Reader M.C. notes that prospective junior setter (for Wayzata) Stella Swenson, the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year, one of the top national recruits in the class of 2024, and the sister of Samantha Selliger-Swenson, has announced her verbal commitment to play for the Gophers. I reported last fall that Stella was, though only a sophomore at the time, was the obvious stand-out performer at the 2021 State H.S. Tournament.
Related thoughts: * There is no reference to the above on the Official Gopher website — because it is a verbal commitment. (I don’t think Stella can legally sign a written commitment until the conclusion of her junior year, i.e., next November.) * Stella has a twin sister (I am not remembering her name) who was a very good 6′-3” left-side hitter for the State Champion Trojans. I am curious if she will also become a Gopher. * Under normal circumstances, current Gopher Setter Melanie Shaffmaster would have 2 years of eligibility remaining, i.e., 2022 & 2023, creating an opportunity for Stella to “walk-in” to the starting role as a freshman — as Samantha did. BUT, due to COVID, Shaffmaster actually has 3 years of eligibility remaining, and could easily still be setting for the Gophs in 2024. I will be interested to see how that plays out.