 Katherine Carlson |
 Emma Kowalkowski |
 Ashley Knutson |
 Bella Bucchi |
The Michigan Interscholastic Volleyball Coaches Association recently recognized four Notre Dame Prep players for their efforts this past season. This marks the second straight year that the Irish had four players recognized in a single season for their efforts. Three of the four players are seniors and collectively led the Irish to more career wins (208) than any other class in Notre Dame history. The group certainly has left their mark in the record books with four district, three regional and two final-four appearances to go with their 2013 state title.
Miss Volleyball, Katherine Carlson (senior outside hitter), who had her second straight 1000+ kill season, picked up her third straight first-team honor. "No other player in Notre Dame history, in any team sport, has had three first-team honors in one sport," head coach Betty Wroubel said. Carlson led the nation in both hitting percentage and kill attacks (MaxPreps) and has earned All American honors for the past three years. She was also fourth in the state for aces, a true all-around player. She will take her talents to Valparaiso next fall.
Junior libero Emma Kowalkowski also picked up first-team honors. Kowalkowski made the leap from third-team honors in 2013 to be one of the top defenders in the state this year. She ranks among Michigan’s top players (in all classes) in both aces and digs. She already has been receiving D1 offers, according to Wroubel.
Senior setter/hitter Ashley Knutson, another six-rotation player for the Irish, was a second-team selection this year after earning honorable mention recognition last season. Wroubel said Knutson’s understanding of the game along with her leadership and versatility on the court were major factors in the team’s success this season.
Senior defensive specialist Isabella Bucchi earned honorable-mention honors for her performance this season. Bucchi had a terrific senior year, leading the Irish and the state in aces. "Moving her to the first server position in the rotation was critical for Notre Dame’s success for the second half of the season," Wroubel said.
Photos by Kim Bucchi Photography
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.