The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. This month’s winner was Shaun De Vries! He is a Junior currently pursuing a Civil Engineering degree and expects to graduate in 2027. Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.
Q: How has your opinion on dodgeball changed since you started playing?
A: I didn’t think it was as serious of a sport until I started playing. There is a lot more involved than just throwing and catching dodgeballs.
Q: What role on the court do you hope to play in the future?
A: I would like to take up more of a leadership role with pulling people together and keeping the team moving effectively while still having a good time and doing good myself.
Q: What was your favorite moment of the season so far?
A: My favorite moment was probably practicing dressed up as Deadpool.
Q: What is something you hope to improve on next semester?
A: I would like to improve on my overall court awareness and playing capabilities. Focusing more on faster throws and more consistent game-time catching.
Congratulations again to Shaun for being recognized for this award!
The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. November’s winner is Dylan Fabry! Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.
Q: How does it feel to be recognized by your team for this award?
A: It feels pretty good being recognized for baller of the month and I definitely think I earned it at WMU by stepping up and being a leader.
Q: How do you think this season has been going so far?
A: So far this season feels a little slow as we haven’t been playing many games out of our region but over all things are starting to look pretty great.
Q: What are you hoping to see next semester?
A: For next semester I’m hoping that we as a team don’t forget too much and can hit the ground running once we are back.
Q: What advice do you have for the rookies going into second semester?
A: Keep up the hard work rookies and don’t be afraid to ask us vets for any advice/ ways to improve.
UW-Platteville traveled to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan to compete in the Dr. Peter Broe Classic IV on November 23rd. Seven teams competed in Dr. Peter Broe Classic; University of Akron (Akron), Cleveland State University (CSU), Central Michigan University (CMU), Western Michigan State University (WMU), Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Michigan State University (MSU), and University of Wisconsin Platteville (UWP). The Pioneers would compete in three matches in this tournament.
MSU Vs UWP (11-0)
The first match of the day, the Pioneers faced Michigan State University. Ranked #4, MSU faced #23 UWP, The Pioneers knew this match was going to be very challenging. The first point started off with MSU getting ball control and leading them to win first point. MSU would continue to dominate and would end the first half with seven points. During the second half, the Pioneers only conceded four points. This was a great opportunity for the rookies to play and get a sense of how top teams like MSU played. Rookie #4 Jamie Damm ended this match with 14 throws and had 3 outs.
Photo Credit: Maisie Montemurno
GVSU vs UWP (6-1)
For the second match, UWP would face Grand Valley State University. GVSU ranks #5 overall. The first point would start with GVSU getting ball control and first out. GVSU would take the first point. The second point would last longer and would end with a 1v1 with GVSU #11 against UWP #47 Dalton Foreyt, this point would go back and forth and end in a balls over to GVSU. Dalton Foreyt would get the catch, winning the point for UWP. GVSU would then win the next five points.
Photo Credit: Maisie Montemurno
Akron vs UWP (6-2)
The Pioneers would play Akron in their last match of the tournament; Akron would be ranked #10. The match would start with Akron getting ball control, however both teams would take turns pressuring each other. In the end, Akron would secure the first point. Akron would continue working as a team and would end the first half up by four points. Off the start of second half, Akron would take their 5th point. However, UWP wouldn’t go down without a fight and would take the next two points. Akron would finish this match by taking the last point. #62 Dylan Fabry would end this match and have a total of 43 thrown outs on the day.
The following was written by Maisie Montemurno. UW-Platteville hosted the sixth Pioneer Classic tournament on November 8th. The Pioneers competed against the following teams; University of Wisconsin-Stout, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (UWEC), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), and some alumni. The Pioneers would go into this tournament with an A Team consisting of all veterans, and a B team consisting of nine rookies and being led by veteran #7 Alison Draxler and #47 Dalton Foreyt.
