Player of the Year: Wisconsin
Wisconsin Girls Soccer POY: Josee Stiever
May, 23, 2012
May 23
5:01
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By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this spring's Gatorade Girls Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2012 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Josee Stiever
THE BASICS
School: Cedarburg (Wis.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Stiever led the Bulldogs to a 13-0-1 record entering this week’s regular-season contest with Milwaukee Lutheran (Milwaukee, Wis.), scheduled for May 22. She scored seven goals and passed for six assists through 14 games. An All-Region selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Stiever was also a First Team All-State honoree and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Player of the Year in 2011.
Academic excellence: Stiever has maintained a 3.73 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally serving meals to the homeless and coaching youth sports teams.
For her 27 fellow Gatorade State Spring Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
For the 22 Gatorade State Fall Girls Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Josee Stiever
THE BASICS
School: Cedarburg (Wis.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-foot-6
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Stiever led the Bulldogs to a 13-0-1 record entering this week’s regular-season contest with Milwaukee Lutheran (Milwaukee, Wis.), scheduled for May 22. She scored seven goals and passed for six assists through 14 games. An All-Region selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, Stiever was also a First Team All-State honoree and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Player of the Year in 2011.
Academic excellence: Stiever has maintained a 3.73 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: She has volunteered locally serving meals to the homeless and coaching youth sports teams.
The window on the Gatorade State Girls Soccer Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Molly Laufenberg
Senior Midfielder, Waunakee High (Waunakee, WI)
2012 Team record: 17-0-2
2012 Team standing: Regular season ends May 25
2012 Goals: 12
2012 Assists: 5
2012 Points per game: 1.12
Career goals: 37
Career assists: 25
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Wisconsin
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: First Team All-State; First Team All-Conference.
Molly Laufenberg
Senior Midfielder, Waunakee High (Waunakee, WI)
2012 Team record: 17-0-2
2012 Team standing: Regular season ends May 25
2012 Goals: 12
2012 Assists: 5
2012 Points per game: 1.12
Career goals: 37
Career assists: 25
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Wisconsin
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: First Team All-State; First Team All-Conference.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
Dave Telep/ESPNHSSam Dekker is ESPNU's No. 25 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012.THE WINNER: Sam Dekker
THE BASICS
School: Sheboygan Lutheran (Sheboygan, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard/forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 215 pounds
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Dekker led the Crusaders to a 25-4 record and the Division 5 state championship this past season. He amassed 40 points on 16-for-28 shooting, including the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds, to go along with 13 rebounds and three blocks in the 67-66, title-clinching victory against Racine Lutheran (Racine, Wis.). Named Mr. Basketball by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, Dekker averaged 32.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 58.7 percent from the field, 35.9 percent from 3-point range and 71.9 percent from the free throw line. Dekker concluded his career with 2,629 points, ranked fourth in state history.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
Dave Telep/ESPNHSSam Dekker is ESPNU's No. 25 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012.THE BASICS
School: Sheboygan Lutheran (Sheboygan, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard/forward
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 215 pounds
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Dekker led the Crusaders to a 25-4 record and the Division 5 state championship this past season. He amassed 40 points on 16-for-28 shooting, including the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds, to go along with 13 rebounds and three blocks in the 67-66, title-clinching victory against Racine Lutheran (Racine, Wis.). Named Mr. Basketball by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, Dekker averaged 32.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 blocks and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 58.7 percent from the field, 35.9 percent from 3-point range and 71.9 percent from the free throw line. Dekker concluded his career with 2,629 points, ranked fourth in state history.
The window on the Gatorade State Boys Basketball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Dave Telep/ESPNHSSam Dekker is ESPNU's No. 25 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012.Sam Dekker
Senior guard/forward, Sheboygan Area Lutheran (Sheboygan, Wis.)
