News Tribune prep volleyball Players of the Year

Year Player School

2006 Amber Ryan Esko

2005 Emma Jaynes Hibbing

2004 Shawna Varichak Hibbing

2003 Melissa Erickson Virginia

2002 Natalie Rickert Duluth East

2001 Julie Lenci Virginia

2000 Aubrey Meierotto Washburn

1999 Crystal Nucech Hibbing

1998 Amanda Murphy Two Harbors

1997 Sarah Herrett Hibbing

1996 Gina Zakariasen Grand Rapids

1995 Michelle Bennett Hermantown

1994 Anna Townsend Esko

1993 Chrystal Olson Cook

attend the Division II university in out-of-the-way Maryville, Mo., after leading the Eskomos to a 25-5 record and a runner-up finish in Section 5AA. She visited the campus earlier this fall and, after some initial hesitation about the distance from home, fell in love with it.

"At first, I thought it was too far away; but it felt right," said Ryan, who also considered Minnesota State-Moorhead and St. Cloud State. "[Tool] said, 'I understand if you feel too far away from home, but I think you will like it.'"

The Bearcats, who play in the Mid-America Athletic Association, were 14-19 this season but defeated two top-25 teams and forced then-No. 1 Truman State to five games.

Minnesota Duluth, which reached the NCAA Division II semifinals and is ranked No. 2 in the country, was another option. But the Bulldogs are stocked up front and already have another Esko player - setter Eleena Iisakka - signed for next season.

"I told her to go to UMD, but they have a lot of middles and she probably wouldn't get to play a lot," said Iisakka, who was responsible for most of Ryan's kills. "I'll miss playing with her a lot."

Her current coach, Christy Lind, has no doubt that Ryan will make an impact at the next level.

"Once she gets used to the speed of the college game, she'll adjust and that's when she'll start to shine," Lind said.

She definitely shone for the Eskomos, averaging 4.8 kills and 1.1 blocks per game this season. She bettered her game at key moments, such as when Esko met rival Carlton three times during the season. The Eskomos handed the Bulldogs their two defeats this season, including in a section semifinal.

"She can do it all. She serves well, passes well, plays good defense," Lind said. "I wish I could have six Amber Ryans on the court."

Northwest Missouri State will have to settle for one.

RICK WEEGMAN covers prep volleyball for the News Tribune. He can be reached at (218) 723-5302, (800) 456-8181 or e-mailed at rweegman@duluthnews.com