hits become free balls floating over the net giving the opposition the opportunity to score the point.

A good setter must posses a soft touch and an iron will to get to every ball and make perfect sets that allow for strong hits. Below are 5 essentials to becoming an elite setter.

1) A simple setting drill is to practice setting the ball into the air using only
your fingertips. I have the girls "curl" their fingers slightly so the tips of
those fingers are still exposed, but they are locked and ready for the
impact of the ball coming.

This helps to improve their setting skills and it also leads to less injuries.
Their fingers in this drill are locked in place so there's less risk of them
jamming a finger with the force of the ball when they make contact.

2)Bump & SetAnother Drill that works well for setters is the Bump and Set Drill.

In this case there are a few players, maybe four, and they stand in a
circle. One player bumps the ball high and the setter gets under it and
sets it. This is repeated so all the players get to practice bumping and
setting.

This helps the players practice not only setting, but also transitioning
from setting to bumping and back again.



3) An older Drill that works well is when players are coupled by two's facing one another about ten or fifteen feet apart...

Player one sets to player two, player two sets to themselves and does a
180 degree turn and back sets back to player one. This is repeated
several times and players switch off and on.

This helps the players to practice setting in all sorts of circumstances
because we all know the ball doesn't always come at you with the
'perfect' angle ready to be set!

4)Footwork is as important as having good hands and a soft touch. Working on drills that build up your quickness and endurance can be a major benefit to any setter. Having the ability to be as strong and fresh in the third –fifth match as you are in the first will prove to be a major advantage to you and your team.

We recommend shuttle runs of 5 / 10 / 15 feet repeated several times to build both quickness and stamina. Taking long jogs or long sessions on a stationary bicycle will help you stay fresh and sharp late into matches.



















5)Court Vision / Multitasking
- A drill that has helped in my coaching history is one that not only practices setting, but also encourages the setter to see what's happening
on the 'other' side of the net...

The coach is on one side and there are the setter and two players on the
other side. One of the players tosses to the setter, meanwhile the coach
holds something up in their hands in the setter's view, while the setter
sets the ball to the third player, and they shout what the coach is holding.

This helps to improve the player's ability to multitask on the court. It's
just as important to be able to set the ball as it is to be prepared for the
other team's next move.




Above All: A top level Setter needs to have the Desire to be the best and to keep the team on the offensive. That desire goes beyond practicing with the team. A top level setter must work on their skill constantly to become the best.

These drills will all improve the skills of the setters on your team.

=================================

Special thanks to Halley from volleyball-magic / Australia. She sent me four essentials and I added the footwork section plus a little here and there. I hope you make the most of these 5 essentials to elevate your game and become a top level setter.

Halley Adds: Oh - one last thing! A question I'm asked a lot is "Do I have to practice with a setter's ball?"

In short - since it's designed for the setter it would be the best choice,
but if a volleyball is the only thing available, practice with that. After all,
a volleyball is what's used in the game!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

TOP TEAMS: OBV 17 NATIONAL QUIKSILVER

In our on-going multi part feature spotlighting TOP TEAMS, I've had the pleasure of seeing a team made up of ALL-County players from Broward and Palm Beach with extreme athleticism and tenacity. The team is made up of five (5) first team County Players. That's a bit less than half of all the first team All-County players that Broward and Palm Beach counties have to offer.

I hope you make the time to see them play at one of the tournaments listed below.

TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT IS ON: OCEAN BREEZE VOLLEYBALL (OBV) 17 NATIONAL QUIKSILVER TEAM

The team is lead by Coach Virginia Kelly who has college coaching experience (Lynn University) as well as several High School Coach of the Year Awards. Coach Kelly has worked diligently with the players to insure that the team plays at peak performance and currently has the team on the rise.


We recently asked Coach Kelly a few questions regarding her National Quicksilver 17's Team:







SFVR: Your team is stacked with All-County players. Have the girls been able to adapt to different roles on this team and different playing time?
KELLY: It was an easy transition because they all respect each other and want to play with each other. Being on a team with equally talented players is challenging and fun. Some of their roles are different but we are open and honest when they are chosen for the team.

