Month: June 2024

Reader D.S. reports running into Coach Keagan Cook at a park (D.S. with his grandkids, Cook with his kids), and striking up a conversation. D.S. shared that he was a fan and quizzed Cook, who he found friendly and appreciative of D.S.’s interest about the Gophers.

D.S. did not ask (or get an answer to) the most pressing question (in my mind), how are you going to use Melanie Shaffmaster AND Stella Swenson in the upcoming season? Will Cook stay with his 5-1? If so, who plays and who sits? Does Cook expect them to “battle it out?” Is there another position that one of them can play? Or will Cook play both using a 6-2? Or my idea (remember, you heard it here first) – the ‘24 Gophs will play the extremely rare 5-2!

Here’s what D.S. did hear:

• The Gophers had a great experience on their recent European Tour. They lost every match, versus “professional” teams, but played well. Cook was encouraged.
• Recruiting is easier in Minnesota than it was in Washington because the in-state talent is so good. And because of this, the future is bright.

( Unfortunately, still not a Middle.)

Minnesota volleyball just announced the addition of 6-2 redshirt freshman (4 yrs of eligibility left), Leftside Hitter Alex Acevedo from the portal, transferring from Oregon. In high school, Acevedo led Skyview three consecutive Idaho 4A state Championships, and was named Idaho State Player of the Year, and was rated, by PrepVolleyball, the  #13 recruit nationally. 

I haven’t seen Acevedo play, and I am not familiar with the quality of HS Volleyball in Idaho, but Harmon Killebrew was from Idaho, and he was pretty good. Judging solely from her resume, I’m guessing that Acevedo will start the coming season as our #3 Leftside, behind Hanson, in front of Olivia Swenson. BUT, if it turns out that she is a Wenaas-quality receiver, and can hit a little, she might work her way into the starting rotation by mid season.

WE STILL NEED A MIDDLE!