Volleyball: Gillett’s Wickman makes M&O first team

GILLETT — Every high school athlete hopes that their senior season is their best year of competition. Gillett’s Grace Wickman was able to achieve that feat while competing for the Gillett High School volleyball team this fall.

Wickman was named to the Marinette & Oconto Conference first team all-conference following a strong senior season on the court.

During conference play, Wickman accumulated 73 attack kills, 25 blocks, 24 digs and 20 aces.

“It (the all-conference honor) means a lot to me because I try to be the best version of me on and off the court. I value everyone as in teammates, friends and coaches,” said Wickman.

“When I found out I got first team all-conference honors, I was happy as can be. I found out that it wasn’t just about stats but also my personality, how I treat others and my grades, which made me smile even more. I’m so happy that my coaches thought of me as their first pick to nominate.”

Gillett had two other players land on all-conference teams, with juniors Emily Umentum and Karissa Schaal each being named honorable mentions.

Umentum finished the conference portion of the season with 134 assists, 84 digs, 43 aces and 37 kills.

Schaal totaled 87 digs, 83 attack kills and 13 aces.

Gillett earned a No. 3 seed in Division 4 for postseason play. The Tigers earned a win before being eliminated in a five-set thriller by second-seeded Bowler.

Suring

Suring had two players named to an all-conference team. Senior Stephanie Huth made the second team, while junior Kelsey Smith was an honorable mention.

Huth, who made the honorable mention list in 2018, had some of her most productive matches in conference play.

She posted 13 kills against St. Thomas Aquinas Academy and nine kills against Coleman. Huth had eight kills against Gillett and Oneida Nation.

Huth also was a strong server for her team, finishing with five aces against STAA and four against Wausaukee.

The senior also posted 97 digs and was the team’s captain.

“As a senior, it means the world to me to receive second team all-conference,” said Huth. “I’ve always had a strong mindset to be the best I can be for my team and to reach my goals. So finding out I received second team was very exciting, considering it’s my final year playing volleyball.”

Smith played a big role for the Eagles this fall, contributing in multiple areas.

Along with being a strong server, she was a reliable defender, finishing with 114 digs.

As an attacker, Smith’s best match came against STAA, when she had 15 kills. She finished with nine kills against Oneida Nation, eight vs. Coleman, seven against Gillett and six vs. Crivitz.

Suring was a No. 5 seed in Division 4 for postseason play, upsetting fourth-seeded STAA before being eliminated by No. 1 seed Gresham.

Lena

Lena also had a pair of players land on all-conference teams.

Juniors Morgan Cruz and Leah Dean were both honorable mentions.

Lena was a No. 6 seed for the postseason. The Wildcats lost their opening game to Gillett.

Coron honored again

Oconto Falls senior Samantha Coron was named to the Division 2 honorable mention Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Team.

Coron, who finished the season with 237 digs, 713 assists, 31 blocks, 49 serving aces and 83 attack kills, also landed on the North Eastern Conference’s second team.

“Being recognized by the whole state for something I love and enjoy doing feels amazing. Usually it’s the players that get the final kill and final point that are most recognized,” said Coron. “It makes me really appreciate those that mentioned my name and noticed the dedication that I put into volleyball, even though I’m not usually the one to get the final point and glory (being a setter).

“Also, the fact that I was recognized even though our team didn’t make it very far in regionals is super humbling. There was approximately 50 players that were recognized in the entire state for Division 2, and I am honored to receive the all-state honorable mention recognition. Especially being a senior and it being my last year playing high school volleyball ever, I consider this a major achievement in my entire volleyball career.”

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