Monday, April 15, 2013

Badger Blizzards Announce 2013 Roster

Badger Region is excited to announce the roster for the Badger Blizzards, a region-sponsored professional team which will compete in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) during the 2013 season.

The 14-member roster will be led by Head Coach Rod Wilde and boasts representation from nine college programs. The roster carries two setters, three middle blockers, six outside/opposites and three defensive specialists.

"We are excited about the level of the athletes that have tried out for the team." Wilde said. "They range from past collegiate All-American players and former professional players to currently active USA regional representatives. I think we have a great balance of youth and experience that will mesh together well with training. I think we are going to be able to put together a very deep squad with the current roster that will help us during the multiple matches we will have to face in the Championships. I am very interested in seeing how the team develops as we prepare for the tournament in May."
Jackie Simpson (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Janelle Gabrielsen (Pewaukee, Wis.) will set for the Blizzards. Simpson is a vocal leader and competitor who will bring fire and energy to the Blizzards. Gabrielsen's athleticism and court-smarts make her valuable asset to the Blizzards. Both Simpson and Gabrielsen played at UW-Madison.

"I am thrilled to once again represent the state of Wisconsin as an athlete." Simpson said. "I am grateful to the region office for creating an avenue for players like myself to become more involved in our volleyball community on and off the court."

The Blizzards roster carries three middle blockers who add size and athleticism to the squad. Jessica Hohl (Waterville, Ohio) played college volleyball at Michigan State. Alison Shepp (Schaumburg, Ill.) played for Boston College. Deb Stadick (Watertown, Wis.) played for Iowa State.

"I am so excited that this team has become a reality." Stadick said. "It is a great chance for players to continue doing what they love post-college. From a regional perspective, it brings awesome visibility and publicity for both Badger Region and the sport of volleyball in general."

The Blizzards have a strong core of experienced outsides/opposites that bring physicality and finesse to the program. Kerri Schuh (Milwaukee, Wis.), Jocelyn VerVelde (Oostburg, Wis.) and Caity DuPont (Milwaukee, Wis.) played for UW-Milwaukee, Central Michigan and UW-Madison respectively. Kim Todd (West Milwaukee, Wis.), Ashley Beyer (Bloomington, Ill.) and Ashlee Johnston (Wauwatosa, Wis.) all played for Marquette.

"I can't wait to start practicing and competing with these ladies." Schuh said. "Many of us already know each other, either from playing together or playing across the net. We have a lot of respect for each others' talents and abilities and some great chemistry."

The three defensive specialists complete the roster. Morgan Potter (Stoughton, Wis.) played for UW-Milwaukee while Michelle Sobocinski (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) played for Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. Kalin Zimmerman (Green Bay, Wis.) played for Northern Michigan University. All three bring hustle and energy to the court as well as vocal leadership.

The Blizzards are slated to compete in Chicago on May 18 against Great Lakes Swing Away and other PVL teams. The Blizzards will travel to Louisville May 25-28 for the 2013 USA Volleyball Adult Open National Championships and will compete in the PVL Division.

The Badger Blizzards will be conducting clinics and holding fundraisers to offset expenses as they prepare for the 2013 PVL season. If you want the Badger Blizzards to visit your practice, or want to host a Badger Blizzard clinic for your club, contact deb@badgervolleyball.org.


2013 BADGER BLIZZARDS ROSTER
Ashley Beyer (OH/Opp)
Caity DuPont (OH/Opp)
Janelle Gabrielsen (S)
Jessica Hohl (MB)
Ashlee Johnston (OH/Opp)
Morgan Potter (DS)
Kerri Schuh (Opp/OH)
Alison Shepp (MB)
Jackie Simpson (S)
Michelle Sobocinski (DS)
Deb Stadick (MB)
Kim Todd (OH/Opp)
Jocelyn VerVelde (Opp)
Kalin Zimmerman (DS)

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