SFVR: Some of the players on the team are from rival schools. Was that a problem during the initial phases as the team started to come together?
KELLY: No, not at all. These players came in with a positive frame of mind to do what ever was asked of them.

SFVR: I understand it is Latoya Harvin's first club season. How has the club experience help her evolve her game?
KELLY: I think she has been over whelmed at times because the game is much faster and more intense every day. Overall she has had a positive experience as have had all our players!

SFVR: What has been the most memorable game thus far this year?
KELLY: When we played Tampa United 18's. We stepped to the next level as individuals and as a team. We played strong, aggressive and intense throughout the match. This match gave us the confidence that we have continued to play well with. We are a 17 team playing in the 18 open division so we lacked a little confidence and consistency. Since that match we have played very well.

SFVR: It's funny how a season can have a clear a turning point where either things go down or the team just takes off and doesn't look back. I had the pleasure of seeing your team play in the Cloverleaf and they were very impressive. I could see that the team was well coached and you have the pleasure of working with some very talented players.



NUMBER NAME HEIGHT SCHOOL

#1 KENDALL PUTNAM 5'8'' Douglas HS
- Kendall Putnam is our libero/outside hitter. Good all around player. All-County 1st Team

#2 JENNA KEELER 6'1'' Plantation HS
-Jenna Keeler is a strong blocker and a presence at the net.

#3 LATOYA HARVIN 5'10'' Royal Palm Beach HS
-Latoya Harvin is playing in her first club season. She is learning a lot an improving with each practice/tournament. She is being recruited heavily for a first year club player. She is athletic, can jump, hang, and hit! Very good blocker. All-County 1st Team.

#4 ALYSSA ROBERTSON 5'11'' Monarch HS
-Alyssa Robertson is the most improved player from last year. She is a strong hitter and blocker. Will be one of our "Go To" players by the end of the season.

#5 JESSICA SANTANEILLO 5'9'' West Boca HS
-Jess Santaneillo is athletic, strong and the best all around skills. All-County 1st Team.

#11 SHAINA ABDELL 5'11'' Royal Palm Beach HS
-Shaina Abdell is the hardest working, most passionate player on the team. Very driven and will do whatever it takes to play at the next level. All-County 1st Team

#12 SUZI SOLENSKI 5'11'' Cardinal Gibbons HS
- Suzi Solenski never stops supporting her teammates. She plays hard all the time. Constanly encouraging and cheering her teammates in all matches.

#13 KATELYN HUMMEL 5'6'' North Broward Prep
- Katelyn Hummel is one of our setters. She is quick and can make a play out of every ball dug. All-County 1st Team

#15 MOLLY MACEK 5'8'' Cardinal Gibbons HS
- Molly Macek is our defensive specialist. Great passer and server. Gives an emotional lift every time she comes in. All-County Honorable Mention

If you will be attending one of the following tournaments I strongly suggest that you make it a point to see these talented girls play!

March 28-29 Disney Classic - Orl. FL.
April 3-5 Big South Qualifier - Atl. GA.
April 10-12 Lonestar - TX.
April 17-19 NE Qualifier - Balt. MA.
April 25-27 Regionals - ORL. FL.


Special thanks to Coach Virginia Kelly and Club Director Mike Zarate for all you do to help promote Volleyball and its players in South Florida. Coach Kelly, Thanks for all your input and assistance in helping us SPOTLIGHT this years OBV 17 National Quiksilver Team.

ATTENTION SOUTH FLORIDA: Let us know about your 16's, 17's and 18's TOP TEAMS. We are looking to spotlight Several Teams in the South Florida Area.

Tri-County is now The Wilson Tournament - CLICK ON TITLE TO SEE POOL INFO



For the parents that are looking for the Tri-County game locations - look no further.
The tri-county event is now the One-Day Indoor Junior Tournament Series sponsored by Wilson. Yes the lovable character that almost stole the show from Tom Hanks: WILSON!

