Willmar Cardinals

Willmar’s Sydney Schnichels (2) goes up to take a swing at the ball during the first set of a Central Lakes Conference match against Fergus Falls on Monday, Nov. 22, 2020 at the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School. Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Cards have high expectations

Willmar, ranked third in the state in Class AAA, is led by new coach Leah Ruter, a ‘15 grad

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — After winning the Central Lakes Conference for the third time in four years, the Willmar Cardinals will look to keep up their recent success under new head coach Leah Ruter.

Ruter, a 2015 Willmar High School graduate, takes over for Traci Grussing. Grussing coached the Cardinals from 2012-20 and was Ruter’s highschool coach when she was an All-CLC selection in 2014.

“All of the girls have worked really hard this week and are having fun,” Ruter said at the end of the team’s first week of practice. “I am excited to be coaching at my alma mater and excited for the future of the program.”

In her first season, Ruter will try to replace five key players from last season’s 13-1 team (12-0 CLC): Abby Stark, Bailey Olson, Madelyn Gregory, Sophie Kobienia and Callie Slagter. Stark, a libero, was a Class AAA All-State selection, an All-CLC selection and an All-Area first teamer. Olson was also picked All-CLC and was an All-Area honorable mention.

With three starters back from 2020, the Cardinals will have some high-end firepower.

Willmar junior middle hitter Mackenzie Knofczynski tips a free ball over the net during Tuesday's Central Lakes Conference match against Alexandria from Willmar High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Moving the ball around on offense will be 5-foot-7 senior setter Lydia Larson. An All-CLC and first team All- Area pick, Larson finished with 478 set assists, which led the state according to the MN Volleyball Hub. She also had 108 digs and 19 ace serves. Following her high-school career, Larson will play collegiately at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. She will be the third straight Division I setter from Willmar, joining Carly Wedel (South Dakota State) and Esther Grussing (Ball State).

Another All-CLC and All-Area pick will be back at outside hitter in 6-4 junior Sydney Schnichels. Sporting a .322 hitting percentage, Schnichels finished 2020 with 156 kills. During the offseason, Schnichels was invited to play in the U17 USA Volleyball National Team Development Program in Anaheim, California.

At middle hitter, 6-foot senior Mackenzie Knofczynski is another returning starter. A captain along with Larson, Knofczynski recorded 68 kills with a .318 hitting percentage last season.

Senior Marissa Rosen will also return to the rotation at outside hitter. On the right side, senior Bella Mulder will try to give the Cardinals another weapon after having to sit out last year due to transfer rules.

Willmar junior setter Lydia Larson sets up a teammate during a Central Lakes Conference match against Sartell on Oct. 12, 2020 from Willmar High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Expectations will be high for this year’s Willmar squad. They come into the season ranked third in Class AAA in the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association’s preseason poll released on July 28.

Willmar will open this season against one of the state’s top programs with a Aug. 26 road matchup against Marshall. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the preseason poll.

With Minnesota moving volleyball from three classes to four, it will also give the Cardinals a chance to see a top contender in the new-look Section 2AAA. Along with Willmar and Marshall, other teams in 2AAA include: Hutchinson; Mankato East; Mankato West; New Ulm; St. Peter; and Worthington.