Northwestern Volleyball Roster: Meet the 2023 Wildcats

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Welcome, Wildcats fans! Prepare to meet the 2023 Northwestern Volleyball roster, a group of talented and dedicated athletes who will represent the university on the court. With a blend of returning players and exciting newcomers, this team is poised to make waves in the Big Ten Conference and beyond. Let\’s dive into the profiles of these young women and learn about their backgrounds, skills, and determination as they embark on a thrilling season filled with competition and camaraderie.

Northwestern Volleyball Roster

Key Starters and Players to Watch

Northwestern\’s volleyball roster boasts a talented lineup of experienced players and promising newcomers. At the heart of the team are three key starters who have been instrumental in the Wildcats\’ recent success.

Temi Thomas-Ailara, a senior middle blocker, is a force to be reckoned with at the net. Standing at an imposing 6\’4\”, she combines athleticism with a powerful swing to dominate opponents. In her junior season, she led the team with 131 blocks, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors.

Sydney Hilley, a junior outside hitter, is a dynamic attacker who can score from anywhere on the court. Her exceptional ball control and footwork make her a nightmare for opposing defenses. In her sophomore year, she notched 271 kills and was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team.

Completing the trio of key starters is Erin Rodriguez, a graduate transfer setter who brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Wildcats. Rodriguez, who previously played at Texas, is known for her exceptional court vision and ability to set up her hitters for success.

Returning Players

Experienced Contributors

The Wildcats will welcome back a cadre of experienced contributors who will provide a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

• Senior libero Brooke Niles: Niles is a defensive stalwart who has been a key piece of the Wildcats\’ back line for the past three seasons. Her lightning-fast reflexes and exceptional court awareness make her one of the top liberos in the Big Ten Conference. She will look to continue her stellar play and provide stability in the team\’s defensive efforts.
• Senior outside hitter Abryanna Cannon: Cannon is a dynamic and versatile attacker who possesses a powerful arm and a keen eye for finding open spots on the court. She has been a consistent scoring threat for the Wildcats throughout her career and played a pivotal role in the team\’s NCAA Tournament appearances in 2020 and 2021. Cannon will be relied upon to provide leadership and experience on the offensive end.
• Sophomore defensive specialist Kathryn Randorf: Randorf emerged as a key contributor in her freshman season, showcasing her exceptional athleticism and ball-handling skills. She is a quick and agile defender who excels in digging and serve reception. Randorf\’s continued development and consistency will be crucial for the Wildcats\’ back row defense.

Incoming Recruits

Talented Newcomers

Northwestern\’s 2023 recruiting class features three highly talented players who are expected to make immediate contributions to the team. The class includes:

Ivie Obiagu, Middle Blocker
Standing at 6\’5\”, Obiagu is a towering presence at the net. She hails from Frisco, Texas, where she played for Reedy High School and was ranked as the No. 12 middle blocker in the nation by PrepVolleyball. Obiagu\’s athleticism, blocking skills, and powerful hitting will provide a significant boost to Northwestern\’s defense and offense.

Joely Braaten, Outside Hitter
Braaten is a dynamic outside hitter from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As a senior at Eden Prairie High School, she led her team to the Class 4A state championship and was named the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year. Braaten\’s versatility, powerful swing, and ability to score from multiple positions make her a threat to opposing defenders.

Alana Walker, Defensive Specialist
Walker is a highly skilled defensive specialist from Noblesville, Indiana. She brings a wealth of experience to Northwestern, having played for the Indiana Elite Volleyball Club and the United States Girls\’ Youth National Team. Walker\’s exceptional ball handling, quick reflexes, and ability to read the game will strengthen Northwestern\’s defense.

Player Positions

Northwestern\’s 2023 volleyball roster comprises a diverse skill set with players specializing in different positions. The team features a balanced lineup with:

• 6 middle blockers
• 7 outside hitters
• 4 setters
• 6 liberos/defensive specialists

Setters

Northwestern\’s setters play a crucial role in distributing the ball to hitters for the most effective attacks. The team consists of four capable setters who each possess unique strengths:

1. Sydney Hill: A senior, Hill brings experience to the table. Known for her consistent setting and strategic decision-making, she provides stability to the offense.

2. Ella Grubb: A junior, Grubb is a versatile athlete with quick hands and excellent court vision. She can also contribute as an outside hitter when needed.

3. Hanna Lesiak: As a sophomore, Lesiak has already shown potential. Her quick release and ability to set hitters in various positions make her a valuable asset.

4. Preslie Anderson: A promising freshman, Anderson adds depth to the setting position. Her high volleyball IQ allows her to adjust to different situations and make informed decisions.

With this talented group of setters, Northwestern can expect a multifaceted and adaptable offense, distributing the ball effectively throughout the season.

Coaching Staff

Leadership and Development

The Northwestern volleyball program is led by an experienced and dedicated coaching staff under the direction of Head Coach Shane Davis. Davis, who joined the Wildcats in 2022, has a wealth of coaching experience at both the collegiate and international levels, having led the University of Illinois to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and guiding Team Canada to success on the international stage.

Assisting Davis are Kristin Gunn, Danielle Stewart, and Christy Lerario Davis, all of whom bring their own unique expertise and passion to the Northwestern program.

• Kristin Gunn: Gunn joined the Wildcats in 2023 after a successful stint as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota. She has a strong track record of developing setters and offensive systems, and her experience in the Big Ten Conference will be invaluable to Northwestern.
• Danielle Stewart: Stewart is a former All-American setter who joined the Northwestern staff in 2022. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program, and her focus on player development will be key to the Wildcats\’ success.
• Christy Lerario Davis: Davis, the wife of Head Coach Shane Davis, joined the Northwestern staff in 2023. She has a strong background in player development and recruiting, and her expertise in the Big Ten Conference will be beneficial to the Wildcats.