Who are the best players in the North Central region? This is an open thread to discuss All-Region nominations, All-Freshman nominations, coaching awards, and more. Stay positive and keep it civil.
Anna Lane is a fantastic handler for the saucy Nancy
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UWEC SOL coach here advocating for some of our players who are not highlighted on the national stage!
For All Region:
- Layla Lemley (#0), aka “Layla from Twitter” handler for UWEC SOL is an absolute beast on defense (hand blocks and more), throws an absurd number of assists, and says smoe of the most out-of-pocket things on the field
- Anna Benishek (#15), is a ridiculous deep threat and one of our trees who consistently comes down with the disc in a crowd of people.
- Likewise, Makenna Samuels (#32) and Alana Bauer (#20) can both run for days and both consistently attack the deep and under space. They have amazing on-field chemistry, seemingly playing catch in the endzone when they’re on the field together.
For All-Freshman, Elena Davis (#77) tall, blonde handlers for SOL, has amazing throws, defensive pressure on handlers, and is a rising star in the region.
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Freshman trio from Minnesota Abi Keuhn, Veronica Janzen, and Megan Nguyen have started their season off strong so far. After spending the summer playing together on Minnesota Superior Mixed, which took home 2nd at YCC, they have built up an upperclassmen level of chemistry which we can see on the field. These three Freshmen have a strong 3 years ahead of them, become threats on both sides of the ball to every team they play.
Emma Knabe (#27) - Emma is a handler for Galaxy (UW-La Crosse) who has an insane deep throw as well as complete control over her offense. On defense she is an absolute unit always interrupting offenses continuations and wins almost all of the 50/50 hucks down field. Emma is such a light for this Galaxy team, always bringing 110% all the time.
Abby Sailer (#22) - Abby is both a cutter and handler for Galaxy (UW-La Crosse) she throws many incredible deep looks as well as making the defense regret standing flat footed. When she gets in the cutting mix she never stops moving and continuously gets in front of her defender beating them to the spot. On defense she’s just as versatile with some incredible down field defense as well as making handlers work to get the disc back once they threw it to another team member.
#44 from Saucy Nancy (Iowa) - This player is absolutely unbeatable no matter the defense you throw at her. Her deep hucks are pin point accuracy and she always has you guessing what she’s going to do next. On defense she’s constantly reeking havoc poaching lanes but still managing to get the D’s when the disc is thrown to the person she’s defending. She was injured at one point during this season to which it was notable that her team depends on her handling ability and leadership to give their team success.
#77 for Sol (Eau Claire) - This player was an intense competitor but also one of the nicest players I’ve played against. Her handling is amazing, breaking marks and constantly beating her defender. She also had some great defense constantly contesting almost every disc throw to the player she was marking.
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From Sol, Elena Davis (77) has to be in All-Freshman talks. She stepped into a Sol team that’s been low on handlers and was an immediate game changer from day one. Has the complete package you’d want from a handler, while also being a matchup nightmare because of her height.
Stevie Harper (42) is a true first in, last out grinder. Plays pretty much every point with a smile, and is the absolute king of the grind. Not the flashiest player, but does everything to keep the offense running and is no slouch on defense.
Makenna Samuels (32) and Alana Bauer (20) are a dynamic cutting duo, both are extremely athletic and perfectly slot in as a handler whenever they get the disc (which is quite often). They have unreal synergy too, and are both impossible matchups on either side of the disc.
Finally, Anna Benishek (15) is a veteran cutter who understands space like no other. If you look to Anna early and often, you can guarantee a score. A true athlete with a soccer background, and a penchant for coming down with every 50/50 ball.
For non-solmates, Anna Lane aka Wiz (44) from Saucy Nancy is insane. They struggled with injuries this year, but their presence on the field is absolutely transformative for their team. Has an insane motor and is near impossible to stay in front of, while having insane throws and also being a crazy defender.