REGIONAL- North Country high school volleyball is on the radar of the state’s coaches. That was apparent this week with the announcement that two of the area’s finest players have been named to the 22-member Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Class A All-State team.
Ely senior middle hitter Lilli Rechichi and North Woods junior outside hitter Lauren Burnett were both tabbed for inclusion on the honorary squad, an honor not bestowed on a player from the region since former Northeast Range standout Hannah Reichensperger was named in 2021.
The award differs markedly from all-state honors given by the Minnesota State High School League for achievements in MSHSL-sponsored state tournaments. Selection to the MVCA all-state team is based on an athlete’s performance across the entire regular season, with benchmarks in various statistical categories that have to be met in order to be eligible for consideration. MVCA selection committee members track potential nominees throughout the season through communication with coaches and attending matches. All head coaches are then asked to rank or grade the nominated players from their section.
Statistics, live observations, section coach feedback, and a strength-of-schedule assessment that places greater value on a player’s performance against strong competition are all considered in a selection committee meeting that typically lasts up to three hours for members to select the all-state teams.
Ely Head Coach Megan Wognum lauded Rechichi’s selection.
“Lilli is completely deserving of this high honor,” Wognum said. “She has worked hard her entire volleyball career and put so much time into learning the sport outside of the season. She is always willing to put the extra time in and it has clearly paid off. Lilli is a great mentor for other players and always motivates others to try their best. She’s willing to try new things to push herself to be better than she was the day before.
Wognum shared statistical evidence of how dominant Rechichi has been for the Wolves this season.
“As of right now, Lilli has 282 kills, 56 aces, 49 blocks, and 195 digs,” Wognum said. “She has offered so much to our team defensively this year as well as offensively with her amazing work as a middle hitter. I am very proud of Lilli’s dedication and commitment to volleyball and her team.”
Grizzlies Head Coach Kaileen Redmond was equally effusive about Burnett’s selection.
“We are thrilled to be honoring this great achievement,” Redmond said. “Lauren’s passion and dedication to the sport has grown immensely in the time I’ve had with her and making the all-state team is a true testament to her hard work. Lauren’s achievement is a first for the North Woods Grizzlies volleyball program. We couldn’t be more proud of her and happy to continue to grow with her as a team.”
As a junior, Burnett’s huge contributions to the Grizzlies’ 19-6 season were even more impressive, Redmond said.
“Lauren played 78 sets this season with over 350 kills, 200+ digs, and more than 65 ace serves,” she said.
Rechichi and Burnett will be officially honored when the MVCA all-state teams are formally recognized at the association’s state tournament banquet next Tuesday, Nov. 5 in St. Paul.