Two years ago, Grand Forks Red River track and field coaches talked Megan Storstad into a sport she had never tried.
They convinced Storstad to come out and throw the javelin. Well, two North Dakota state track meets later, Storstad is a state-champion javelin thrower.
It's that natural athleticism that makes the senior outside hitter one of the best volleyball players in the state.
"Megan's got solid skills all the way around," Red River coach Carolyn Olson said. "She's an all-around athlete. We could have her set if we need to. She passes well and plays great defense. She could really play a variety of positions, but we're going to use her on the outside."
As an all-East Region player last season, Storstad piled up 234 kills, 56 aces and 312 digs.
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It was Storstad's second straight season of more than 100 kills and 300 digs.
"She's 5-8 or 5-9, so she's not exceptionally tall, but she's put time in the weight room," Olson said. "She's done her work outside the court. She's really developed as an athlete."
With the loss of Casey Morton (201 kills) and Sarah Smith (210 kills) to graduation, Storstad is easily Red River's top returning offensive attacker and will be counted on to be a team leader.
"I think I can help the younger players on the team get used to the level of play and have a good time," Storstad said.
Olson agrees.
"I think Megan brings a calmness to the court," Olson said. "She provides leadership skills just being out there. She's comfortable doing a variety of things. You have that player who's been around a number of years and she won't be rattled by situations that could develop."
With the help of setter Rachel Black and middle hitter Holly Asche, Storstad and the Riders hope to contend for East Region and state titles.
"West Fargo and Fargo South will be good, as usual," Storstad said. "I think we're right up there. We should be very strong in the East Region. We just need to take it one game at a time."
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Storstad and Olson also have been impressed with Red River's newcomers.
"So far, they've been very good," Storstad said. "I'm excited to see what they can bring to the team."
The key, Olson said, will be how the veterans and newcomers mesh.
"We've looked very good so far," Olson said. "We have the potential to be one of the top teams."
Miller reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1121; (800) 477-6572, ext. 121; or send e-mail to tmiller@gfherald.com .
AT A GLANCE
Red River Coach: Carolyn Olson.
2007 finish: 23-12, seventh place at state.
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Key returners: Sr. OH Megan Storstad (234 kills, 56 aces, 312 digs, all-conference); sr. MH Holly Asche (120 kills, 70 digs); sr. S Rachel Black (408 assists, 33 aces, 124 digs).
Top newcomers: Jr. RS Emily Evers; jr. OH Jordyn Steffen; soph. MH Emily Asche; sr. RS Brooke Larson.
Coach Olson says: "We have a solid core group coming back from last year. They put a lot of time in during the offseason. They're looking good for it being so early in the year. We have some experience, but we also have some newcomers who can do some exciting things on the floor."
Central Coach: Andrea Charlebois.
2007 finish: 7-25, lost to Fargo North in East Region play-in match.
Key returners: Sr. OH Lacey Peterson (205 kills, 385 digs); sr. OH Jozy Hansen (158 kills, 277 digs); sr. S Jessica Lembke (526 assists, 38 aces, 230 digs); sr. MH Megan Hammer (103 kills, 47 aces).
Top newcomers: Sr. MH Megan Sween; sr. RS Leah Tunseth.
Coach Charlebois says: "We're going to have a lot of experience out on the court with six seniors who have had a lot of varsity playing time. The girls are working hard and doing a great job in practice. Overall, our strength is probably going to be aggressive serving along with a strong outside attack. We have a lot of hitting options that we think we could get production out of."