UWP A vs UNL (3-1)
The Pioneers had just competed against UNL one month ago and were ready to play once more. The first point started off with no one getting ball control, then #69 Ethan Schmeling got things started with the first out of the day! Both teams would continue battling back and forth. UWP would take second point, and UNL would then take the last two.
Photo Credit: Chloe Kaderabek
UWEC/Alumni vs UWP B (5-1)
This year, UW-Platteville recruited enough rookies to create a B-team going into the tournament. Being led by veteran #7 Alison Draxler and #47 Dalton Foreyt, this would be the B-team’s first tournament competing. The pioneers would face UW-Eau Claire and Alumni in their first match of the tournament. The point started slow, but UWP would get ball control soon after. However, UW-Eau Claire/alumni would find their footing and win the point. UW-Eau Claire/alumni would later go on to win four more points. UWP would win one point this match; the Pioneers would gain much valuable experience.
Photo Credit: Reagan Bucholtz
UIUC vs UWP A (3-2)
For the 2nd match of the day, the Pioneers faced the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The match would start with UIUC getting ball control. The Pioneers would continue to hold their ground but would fall to UIUC. The second point would start off strong for the Pioneers, who got game control early on. UWP would continue to shine and would lead them to winning the point. Going into the second half, both teams were hungry to win the next point. UIUC would prevail and win the next two points. #10 Jalen Sims and #18 Eric Sullivan ended this match with double digits outs.
Photo Credit: Chloe Kaderabek
Mixed/Alumni vs UWP A (3-2)
The Pioneers would play their final match of the day against the Alumni and UW-Eau Claire. The Alumni were a mixed team of well-experienced veterans. Six out of the 13 players were formerly on the UW-Platteville team. The A team came into this game with one goal in mind: winning this game. The first point would go back and forth, but it would be UWP who would take the first point. The Mixed/Alumni would come back and claim the second point. As halftime was approaching and both teams were tied, UWP would take the third point and taking the lead. As the second half started both teams kept the pressure on each other. However, the Mixed/Alumni team would take the next two points and to win the match.
Photo Credit: Reagan Bucholtz
UW-Stout vs UWP B (3-1)
UWP B-team in their second game faced UW-Stout. Being led by #47 Dalton Foreyt and #7 Alison Draxler, the team went in very confident as they just faced the Mixed/Alumni Team. They had excellent communication and teamwork and were able to win the first three points. However, UW-Stout was able to secure one point. This match consisted of very long points, and each side played more aggressively and pressured one another. Rookie #51 Shaun De Vries and Co-Captain #47 Dalton Foreyt ended this match leading the team with seven out apiece.
Photo Credit: Reagan Bucholtz
UWP A Women’s vs UIUC Women’s (4-1)
The UWP Women’s A Team consisted of four veterans; #20 Captain Hollie Wheeler, #14 Reagan Bucholtz, #15 Tori Sanborn, #7 Alison Draxler. UIUC Women’s team included #31 Tera Pabico, #28 Christina Nasios, #13 Jia Kim, and #95 Naila Kudla. UWP would play strong throughout the whole match, winning four points in a row. UIUC would be able to score one point towards the end. #20 Captain Hollie Wheeler would finish the match with a total of 10 outs and 47 throws.
Photo Credit: Daniel Breitenstein
UWP B Women’s vs Women’s Mixed (0-8)
UWP Women’s B teams consist of all rookies; #34 Chloe Kaderabek, #4 Jamie Damm #17 Anna Behnke, #13 Maisie Montemurno, and #77 Auria Mills. The Mixed teams would consist of UNL’s #45 Rachel Tysdal and #40 Abigail Nelson, #41 Aleah Lazure, and UWEC’s #7 Cleo Moen. The game was to get the rookies more experience playing in no-sting matches but also to learn how to work with one another. Each rookie took turns play-calling. This was a great opportunity for our rookies to grow.
Once again we traveled to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to compete at the Cornhusker Clash. We had a great time and already can’t wait for next year! This tournament taught us a lot about ourselves and our capabilities.
