November 23, 2024
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50 for 50: A look at the top volleyball players in the 50-year history of Princeton High School

By Kevin Hieronymus
Princeton all-stater Nicole Coates, a member of the 1990 state champion team, went to play for the University of Notre Dame. She is considered the best player in school history.

Princeton all-stater Nicole Coates, a member of the 1990 state champion team, went to play for the University of Notre Dame. She is considered the best player in school history. (Photo provided by Notre Dame)

Editor’s note: As Princeton High School volleyball turns 50, BCR Sports Editor Kevin Hieronymus looks at his top 50 players in program history. The top 10 are ranked 1-10 with the remaining players listed alphabetically. Criteria for selection includes all-BCR (which started in 1992), all-conference (which started in 1979) and all-state recognition as well as longevity in the program.

* BCR Player of Year (did not start until 1992)

1) Nicole Coates (1987-90) - Unanimous NCIC, all-state member of 1990 state champs, all-time kills leader, member of Notre Dame’s 1993 Elite 8 and 1994 Sweet 16 teams

2) Angie Noble (1985-86) - Unanimous NCIC, member of 1986 regional champs, played at Illinois State

3) Lisa Larkin (1982-84) - 3X 1st team NCIC, member of 1982 NCIC champs, played at College of Education

4) Angela Baumgartner (2004-05) - 1st team NCIC, played at Augustana

5) *Leah Shaw (2006-08) - 1st team NCIC, BCR Player of Year, two years at ICC (NJCAA National champs) and two at Bowling Green State

6) *Tiah Romagnoli (1997-98) - 1st team NCIC, BCR Player of Year, played at Indiana Wesleyan

7) *Megan Laine (1992-94) - 2X 1st team NCIC, BCR Player of Year, setter for 1994 state team

8) Rachael Longman (1988-90) - 1st team NCIC, member of 1990 state champs, played at Culver Stockton

9) *Amanda Prostko (2005-07) - 1st team NCIC setter, BCR Player of Year

10) Karen Flaherty (1988-90) - Middle hitter for 1990 state champs, played at US Naval Academy

11-50 (alphabetically)

Kendra Anderson (2000-01)

*Katie Bates (2018-2021)

Brenda Blohm (1982-85)

Mary Bouxsein (1978-81)

Chris Bruyn (1981-82)

Shelly Carver (1981-82)

Michaela Dolk (1979-80)

Emily Ellberg (2001-02)

Janda Forristall (1992-94)

Tina Forth (1988-90)

Heidi Foss (1996-97)

*Olivia Gartin (2021-22)

Josie Gustafson (2005-06)

*McKenzie Hecht (2018-21)

Dee Ann Heuer (1979-81)

Sarah Hornbaker (1996-97)

Caryn Howard (1995-97)

Brooke Jensen (2005-06)

Jacquie Kane (2007-09)

*Jolyn Kane (2008-10)

*Michelle Kelly (2010, 12-13)

Jana Larkin (1985-86)

*Jessica Martell (2010-11)

Susan Mead (1986-87)

Anna Murray (2014-17)

Polly Nichols (1978-79)

Bobbie Noble (1978-79)

Courtney Oeder (2015-16)

Abby Peterson (2019-21)

Corinne Peterson (2016-18)

Betsy Russell (2002-03)

Kelly Schaill (1997-98)

*Hailey Schultz (2013-15)

Jennifer Segerstrom (1990-92)

Molly Stephens (2007-09)

Alyssa Thompson (2010-11)

Meaghan Tracy (1995-97)

Sylvie Tracy (2006-09)

Heather Walker (1975-77)

Megan Wheelock (1995-96)

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