With only four stops accross Florida the Wilson Tournament will be held in Deerfield Beach. Gym Assignments are as follows:

Saturday, Mar 21:

11u/12u - Play on Saturday @ The Sports Complex (4)

14u - Play on Saturday @ Ft. Lauderdale Christian (2) & Westminster Academy (2)



Sunday, Mar 22:

13u - Play on Sunday @ Summit Christian Academy (3)

15u - Play on Sunday @ The Sports Complex (4)

16u - Play on Sunday @ Palm Beach Community College (3)

17u/18u - Play on Sunday @ Nova Southeastern (3)

To see actual pool assignments click on the title of this posting and it will take you directly to the USAV - Wilson site. Pool assignments ARE NOW POSTED

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

TOP TEAMS: THE SOUTH FLORIDA FLYERS


This club season I have had the pleasure of witnessing several top teams that could be referred to as Elite, Nationals, etc. In speaking with club directors, coaches and parents I've realized that many of these teams are comprised of several special All-County and All State players. Seeing that several of these teams are traveling nationally, I thought our readers would enjoy getting a closer look at some of these teams in a multi-part feature SPOTLIGHTING on TOP TEAMS.

THE SOUTH FLORIDA FLYERS

The South Florida Flyers are an AAU/USAV 17U team comprised of several ALL-Dade players and are lead by Greg Shanower, one of the brightest young coaches in Dade County. The Flyers are one team with a common goal: To get better, to have fun and to win. The team has had great success this season either winning the gold or placing very high within the gold bracket.



In our spotlight on the Flyers we asked a few questions to Coach Shanower:

SFVR: How did the idea of formulating an AAU/USAV team of All-County players come to fruition?
SHANOWER: Well to be honest with you the All-County players had nothing to do with the formation of this team. When these girls were freshman a parent came to me and asked me if I would take a group of girls to the AAU Nationals held in Orlando. So we went looking for girls that would be interested. After that I took them again to only that tournament, they all played for different club during club season. They kept trying to get me to coach a club team, but I didn’t have the time because I was coaching boys and also I have 2 kids myself under the age of 5. Finally I retired from coaching boys and decided to coach a club team. I had told these girls from their freshman year that if I ever coach club then they could play for me. Therefore that is how we got the team together.


SFVR: Did the players from different schools already know each other?
SHANOWER: Some of them knew each other from playing middle school volleyball together, but the majority of them met their freshman year. And then we played in the AAU tournament their sophomore year.


SFVR: When the team first got together what was your message to the players?
SHANOWER: That everyday they come into practice they should push themselves to get better. You have to bring 100% of yourself to practice.

SFVR: On your first tournament, did you feel any pressure to win seeing that it was the first time that many of these girls had played together?
SHANOWER: You know the more I have been coaching to less I care about wins and losses. I know that sounds strange. But at this point I am more concerned about teaching the player as a whole. As long as a person can leave my program being a better person then that is all that matters to me. Now if I can teach them about volleyball along the way then that is a great bonus. Don’t get me wrong, I love to win as much as the next person, but if I can see positive improvement each day then I know I am doing my job.

SFVR: Thus far what has been your most memorable game?
SHANOWER: I would have to say betting the Navy South Dade Team. That Paulina is one of the greatest players I have seen for a long time. When she is on her game then it is hard to beat their team. When we played them in the Championship of the Ft. Lauderdale Inv. They won because the rest of her team stepped up and out played us. They have a really nice team.

SFVR: Have there been any surprises as of yet? (positive or negative)

SHANOWER:
No real surprises, just a great enjoyment of coaching such a great group of girls. It is hard to fine a team where they all get a long. But this group really does that. When we travel we get homes rather than hotel rooms. My stomach hurts because of the laughing and good times we have together. I try to run my program like a family. I think to myself how I would want a coach to coach my own daughter. That really has changed a lot of the messages I have given to the girls. I want to get the parents involved. I have an open door policy, which means I let parents come in to the practices and see what is going on. That way when they have questions later about why I make my decisions they understand more. I find that the parents will respect and be more willing to help you when you show them you really care about them and their children.

WOW Coach, I hope my girls get to play for you some day.