Rookies:
All of our rookies that came along to this tournament got more great experience with all aspects of the game. Throughout the tournament, they had great communication and quickly picked up the throwing rotation to keep everyone from getting worn out too fast. There were a lot of successful throws being made and good resets to help out the rest of the team. Many attempts for catches were made and although did not always go as planned, we are happy to see the rookies know that they are capable of great things.
Veterans:
Our vets played well throughout the day. For most of the points we worked together, communicated and got off lots of successful team throws getting us out after out. A few issues we had though, were throwing without blockers and throwing without reason or without being called to throw. We plan to learn from our mistakes and focus on them during practice!
Now let’s here from some of our players.
Co-Captain Ben Breidenbach: “Everyone played as individuals and not as a team, that’s why we lost. Last year we had time to get to know one another’s tendencies and play style, so we played much more synchronized. We have time to correct this as it is still early in the season.”
RookieChloe Kaderabek: “I think UNL was a great first experience. I liked that the rookies got a ton of play time, so I felt like I learned a lot. I also enjoyed the help I received from my teammates and other players as well.”
Rookie Logan VanCamp: “It was fun! It was very helpful to get the rookies a lot of minutes and really helped with our confidence going into the next tournament.”
Photo Credit: Maisie Montemurno
We had a great time at the Cornhusker Clash and can’t wait for next year!
The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. October’s winner is Logan VanCamp! He is a currently pursuing a degree in general engineering and expects to graduate in 2029. Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.
Q: How do you feel about winning this award?
A: Winning this award feels pretty good. We have quite a few solid rookies, so getting the nod over some of the other guys (and gals) means quite a bit. I think it will be fun competing with the other rookies for this award throughout the year and I think it will push all of us to become better players.
Q: What skill do you think you have improved on the most since joining the team?
A: I think what I’ve improved on the most since joining is just being comfortable out on the court. When I first joined, I was a little overwhelmed at times, but now I’m much more comfortable and confident during play.
Q: What are your thoughts on this season and tournaments so far?
A: So far dodgeball has been a lot of fun and has made the college experience much better overall. I’ve only gone to 1 tournament so far, but I am looking forward to going to more and seeing how much we can improve as a team, and how much I can improve as an individual player throughout the year.
Q:What are you looking forward to the most for our home tournament this weekend?
A: I’m really excited for Pioneer Sweets being at the home tournament because I love ice cream.
Congratulations again to Logan for being recognized and receiving this award!
The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. October’s winner is Ben Breidenbach! Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.
Q: What are your thoughts on winning this award? How does it feel to know your teammates recognized you for this award?
A: It is a great honor that my teammates recognized me as Baller of the Month. My teammates have been putting in the work and playing well, which has allowed me to excel in my own ways.
Q: In what ways have you seen the team change since the beginning of the year?
A: Since the beginning of the year, I have seen my team grow as both individuals and as a group. We have been playing well together, which has allowed us to home in on the issues that have arisen.
Q: What skill have you been focusing most on?
A: This season, I have been focusing on my court awareness and dodgeball IQ. I need to be able to see outcomes and plays to aid in play calling or controlling the court.
Q: What is a goal you hope to achieve by the end of the semester?
A: By the end of the semester, a goal I aim to achieve is placing my team in the top 20 standings and sending our winter graduates off with a few wins under their belt for the year.
Congrats to Ben, for winning this award! He always brings a positive attitude and has made a huge difference in our team’s dynamic.
The Baller of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. September’s winner is Ian Westrick! Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.
Q: What are your thoughts on winning this award?
A: It feels good to pick up where I left off last year. Trying to be the best I can on and off the court as a member of the team.
Q: How do you think our first tournament went?
A: I feel like it went pretty well. It was good to see the rookies playing as well as they were.
Q: What team skills does the team need more work on?
A: We need to work on our court communication a lot more. While we played well, it could have been even better. It will come as the year progresses, but it would be nice to see a lot of it at UNL.
