MONTICELLO — The Ponies made school history in 2021, reaching the WIAA Division 4 state tournament for the first time. Monticello finished the season 24-2 overall, losing to Waubeno-Laona in the state semifinal. The Ponies were also unbeaten in the Six Rivers East at 12-0.
Three solid seniors graduate: Hannah Clark, Katelyn Eyler and Sarah Brokopp. Clark, now playing for Edgewood College, was a first-team all-conference hitter, while Eyler was honorable mention in the middle. Brokopp played the back row.
Returning for the Ponies include star senior Ellie Gustafson, who has been all-conference in each of her first three seasons, and twice received all-state honors — including a first-team all-state ranking last year. She was the team leader in kills, but is also an excellent server and passer — basically, a threat from anywhere on the court. She’s committed to play at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., next season — a Division I school.
Also back is senior Macey Grant, a two-time all-conference pick, and sophomore sister Kelsey Grant, who was second-team all-conference as a setter a year ago.
“Macey is very versatile and can play almost any position on the court. She knows the game well and is a very smart player,” said Rebecca Gustafson, now in her fifth year as Monticello head coach. “Kelsey is a very versatile player who can also hit. We are hoping to get her some swings this year, too. She’s a smart player that sees the floor well, and she’s the most vocal girl on the court.”
Jaden Zuber is a junior hitter that is quick, athletic and has a very aggressive serve. Players that will see more time on the court this year include Karlee Wilkins and Dalana Trumpy.
Trumpy, a sophomore, missed most of last season with an injury. “We are hoping to see her have a breakout year,” coach Gustafson said. “Karlee could also be another girls that steps into that position — she has gained some confidence over the summer.”
The coaching staff said that with the versatility of the lineup, they are unsure of the roles leading forward. Macey Grant or Zuber could be slotted as a defensive specialist, or as a hitter up at the net. Kelsey Grant ran the offense as setter as a freshman, but could move into a hitting role if Johnson is up to par.
“You just never know how it’s going to all come together,” Rebecca Gustafson said. “Our goal is to stay healthy, have fun, get better one practice at a time, and play smart, aggressive volleyball. When it all comes together, we hope to be battling at the top.”
Gustafson said she is blessed with a roster with a rare set of skills, volleyball IQ, determination and chemistry, and she hopes that means good fortunes as the season progresses.
“We have girls that love to play volleyball and spend many hours outside the season improving. This equates to players who have a high volleyball IQ and solid skills. We have girls that can pass, set, and find ways to score. This is a group of kids who want to be pushed and are working really hard to reach their goals,” she said. “Another plus is that they are a really positive and fun group to be around.”
Despite winning all 12 conference matches last season, Gustafson said that the other six other teams keep her up at night.
“There is a lot of talent in the conference and some very athletic girls turning. Every team makes me lose some sleep because there is talent in every gym,” she said. “I think Pecatonica and Barneveld have programs on the rise.”