2011-12 Team record: 23-4 (Division 5)
2011-12 Team standing: Division 5 state semifinals vs. Chippewa Falls McDonnell Central on Thursday
2011-12 Points per game: 32.5
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 13.7
2011-12 Assists per game: 3.6
2011-12 Blocks per game: 2.1
2011-12 Steals per game: 1.6
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: University of Wisconsin
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: Shooting 63.4 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from 3-point range and 72.8 percent from the free throw line. Scored 58 points in an 80-73 victory against Random Lake (Wis.), just missing a top-10 performance in state history. Became just the fifth Wisconsin prep player to eclipse 2,500 career points. No. 25 ranked recruit in Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU. 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Classic invitee. 2011 Division 5 Player of the Year as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. 2011 Player of the Year as named by the Sheboygan Press. 2011 Second Team All-State selection as named by the Associated Press. 2011 Adidas Nations championship team member. 2011 NBA Top 100 Camp invitee. 2010 AP Honorable Mention All-State selection.
Dave Telep/ESPNHSSam Dekker is ESPNU's No. 25 ranked recruit in the Class of 2012.Senior guard/forward, Sheboygan Area Lutheran (Sheboygan, Wis.)
2011-12 Team record: 23-4 (Division 5)
2011-12 Team standing: Division 5 state semifinals vs. Chippewa Falls McDonnell Central on Thursday
2011-12 Points per game: 32.5
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 13.7
2011-12 Assists per game: 3.6
2011-12 Blocks per game: 2.1
2011-12 Steals per game: 1.6
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: University of Wisconsin
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: Shooting 63.4 percent from the field, 37.0 percent from 3-point range and 72.8 percent from the free throw line. Scored 58 points in an 80-73 victory against Random Lake (Wis.), just missing a top-10 performance in state history. Became just the fifth Wisconsin prep player to eclipse 2,500 career points. No. 25 ranked recruit in Class of 2012 as rated by ESPNU. 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival Classic invitee. 2011 Division 5 Player of the Year as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. 2011 Player of the Year as named by the Sheboygan Press. 2011 Second Team All-State selection as named by the Associated Press. 2011 Adidas Nations championship team member. 2011 NBA Top 100 Camp invitee. 2010 AP Honorable Mention All-State selection.
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 50 fellow Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Nicole Bauman
THE BASICS
School: Eisenhower (New Berlin, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-10
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Bauman led the Lions to a 22-0 record and a berth in the Division 2 regional semifinals, scheduled for Friday. She averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 1.1 blocks through 22 games. A returning Division 2 First Team All-State selection as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, Bauman shot 50.8 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from 3-point range and 80.0 percent from the free throw line this season. She captured the 2010 Division 2 state championship as a sophomore, earning state tournament Most Valuable Player honors in the process.
Academic excellence: Bauman has maintained a 3.50 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth basketball instructor, she has volunteered as part of a food drive to benefit the area homeless.
For her 50 fellow Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Nicole Bauman
THE BASICS
School: Eisenhower (New Berlin, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Guard
Height: 5-foot-10
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Bauman led the Lions to a 22-0 record and a berth in the Division 2 regional semifinals, scheduled for Friday. She averaged 17.0 points, 5.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 1.1 blocks through 22 games. A returning Division 2 First Team All-State selection as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, Bauman shot 50.8 percent from the field, 43.6 percent from 3-point range and 80.0 percent from the free throw line this season. She captured the 2010 Division 2 state championship as a sophomore, earning state tournament Most Valuable Player honors in the process.
Academic excellence: Bauman has maintained a 3.50 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: In addition to donating her time as a youth basketball instructor, she has volunteered as part of a food drive to benefit the area homeless.
The window on the Gatorade State Girls Basketball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Nicole Bauman
Senior guard, Eisenhower (New Berlin, Wis.)
2011-12 Team record: 21-0 (Division 2)
2011-12 Team standing: Division 2 regional semifinal vs. TBA on March 9
2011-12 Points per game: 17.5
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 4.9
2011-12 Assists per game: 5.1
2011-12 Blocks per game: 1.0
2011-12 Steals per game: 3.2
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: University of Wisconsin
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Averaging 21.5 points, 6.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 1.2 assists against a Division 2 schedule of opponents with a .510 winning percentage. Shooting 51 percent from the field, 46 percent from 3-point range and 82 percent from the free throw line. 2011 Third Team All-State selection as named by the Associated Press. 2011 Division 2 First Team All-State selection as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. 2011 All-Area selection as named by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. 2011 Woodland Conference Player of the Year. 2011 Division 2 state champion. 2011 Division 2 state tournament Most Valuable Player. 2010 Division 2 Honorable Mention All-State selection as named by the WBCA.