A great coach can teach, motivate and put his/her team in a position to win games and matches but it takes great players to make great teams. So without further adieu
it is time for you to meet the players that make up the South Florida Flyers of 2009.





Alex Walewski - ALL County 5’7/OH #2 Ferguson
- Alex is one of the best all around players in Dade County. She will make a strong defensive specialist at the next level








Kristin Walewski ALL-State 5’4/S #6 Ferguson
- Kristin is the leader on and off the floor. She runs a very smooth and effective offense.









Alex Beverly ALL-County 5’11/OPP #11 Ferguson
- Alex has a great serve that gives our team a lot of points. She uses her height to her advantage to control the net.









Danielle Pohl - Hon. Mention 6’0/MH #1 Ferguson
- Danielle has turned into a great middle hitter. She is able to find holes in the opponents’ defense. She is coming back from shoulder surgery and getting stronger every tournament.








Mackenzie Webster - Hon. Mention 5’9/OH #9 Ferguson
- Mackenzie is a complete player with tons of talent and strength. Her greatest contribution to the team is her ability to never give up. She can hit from any place on the court.









Aly LeNoble Hon. Mention 5’8/OPP #4 Killian
- Aly is a utility player. She can play any position on the floor. Her positive attitude and her work ethic are contagious and rub off on anyone around her.







Jenni Machado Hon. Mention 5’6/DS #7 Killian
- Jenni has developed into a great defensive specialist. She will always give 100% effort for every ball and proudly displays any bruises obtained while getting to a ball.








Lauren Silva Hon. Mention 5’9/MH #8 Lourdes
- Lauren is slowly developing into one of the best middle hitter in Dade County. Her power and understanding of the game is amazing.



If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this team Hustle, Dive and Fly you still have a chance to see the South Florida Flyers at one of these tournamnts.

April 3-5 Big South Atlanta, GA.
April 18-19 Palm Beach Classic P. Beach, FL.
April 25-26 Regional Orlando, FL.
June 17-20 AAU Nationals Orlando, FL.


SPECIAL THANKS TO COACH SHANOWER AND SEVERAL PARENTS OF THE FLYERS FOR THE EXCELENT PICTURES AND GREAT SUPPORT.

WE ARE LOOKING TO SPOTLIGHT SEVERAL TOP TEAMS IN THE SOUTH FLORIDA AREA. LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Best of Luck to All South Florida Teams at the Cloverleaf Invitational Tournament


This weekends Cloverleaf Tournament will promise to be very exciting as many national and regional teams from around the state of Florida converge at the Broward County Convention Center to compete on 24 courts over two days of high flying, hard diving matches in South Florida's oldest and most prestigious volleyball tournament.

We welcome all the teams from outside the South Florida area and wish the very best to our local teams.

Directions to Broward County Convention Center: 1950 EISENHOWER BOULEVARD, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316. From the North or South: Take I-95 or Florida's Turnpike and Exit at 595 East. Exit at US 1 North and proceed to S.E. 17th St. East on S.E. 17th St. to Eisenhower Blvd. Turn right on Eisenhower. Follow signs to the Convention Center.


Wave Schedule

AM (8:00 am) - 12's, 13's, 16's C & O, 17's

PM (2:30 pm) - 14's C & O, 15's C & O, 18's

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

PLAYER PROFILE: ALEXANDRA WALEWSKI


In a time that so many players are specialist it is refreshing to see a player that can do many things. Alex is such a player in that she has strong skill sets and is gifted enough to play anywhere around the court. She is strong and tenacious to be a top Libero at the next level. She is also a top OH with over 253 Kills.

With the ability of Div. I Schools to only offer 12 scholarships on their teams, the need to have talented players that can excel at different positions is very important. We are strong believers that Alexandra is such a player. We hope you enjoy reading her profile as much as we have enjoyed preparing it.

SFVR: When did you first play Volleyball and what attracted you to the sport?
A. Walewski: I was interested in playing volleyball coming out of middle school even though i had never played before. I have always been interested in sports and had played basketball, but i wanted to give volleyball a try. I attended summer conditioning and my first volleyball camp at Sunset before starting high school. I had a lot to learn during my J.V. season, but really progressed once i started playing club.

