The Kingsford High School volleyball team has witnessed the emergence of a remarkable class of senior athletes over the years. This group, led by the likes of Maddy Kreider, Alyssa Larson, Anna Bortolini, Ellery Nash, Jenna Viau, and Kailey Sundquist, has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Uniting Skills and Bonds for Volleyball Success

Meet Maddy Kreider: The Volleyball Phenom

Maddy Kreider, the daughter of former Michigan Tech basketball players, had a passion for volleyball from a young age. She participated in club volleyball in Appleton and spent countless hours studying the game. Her understanding and instinct for volleyball were exceptional, helping her lead the Flivvers in several statistical categories. However, her relentless drive sometimes created pressure on herself and her teammates. She developed nervous tics like stroking her long hair, but her skills, such as setting the ball from her knees or finding holes in the defense, earned her numerous accolades. Maddy was named AP All-State first team, selected to the Upper Peninsula Sportswriters and Sportscasters’ All-U.P. Dream Team, and was named Ms. Volleyball in 2023. She has signed to continue her volleyball career at Michigan Tech.

Her mother, Jaclynn Kreider, a multi-sport legend at Florence High School, witnessed Maddy's growth and dedication. "She's high strung," Jaclynn said. "She does that even at home. She's anxious in pretty much everything she does. At this point, she does it when she's relaxed, so it's just a habit."

The Dynamic Duo: Larson and Bortolini

Alyssa Larson and Anna Bortolini were like two peas in a pod. They brought lively energy and personality to the team. Larson was the second setter, allowing Kreider to focus on hitting. She was an outside hitter with a big smile and a warm personality. In her sophomore year, she struggled with self-criticism but became a highly effective player by senior year. Bortolini, a diminutive but highly athletic player, hit hard, jumped high, and reacted quickly. She was often erratic in her earlier years but became more steady in her senior season. Their reactions and celebration kept the team's spirit positive.

After a victory over Marquette, Coach Kreider said, "They just keep everyone positive and make sure everyone's having fun. Their reactions keep things positive."

The "Hype Girl": Ellery Nash

Ellery Nash was the "hype girl" of the team. She and Maddy became friends in fifth grade and formed a strong bond. Nash was often the first player to holler enthusiastically when she entered the game or when a teammate made a notable play. She was a libero in her junior season and a full-timer this year. Her versatile serving style, which included floating the ball to the opponent's near sideline, was difficult to read and return. Nash was selected to the All-U.P. Dream Team.

Sundquist said of Nash, "She's crazy with what she can do and she's super positive. She's a great libero. She gets up a ton of balls that like if I was back there, they would be dropping in front of me left and right. (And) she hypes up our setters a lot."

The Steady Influence: Jenna Viau

Jenna Viau was the steady-as-she-goes calming influence on the team. She held herself in an even-keeled way emotionally but played with a reckless abandon, throwing her body around the court. She made impossible-looking saves and turned them into accurate passes to setters Kreider or Larson. By late season, she was struggling with hip problems after diving so often. Viau was given honorable mention on the All-U.P. D1-3 team.

Kailey Sundquist: The Undersized Powerhouse

Kailey Sundquist was the lone middle blocker/hitter who was often undersized against taller opponents. But she executed her game with precision. She was the Flivvers' top blocker and when she and Kreider or Larson clicked offensively, the team was at its highest level.

After a mid-season match, Sundquist said, "It's obviously a little intimidating when you walk up to the net and there's a girl six or seven inches taller playing against me. But you just try to not let that get in your head and just play your game and execute."

The Coach: Jaclynn Kreider

Jaclynn Kreider wore many hats as the coach. She taught, motivated, and guided the team with great skill. She was selected as the U.P. D1-3 coach of the year. Her leadership was crucial in shaping the success of the senior class.

Throughout the season, the team's bond and individual skills combined to make them one of the area's most dynamic teams to watch. Their consecutive district titles and Great Northern Conference championships are a testament to their hard work and determination.