Nicole Bauman
Senior guard, Eisenhower (New Berlin, Wis.)
2011-12 Team record: 21-0 (Division 2)
2011-12 Team standing: Division 2 regional semifinal vs. TBA on March 9
2011-12 Points per game: 17.5
2011-12 Rebounds per game: 4.9
2011-12 Assists per game: 5.1
2011-12 Blocks per game: 1.0
2011-12 Steals per game: 3.2
Academics: A-minus average
Collegiate destination: University of Wisconsin
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: Averaging 21.5 points, 6.3 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 3.9 steals and 1.2 assists against a Division 2 schedule of opponents with a .510 winning percentage. Shooting 51 percent from the field, 46 percent from 3-point range and 82 percent from the free throw line. 2011 Third Team All-State selection as named by the Associated Press. 2011 Division 2 First Team All-State selection as named by the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association. 2011 All-Area selection as named by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. 2011 Woodland Conference Player of the Year. 2011 Division 2 state champion. 2011 Division 2 state tournament Most Valuable Player. 2010 Division 2 Honorable Mention All-State selection as named by the WBCA.
Wisconsin Boys Soccer POY: Patrick Hodan
February, 22, 2012
Feb 22
5:00
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By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed this past fall's Gatorade Boys Soccer Player of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For his 29 fellow Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Patrick Hodan
THE BASICS
School: Marquette University (Milwaukee, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Hodan scored 45 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Hilltoppers (24-0-1) to their second consecutive state title and a No. 3 ranking in the ESPNHS Fab 50. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, he was also named the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Player of the Year, the Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year and the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Player of the Year. Hodan set school records for most goals in a single season and career, and broke his own state postseason record with eight goals in this year’s state tournament.
Academic excellence: Hodan has maintained 4.01 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics and the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s meal program for the needy.
For his 29 fellow Gatorade State Fall Boys Soccer Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Patrick Hodan
THE BASICS
School: Marquette University (Milwaukee, Wis.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Forward
Height: 5-foot-9
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Hodan scored 45 goals and passed for 10 assists this past season, leading the Hilltoppers (24-0-1) to their second consecutive state title and a No. 3 ranking in the ESPNHS Fab 50. An All-American selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, he was also named the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Player of the Year, the Greater Metro Conference Player of the Year and the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Player of the Year. Hodan set school records for most goals in a single season and career, and broke his own state postseason record with eight goals in this year’s state tournament.
Academic excellence: Hodan has maintained 4.01 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: He has volunteered locally on behalf of the Special Olympics and the St. Vincent de Paul Society’s meal program for the needy.
The fall soccer season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Boys Soccer Players of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Patrick Hodan
Senior forward, Marquette University High (Milwaukee, WI)
2011 Team record: 24-0-1
2011 Team standing: Won Div. 1 state title; Ranked No. 3 in ESPNHS Fab 50
2011 Goals: 45
2011 Assists: 10
2011 Points per game: 2.2
Career goals: 82
Career assists: 32
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Notre Dame
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: NSCAA All-American; Wisconsin State Coaches Association Player of the Year; State record with eight state-tournament goals in 2011; School records for goals in a season and career.
Patrick Hodan
Senior forward, Marquette University High (Milwaukee, WI)
2011 Team record: 24-0-1
2011 Team standing: Won Div. 1 state title; Ranked No. 3 in ESPNHS Fab 50
2011 Goals: 45
2011 Assists: 10
2011 Points per game: 2.2
Career goals: 82
Career assists: 32
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Notre Dame
How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: NSCAA All-American; Wisconsin State Coaches Association Player of the Year; State record with eight state-tournament goals in 2011; School records for goals in a season and career.
Seidel races to GXC National ROY honors
January, 24, 2012
Jan 24
10:19
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By Chad Konecky | ESPN.com
HARTLAND, Wis. -- A champion alpine ski racer, a gifted ukulele player, a sailing instructor, an undefeated national cross country champion: Molly Seidel’s resume reads more like Wonder Woman’s than a high school senior.
Tuesday morning, the University Lake School (Hartland, Wis.) teen added another line-item to her bio when 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials winner Shalane Flanagan handed her the 2011-12 Gatorade National Cross Country Runner of the Year trophy.
