A look at 12 of the best volleyball players in southeast Minnesota entering the 2024 season:
Jaelyn LaPlante, Chatfield
One of the best all-around athletes in southeastern Minnesota, LaPlante also excelled in track and field, where she excelled in the 200-meter dash and high jump. An explosive jumper, LaPlante finished last season with 378 kills and 193 digs. She also led her team to a No. 2 national ranking.
Sahara Morken, Mabel Canton
Morken is a passer for Mabel-Canton and also a dominant defensive player. She uses speed and instincts to set herself apart. The senior has 3,580 assists and 1,000 digs in her career. She was named All-State last season.
Post Bulletin file photo
Kinley Soiney, Mabel-Canton
Soiney is way ahead of her time. The junior middle blocker already has 1,276 kills and 91 blocks. A 5-foot-10 athlete with leaping ability and strength, she had 585 kills last season for a Mabel-Canton team that reached the state semifinals. Soiney was named an All-State selection in 2023.
Schroeder’s athletic future is secure, as she has verbally committed to play volleyball at Upper Iowa University next year. The senior, who was a two-year starter as a setter, is a strong player and leader. Last year, she tallied a whopping 906 assists for a Byron team that made it to the state championship. She also had 230 digs.
Harper Goldsmith, Chatfield
Goldsmith, a junior, played a key role on a Chatfield team that was ranked No. 2 in the state last season. The setter/right wing totaled 498 assists, 202 digs, 202 kills and 75 ace serves for a total game performance.
Karsyn Winchell, Cannon Falls
Winchell is a dynamic athlete and outside hitter with leaping ability. The senior hit 330 kills, had 368 digs and 31 service aces last season, all on the way to being selected to the Hiawatha Valley League.
Post Bulletin file photo
Falon Hepola, Cannon Falls
Although she is only in her third year, Hepola has been a strong contributor as the Bombers’ star setter over the past two seasons. Last season, she had 872 assists, 285 digs and 24 ace serves. She is an All-HVL selection, a combative player with great ball control.
Kiley Passow, Pine Island
A starter since her eighth grade year, Passow has been a six-rotation player who was named All-HVL last season. She finished the season with 167 kills, 219 digs, 28 ace serves and 22 blocks.
Savy Repinski, Winona Cotter
Repinski also has some great numbers to show for herself, even though she is only in her third year. Last season, the setter had 667 assists, 216 digs, 98 kills, 45 ace serves and 27 blocks. Repinski has a keen feel for the game.
Benita Nolt, LeRoy-Ostrander
Nolt is also a standout basketball player and had a great season as a middle blocker as a junior, totaling 400 kills, 251 digs and 61 blocks.
Andrew Link / Post Bulletin file photo
Carmen Nerison, Kenyon-Wanamingo
Nerison, a veteran setter, is the leader of her team. Last year, she totaled 623 assists, 213 digs and 42 service aces.
Holtan is as competitive as they come. She is also experienced and talented as Mayo’s starter, a skilled setter/hitter.