SFVR: Tell us about your love for the game and your desire to become a better player?
A. Walewski: There is nothing I look forward to more than an intense match where everything is on the line and I can deliver for my team. I'm always striving to improve my skills and become a better mental player. Playing year round since I first started playing as a freshman has definitely helped me. I have enjoyed the close bonds I have formed on my school and club teams.

SFVR: Why do you want to play Volleyball at the next level?
A. Walewski: I would like to continue playing competitively at a higher level. I have a Passion for the game, especially since I didn't start playing until high school. I have grown as a player and want to continue evolving and competing at the college level.

SFVR: What Does the word Coachable mean to you?
A. Walewski: It means when a player is able to listen to what a coach tells them and apply it to their play in order to improve their game and become a better mental and physical player.

SFVR: List and Rank your favorite positions and tell us a little bit on why you like these positions the most.
A. Walewski: I would have to say my favorite position is a tie between outisde hitter and libero. I love being that person who finises the play with a strong kill that gives my team momentum during the game. However, I have learned to read and be a very strong passer and defensive player. I enjoy the challenge of digging up the strongest hitters on the opposing team. In addition, although its not my first choice, I am capable of being a setter, which I have learned is a lot harder than it looks, but it is another fun position to play because you run your offense the way you want.

SFVR: What do you intend on doing during the summer to become a better player?
A.Walewski: This summer I plan to workout and train to reach my fullest potential. I will still be playing with my club team (South Florida Flyers) in the beginning of the summer until AAU Nationals in June, and hopefully I will be able to attend a high performance training camp.



Player Profile:

Alexandra Walewski- Jr. 5'7"/127Lbs
Positions: L/DS, OH, S
High School: John A. Ferguson Sr
Attn: Coach Greg Shanower
15900 SW 56th Street,
Miami, FL. 33185

Last Measured Approach Reach: 109"
Last Measured Block Reach: 102"
Last Measured Standing Reach: 86.5"

2008 Statistics: 320 Digs, 253 Kills, 58 Aces

Coaches Comments:

Greg Shanower, Head Volleyball Coach for Ferguson High School and The South Florida Flyers Club:Alex is the greatest defender I have ever coached. It seems that she can read and react faster than anyone on the court. I believe that this skill will help her be a great college defensive specialist. Alex is also very solid at every position on the court, she can set, hit, pass and serve better than most players I have coached. I know she will make a great player at the next level.

Experience:
* 2006 JV: John A. Ferguson HS
* 2007 Varsity: Ferguson HS
* 2007 Miami Storms Volleyball Club (16's Travel)
* 2008 Varsity: Ferguson HS
* 2008 Spike Volleyball Club 16's Travel)
* 2009 South Florida Flyers Club (17's National)

Awards and Recognition:
* 2007 All Dade - Third Team (sophomore)
* 2007 Regional Quarter Finals
* 2007 Florida Regional Championships 2nd Place Silver - Miami Storm VBC
* 2008 All Dade - Second Team (junior)
* 9/30/08 Top Performer: Miami Herald
* 2008 District 15-6A Champions
* 2008 Regional Semi-Finalist
* 2009 Won the Gold at the Disney Classic 17's

GPA/HPA 3.96 unweighted / 4.9 weighted
Major: Undecided
Have you registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse: YES
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Artist: Beyonce
Favorite vacation: Colorado



Alexandra, we wish you the very best in the balance of this club season and your senior year at Ferguson High School. Please keep in touch with the report.






ATTENTION COACHES: FOR ALEXANDRA WALEWSKI'S CONTACT INFO PLEASE WRITE US AT: volleyballreport@gmail.com

Monday, March 2, 2009

PLAYER PROFILE: KRISTIN WALEWSKI


Since last year we kept hearing about an incredible setter that played in Dade County for Ferguson High School. Everyone kept telling us that you have to see this girl play. Well, we did go see her play for Ferguson during her sophomore season. We were amazed by the many things that we saw from this player. After watching one match the first thing that stood out was her quickness in getting to the ball. She always seemed to be in perfect position and knew exactly what she wanted to do with the ball which brings out her second trait: Intelligence.