"This award is so cool," said Flanagan, who earned Gatorade Massachusetts Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year honors in 1999-2000. "Look at the names on this trophy. So many amazing athletes. Legends. Congratulations to Molly."
Wisconsin Boys XC ROY: Chandler Diffee
January, 23, 2012
Jan 23
5:01
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By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year selection process, resulting in winners based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Chandler Diffee
THE BASICS
School: LaFollette (Madison, Wis.)
Grade: Junior
Height: 6-foot
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Diffee raced to the Division I individual state championship this past season with a time of 15:35.47. The 2011 Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Male Runner of the Year, he earned fourth place at the Nike Cross Nationals Heartland Regional championships, crossing the line in 15:32.9. He qualified for the 2011 Nike Cross Nationals Final, where he took 37th in 15:55.
Academic excellence: Diffee has maintained a 3.94 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: An accomplished artist and guitarist, he has volunteered locally on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with the National Honor Society.
For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Chandler Diffee
THE BASICS
School: LaFollette (Madison, Wis.)
Grade: Junior
Height: 6-foot
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Diffee raced to the Division I individual state championship this past season with a time of 15:35.47. The 2011 Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Association Male Runner of the Year, he earned fourth place at the Nike Cross Nationals Heartland Regional championships, crossing the line in 15:32.9. He qualified for the 2011 Nike Cross Nationals Final, where he took 37th in 15:55.
Academic excellence: Diffee has maintained a 3.94 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: An accomplished artist and guitarist, he has volunteered locally on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with the National Honor Society.
Eye on POY: Wisconsin boys cross country
January, 16, 2012
Jan 16
10:33
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By Joel Beck | ESPN.com
The cross country season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Boys Cross Country Runners of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated. These state meet winners made a case in their respective classifications, but did they do enough on and off the course this past season to capture the prestigious statewide honor?
Chandler Diffee
Junior, LaFollette (Madison, Wis.)
2011 Team postseason standing: 6th (Division I)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:35.47
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 18th—15:35
2011 Nike Cross Nationals regional (Place—time): 4th—15:32.9
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 37th—15:55
Ryan McCoy
Junior, New Glarus-Monticello (New Glarus, Wis.)
2011 Team postseason standing: DNQ (Division 2)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:38.27
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 23rd—15:36
Chandler Diffee
Junior, LaFollette (Madison, Wis.)
2011 Team postseason standing: 6th (Division I)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:35.47
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 18th—15:35
2011 Nike Cross Nationals regional (Place—time): 4th—15:32.9
2011 Nike Cross Nationals Finals (Place—time): 37th—15:55
Ryan McCoy
Junior, New Glarus-Monticello (New Glarus, Wis.)
2011 Team postseason standing: DNQ (Division 2)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): 1st—15:38.27
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): 23rd—15:36
Eye on POY: Wisconsin Girls Cross Country
January, 2, 2012
Jan 2
10:19
PM ET
By Joel Beck | ESPN.com
The cross country season may have concluded, but the search for Gatorade State Girls Cross Country Runners of the Year is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated. These state meet winners made a case in their respective classifications, but did they do enough on and off the course this past season to capture the prestigious statewide honor?
Molly Seidel
Senior, University Lake (Hartland, WI)
2011 Team postseason standing: Did Not Qualify (Division 3)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): First—13:39.59
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): First—17:08
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): First—17:22
Alexandria Fons
Sophomore, Franklin (WI)
2011 Team postseason standing: 19th (Division 1)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): First—13:56.48
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): Eighth—17:43
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): 15th—17:57
Molly Seidel
Senior, University Lake (Hartland, WI)
2011 Team postseason standing: Did Not Qualify (Division 3)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): First—13:39.59
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): First—17:08
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): First—17:22
Alexandria Fons
Sophomore, Franklin (WI)
2011 Team postseason standing: 19th (Division 1)
2011 State meet finish (Place—time): First—13:56.48
2011 Foot Locker regional (Place—time): Eighth—17:43
2011 Foot Locker nationals (Place—time): 15th—17:57
Wisconsin Volleyball POY: Kaysie Shebeneck
December, 14, 2011
12/14/11
5:01
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By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Kaysie Shebeneck
THE BASICS
School: Burlington (Wisc.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter/right-side hitter
Height: 6-foot-1
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Shebeneck led the Demons to a 39-9 record and the Division I state title this past season. She recorded 754 assists, 154 kills, 104 digs, 49 blocks and 23 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .474. A 2011 First Team All-State selection, Shebeneck was named the 2011 Division I State Tournament MVP after distributing 23 assists with 16 kills and 12 digs in a three-set, title-clinching win over Fond du Lac (Wisc.).