Q: What is a personal dodgeball goal you want to focus on?
A: I want to focus on my growth as a player. I want to try and improve every part of my game and grow more as a leader on the court.
Q: Do you have any advice for the rookies?
A: To just keep pushing themselves. They all got good potential.
Congrats again to Ian Westrick! Your hard work and dedication shows and is paying off!
The Rookie of the Month award is an award given monthly to a player voted on by their teammates to recognize all the hard work they have put into the team throughout the month. September’s winner is Anna Behnke! She is a currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering and expects to graduate in 2029. Here are his responses to some brief interview questions.
Q: How do you feel about winning this award?
A: It feels good to start out my dodgeball career strong, seeing I could have a future on this team.
Q: How has this award impacted your interest in Dodgeball?
A: I am more driven to continue learning about the sport and better my skills.
Q: What did you think of your first tournament?
A: I think the first tournament went okay, there is a lot to learn and practice. Could have gone worse.
Q: What skills do you hope to improve on for future tournaments?
A: I mainly want to work on my throwing accuracy, but continuing working on my blocking, and communication.
Q: Where do you see yourself on the team going forward?
A: I hope to be a part of the starting 12 in the future.
Congrats again to Anna Behnke for winning this award! We can’t wait to see how much you improve throughout the season!
This tournament was a great start to our season. We played in two games that helped us get back into the NCDA format and gave our 6 rookies a chance to really learn the game.
Veterans – We worked well together and moved as one throughout the tournament. Our communication was good but can always use improvement. I was very impressed with some of our teams’ veterans stepping up when needed and taking on the captain role when our captains couldn’t. Overall, each veteran did a good job of teaching our rookies necessary skills and how to handle certain situations during the middle of a game.
Rookies – For barely getting to practice inside all the rookies did a good job handling the transition from mostly practicing outside. I was also impressed with the amount they seemed to focus on eye contact and connecting/communicating with their teammates. They were all very confident for it being their first tournament and caught on to the flow of the game very quick. Even when there was frustration after getting out, they communicated with veterans on ways to improve or fix their mistakes. In the end the rookies were able to secure multiple catches and even a few outs.
Overall, for the first tournament of the year, the team did well and learned a lot. It helped us get back to working together and got rid of any nerves we may have had.
Captains Thoughts
What are your thoughts on how our team played? What is something we did well and what do we need to work on?
Dylan Fabry: I think our team did alright for the first tournament of the season. We were moving as a team and the rookies are learning fast. We just need to work on the basics and shake off the rust from summer break.
Hollie Wheeler: I was very proud of how fast our rookies picked up on our play style. The veterans got back into the swing of things while being good role models for the rookies to learn by example. With a few more weeks of practice, the rookies will be more caught up to speed about what our play calls mean, how to cover for our teammates, applying pressure, team throws, and squaring up to secure catches. Our team is looking very promising this year and I’m excited to see what they do at our next tournament. Something we did well was playing as a unit and making sure to reset the clock. We were able to retrieve the center balls effectively, especially when the rookies ran for them. We can work on our communication between the veterans and rookies. We need to guide the rookies and explain why we are doing what we’re doing. The veterans tend to talk to each other more, but as the year goes on, they’ll talk to the new players more and help them out on the court. I believe we are headed in the right direction as a club, and it will be interesting to see how the year progresses.
Rookies Thoughts
What did you think of your first tournament? What is something you learned?
Jamie Damm: I loved our first tournament, there was an amazing and encouraging environment which allowed me to learn a few more of the fundamentals of the game that we hadn’t covered yet in practice but also gain experience in a real game. I learned things like how the stop clock works, how to do a team throw, and when to throw vs. when to block for someone in a game.
Maisie Montemurno: I think it went well. It was amazing to see all the rookies work really well. Even though there were some things that we still didn’t know we all were able to adapt to it. It was also amazing to see the vets celebrate the things we did well.
