The Minnesota Star Tribune selected its 25 top girls volleyball players in the state this year. We polled coaches at the top of their conferences and classes, considered team and individual success and observed games to put together this group of All-Minnesota Team honorees (in alphabetical order):
Kathryn Adler, Champlin Park, senior, middle blocker: A 6-1 middle blocker with 416 kills and a team-best 63 total blocks this year for the Class 4A, Section 5 champion Rebels. College: Jacksonville.
Reese Axness, Champlin Park, senior, setter: Savvy, athletic 5-9 engine behind the Rebels’ big attack numbers, leading the state in assists, passing 1,000 this season in Champlin Park’s Section 5 win. College: Ball State.
Ava Ball, Nova Classical, senior, outsider hitter: Three-time All-State honoree with a staggering 2,122 career kills, leading the state two years in a row and good for a top-10 spot in Minnesota history. College: South Dakota.
Breanna Beckering, Southwest Christian, middle blocker, junior: Recorded 70 total blocks and 31.9% hitting to help Stars to Class 2A, Section 2 championship and second consecutive trip to the state tournament.
Clockwise from top left: Kathryn Adler, Champlin Park; Reese Axness, Champlin Park; Ava Ball, Nova Classical; Breanna Beckering, Southwest Christian. (Star Tribune staff/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Mesaiya Bettis, Burnsville, outside hitter, senior: An offensive and defensive juggernaut for the Blaze with a dangerous line shot, earning Class 4A All-State twice and finishing her career with 1,611 kills (a Burnsville best) and 713 digs. College: Iowa State.
Sidney Burley, Prior Lake, defensive specialist/libero, junior: A strong first contact for the Lakers, leading the team in digs on the way to finishing third in a stacked South Suburban Conference. College: Kentucky.
Romi Chlebecek, Lakeville South, outside hitter, junior: 5-11 Cougars kills leader (363) with great timing, plus 28 total blocks, on a well-rounded and top-rated team. College: Denver.