Academic excellence: Shebeneck has maintained a 4.01 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Shebeneck has volunteered locally on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as a peer tutor and youth volleyball coach.
For her 49 fellow Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year winners, click here.
THE WINNER: Kaysie Shebeneck
THE BASICS
School: Burlington (Wisc.)
Grade: Junior
Position: Setter/right-side hitter
Height: 6-foot-1
THE PILLARS
Athletic achievement: Shebeneck led the Demons to a 39-9 record and the Division I state title this past season. She recorded 754 assists, 154 kills, 104 digs, 49 blocks and 23 service aces while posting a kill percentage of .474. A 2011 First Team All-State selection, Shebeneck was named the 2011 Division I State Tournament MVP after distributing 23 assists with 16 kills and 12 digs in a three-set, title-clinching win over Fond du Lac (Wisc.).
Academic excellence: Shebeneck has maintained a 4.01 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Shebeneck has volunteered locally on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as a peer tutor and youth volleyball coach.
The window on the Gatorade State Volleyball Player of the Year race is closing, and time is running out for student-athletes to state their POY case. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.
Kaysie Shebeneck
Junior setter/right side hitter, Burlington (Wisc.)
2011 Team record: 39-9
2011 Team standing: Won Division 1 state title
2011 Kills: 117
2011 Blocks: 49
2011 Digs: 104
2011 Aces: 23
2011 Assists: 754
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Texas A & M (verbally committed)
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: 2011 First Team All-State selection; 2011 State Tournament MVP
Kaysie Shebeneck
Junior setter/right side hitter, Burlington (Wisc.)
2011 Team record: 39-9
2011 Team standing: Won Division 1 state title
2011 Kills: 117
2011 Blocks: 49
2011 Digs: 104
2011 Aces: 23
2011 Assists: 754
Academics: A average
Collegiate destination: Texas A & M (verbally committed)
How she’s played herself into the State POY conversation: 2011 First Team All-State selection; 2011 State Tournament MVP
Wisconsin Football POY: Vince Biegel
December, 1, 2011
12/01/11
5:01
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By Ben Rohrbach | ESPN.com
A dedicated ESPNHS POY team managed the Gatorade State Football Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the awards program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character. For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Football Player of the Year winners, click here.
ESPNHSVince Biegel is the No. 13 ranked outside linebacker as rated by ESPNU.THE WINNER: Vince Biegel
THE BASICS: Anatomy of a POY
School: Lincoln (Wisconsin Falls, Wisc.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 225 pounds
THE PILLARS: Gatorade criteria
Athletic achievement: Biegel amassed 172 tackles, 21 sacks and three interceptions this past season, leading the Red Rapids (12-2) to the Division 1 state final. A 2012 U.S. Army All-American, he was selected as the 2011 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Defensive Player of the Year.
Academic excellence: Biegel has maintained a 3.12 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Biegel has volunteered locally on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with his church youth group and as an elementary school guest reader.
ESPNHSVince Biegel is the No. 13 ranked outside linebacker as rated by ESPNU.THE BASICS: Anatomy of a POY
School: Lincoln (Wisconsin Falls, Wisc.)
Grade: Senior
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 225 pounds
THE PILLARS: Gatorade criteria
Athletic achievement: Biegel amassed 172 tackles, 21 sacks and three interceptions this past season, leading the Red Rapids (12-2) to the Division 1 state final. A 2012 U.S. Army All-American, he was selected as the 2011 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Defensive Player of the Year.
Academic excellence: Biegel has maintained a 3.12 GPA in the classroom.
Exemplary character: Biegel has volunteered locally on behalf of multiple community service initiatives in association with his church youth group and as an elementary school guest reader.