2021 Herald-News Volleyball Player of the Year: Plainfield North’s Ella Wrobel

Plainfield North’s Ella Wrobel is a triplet.

But there’s no concern that this volleyball standout wouldn’t be able to separate herself from her siblings, brothers Bryce and Grant.

Wrobel’s intense effort coupled with significant talent has made her one of the best volleyball players not only in the state, but in the nation. The Wisconsin-bound outside hitter was invited to participate in tryouts for the Team USA 2021 Indoor Girls U-18 National Training Team, proving she is more than just a local talent.

Wrobel ultimately was selected as an alternate for that team, which helped inspire her play to reach another level for Plainfield North this season, setting single-season and career records in kills. For all her accomplishments, Wrobel was selected as the Herald-News Volleyball Player of the Year.

Wrobel answered a few questions from sports editor Steve Soucie about some of the things that fuel this driven standout athlete.

Why did you choose Wisconsin?

Wrobel: “At first, I told Coach Kelly (Wisconsin coach Kelly Sheffield) that I’m a super indecisive person. That I was going to have to wait because I wanted to check out other schools. But for whatever reason, Wisconsin has always held a place in my heart, and then I went to visit and I kind of fell in love with it. The program is amazing, and everything kind of fell into place.”

Why was volleyball the sport you chose to participate in?

Wrobel: “I started because my Dad (Garrett) and my Aunt (Jenna) both play. I used to swim, but I didn’t like swimming because it wasn’t like a team sport. I liked the aspect of volleyball that you get to work with other people.”

What did you learn from your national training team experience?

Wrobel: “It was a great experience. It was with the top people in the country that I got to play with and meet. Everyone there was super competitive, and I fit in with that competitive aspect. I would say that I need to focus more on the little things, like technique wise, that end up adding up.”

Do you ever take a break from volleyball?

Wrobel: “We had a two week break after the season, before practice for club started. And that runs until June, and then I leave for Wisconsin in mid-June. So, no. Not really.”

Most memorable moment of your high school career?

Wrobel: “Winning regionals this year. Not that we were the underdogs, but we had a pretty young team, so I don’t think most people expected us to go as far as we did. But I know every day in practice everyone came in and put forth max effort. We were all on the same page, and we wanted the the same thing, and we did it.”

If you couldn’t play volleyball, what sport would you play?

“I feel like I might have stuck with swimming. I was pretty good. I could take those long strides.”

What sport do you not excel in?

Wrobel: “It’s probably basketball. People ask me all the time because I’m tall, do you play basketball? But no, can’t do that.”

How does the competition go with your brothers?

Wrobel: “It’s always competitive. It’s always like who is better at everything, and no one can let me win. But I win a lot.”

What do you take the most satisfaction from in beating them?

Wrobel: “Pretty much anything, but we kind of have weird competitions, like who is the best driver.”

How do you decide who wins that competition?

Wrobel: “I guess, basically, whoever doesn’t get into an accident. Or our parents drive with us, and they can be the judge of that. I personally think I’m the best.”