After seeing her in other matches we realized that she was a special player not only in our community but has the ability, smarts and the heart to be a key player for a University. Every time I see her play I have to remind myself that she is only 5'3" because she plays so big and strong (look at her measured reaches below). When you look at her statistics they jump out at you and tell the National Volleyball Community that a special player exists here. That is why it is with great pleasure that we introduce Kristin Walewski to all of you that have not had the pleasure of getting to know this outstanding player.

SFVR: Tell us about your love for the game and your desire to become a better player?
K. Walewski: Even though I didn't start playing until high school, I immediately had a passion for the game and have been playing year round since. I've developed awareness on the court and understanding of the game by playing for my school team as well as several clubs. I live for playing in the big games where there's a nonstop adrenaline rush and I can perform at my best for the team.

SFVR: Will you be able to bottle that adrenaline rush for the next level?
K. Walewski: In all actuality, I'm always pumped up for every game; big or small. You always have to have your A-Game because any team can beat you when your not ready to play.

SFVR: What other sports or activities do you enjoy?
K. Walewski: I like to stay active, running track, swimming and especially playing beach volleyball, which I feel has also helped my quickness on the court.

SFVR: Why do you want to play Volleyball Collegiately?
K. Walewski: I want to be at the top level and show everyone that I am capable of being a major contributor to a teams success.

SFVR: What does the word Coachable mean to you?
K. Walewski: It means someone that can take direction and apply it immediately. Also, giving 110% of yourself into what your coach asks of you and accepting that whatever the coach says is going to improve your game.

SFVR: Please describe yourself as a player?
K. Walewski: I'm very competitive and dedicated as an individual and to any team I am on.


PLAYER PROFILE:

Kristin Walewski- Jr. 5'3"/110lbs
Position: S/DS
High School: John A. Ferguson High School
Attn: Coach Greg Shanower
15900 SW 56th Street
Miami, FL. 33185

Last Measured Approach Reach: 104"
Block Jump Reach: 99"
Standing Reach: 82"

Statistics: 853 Assists / 9.4 per game / 13th best in the state of Florida.
202 Digs, 72 Aces, 49 Kills and 9 Blocks


Coaches Comments:

Greg Shanower, Head Volleyball Coach at Ferguson High School and AAU/USAV Club The South Florida Flyers: - Kristin is the leader of my team during the games and practices. When Kristin is on the court I know the right decisions will be made. She has been my starting setter since her freshman year and during this time she as been an All-Dade first team player twice. Her work ethic is unbelievable, she is always wanting to learn new ways of improving her game as well as help her teams to improve their games as well.

Experience:
Started playing varsity volleyball as a freshman.
* John A. Ferguson HS (3 year varsity letterman)
* 2007 Miami Storms Volleyball Club (16's travel)
* 2008 Spike Volleyball Club (16's Travel)
* 2009 South Florida Flyers (17's National)

Awards and Recognition:
* 2006 All Dade Honorable Mention (freshman)
* 2007 All State Honorable Mention (sophomore)
* 2007 All Dade First Team (sophomore)
* 2007 Regional Quarter Finalist
* 2008 Top 10 in the South Florida Fabulous 50 (junior)
* 2008 All Dade First Team
* 9/30/08 Miami Herald - Top Performer of the Week
* 2008 District 15-6A Champions
* Regional Semi-Finalist

GPA/HPA 3.97 Unweighted / 5.04 Weighted
Major to be studied: Undecided
Have you registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse? Yes
Favorite Food: Strawberries
Favorite Artist: Chris Brown
Favorite Vacation: Snowboarding in Colorado

ATTN COACHES: PLEASE GET IN CONTACT WITH US SO THAT WE CAN FORWARD TO YOU KRISTIN WALEWSKI'S CONTACT INFORMATION. volleyballreport@gmail.com




Kristin, we feel very strongly that you will be a great player at the next level. Keep up the passion for Volleyball, enjoy the rest of this club season and best of luck on your senior year at Ferguson.