In 2022, Sydney Schnichels, a 6-foot-4 Opposite from Wilmar was First Team All-American, Ms Minnesota Volleyball, the No. 1 overall recruit in Minnesota, was ranked # 20 overall nationally, in the 2023 class, and I was excited about her future as a Gopher. She didn’t play much these past two seasons, but she was stuck behind Lydia Grote, and I remained optimistic that Schnichels would excel during her 3rd season in Maroon & Gold – much as Julie Hanson, the 2021 Ms Minnesota Volleyball did last year.
But there was no sign of Schnichels impending stardom this during the recent Spring Exhibition Season, and I had speculated that Schnichels would actually end up our third-string Opposite, behind Crowl and incoming freshman Carl Gilk. Apparently, Schnichels read the tea-leaves the same way I did, because last Tuesday’s Strib reported that Schnichels had “Entered The Portal.” I wish Schnichels luck, wherever she ends up, but it does not appear that she will ever fulfill the dreams I had for her.
STELLA NEWS
Another former Ms. Minnesota Volleyball player who I have promised you’ll love is Gopher Setter Stella Swenson. Stella was recently selected for this summer’s U21 Pan American Team. The team will practice at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, in preparation for the Pan American Games in Costa Rica. Stella was one of two Setters selected for this team, but Reader R.A. assures me that Stella will be the starter.
MAUREEN AT IT AGAIN
I previously shared a photo (below) of Maureen and 4 Gophers from last summer’s State Fair. Recently, Maureen spotted Leftside Alex Acevedo at the MSP Airport and demanded a pic (also below) with her. (Remember, Maureen is 5ft 8) Acevedo was on her way to visit her parents as we were on our way to Portugal. If I had been thinking faster, I would have inquired if Acevedo is a Portuguese name; if you don’t speak Portuguese, as I certainly don’t, it sounds a lot like the Portuguese word for “Thank you.”
