Breakdown Q and A
The Breakdown talks with Wayzata's Julia Doyle and Chisago Lakes' Sydney Powell
Each week through the summer, we'll catch up with two of the state's elite volleyball players with a short Q and A segment. We start this first week with Wayzata's supreme setter Julia Doyle and young phenom Sydney Powell of Chisago Lakes.
Wayzata's Julia Doyle (Photo by Dave Hill)
Julia Doyle
Sr. S, Wayzata
Doyle is one of the top setters in the state, a 6-foot-2 senior with across-the-board outstanding skills. Colleges have undoubtedly been knocking down her door. In each of the last two years, she's anchored the Trojans' run to the Class AAA finals. Last fall, she earned All-Lake and All-State honors while compiling 188 kills, 78 blocks, 847 set assists, 193 digs and 46 service aces. Played for the MN Select 17-1 program in the off-season. "Great length, volleyball IQ and command of the ball as a setter." -- Wayzata coach Scott Jackson
Q: Give me a short scouting report on yourself as a player. What are your strengths?
A: I am very passionate about volleyball. I have soft hands.
Q: Can you tell us one unusual thing about yourself that others may not know?
A: I love volleyball and I always smile on the court.
Q: What's the best part of playing high school volleyball and why?
A: Being able to set Toni Okuyemi for four years! Because she is the best middle to play with.
Q: Tell me about the outlook for your team this year. Why will you have a successful season?
A: We all have a great time together. We have great chemistry.
Q: What are the strengths of your team?
A: Passing, serving and Toni.
Chisago Lakes' Sydney Powell (Photo by Dave Hill)
Sydney Powell
So. OH, Chisago Lakes
Powell posted one of the best freshman seasons in the area last fall, starting all 28 matches as an outside hitter. She compiled 133 kills, 27 aces, 78 digs and 17 blocks. "She is an athletic young player with great leaping ability and raw talent. She is playing elite club volleyball for the first time and should come back for her sophomore year as an even stronger player who will most likely lead our team in kills." -- Chisago Lakes coach Drew Rongere
Q: Give me a short scouting report on yourself as a player. What are your strengths?
A: Hard hitter, high vertical, big arm swing, strategic ball placement, big approach, excellent communicator and great team leader (team captain).
Q: Can you tell us one unusual thing about yourself that others may not know?
A: Basketball used to be my No. 1 sport.
Q: What's the best part of playing high school volleyball and why?
A: The higher level of intensity, more competition, playing with people of similar skill level and traveling to distant schools.
Q: Tell me about the outlook for your team this year. Why will you have a successful season?
A: There will be an unusually large number of sophomores on the varsity team who have played and will play together for a lot of years, creating a great team bond and player chemistry.
Q: What are the strengths of your team?
A: "Young blood." We are together for a lot of years (to come yet, too). The setter-hitter relationship, a lot of hustle and everyone gets along really well as a team.