Volleyball: Willmar Cardinals are serious CLC contenders
Aug. 28—WILLMAR — Excuse Leah Brogdon for being especially optimistic about the 2026 volleyball season. The Wilmar head coach has perhaps her most-talented and experienced squad in her six seasons as head coach. The Cardinals are led by Michigan State recruit Ellery DeBoer along with Nora Mitteness, Maddison Molacek and Isley Ripperger. Add in sophomore middle hitter Malea Hansen and ...
August 28 - The Willmar Cardinals are primed to make a strong statement in the 2026 volleyball season, according to head coach Leah Brogdon. The team boasts a talented and experienced roster, with several key players returning from the previous season.
Brogdon highlights the contributions of Michigan State recruit Ellery DeBoer, along with Nora Mitteness, Maddison Molacek, and Isley Ripperger. The four senior captains are expected to lead the squad with determination and skill. DeBoer, a 5-foot-11 senior setter, has made the coaches association Class AAA All-State team and served as a four-time West Central Tribune All-Area team member, as well as the Minnesota Star Tribune's All-Minnesota girls volleyball team junior.
Mitteness, a 6-0 senior middle-hitter, earned all-conference honors in 2025, while Molacek, a 5-9 senior right-side hitter, was a state discus champ in June. Ripperger, a 5-5 senior defensive specialist, along with sophomore middle hitter Malea Hansen and ninth-grader Jordan Blahosky, round out the team.
Brogdon emphasizes that the team will be a solid back row and strong front row squad. In addition to the returning players, Sydney Zuidema, Brooklyn Schnichels, and Harper Wilson are expected to contribute significantly. Zuidema, a 5-9 freshman outside hitter, and Schnichels, an eighth-grader outside hitter, are noteworthy additions. Brooklyn, a super competitor and smart hitter, is expected to bring energy and growth to the team.
The Cardinals aim to secure a CLC championship title, a feat they have accomplished 11 times since 1984, with the last victory in 2022.
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