Category: Baller of the Year

This is an award that is given to the best female player on the court. She throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows our women’s team to compete. The winner is voted on by her teammates and this year’s winner was Tori Sanborn. Let’s take a look at the interview below on her thoughts of winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: I feel honored to get this award as well as surprised. I am very glad I could be recognized for my work this year and the time I put in to improve.

Q: What was your favorite moment playing women’s no-sting this season?

A: My favorite moment playing women’s no sting this year was us playing as a team for the first time against UNL at our home tournament. We were behind, and changed the score to win over time. I will never forget the smiles on our faces and the feeling of being a true team.

Q: What is your proudest achievement this season?

A: My proudest achievement this year was learning to be more confident. Instead of sitting in the back, I learned to move with my team and not being scared to throw. I went from 11 throws at nationals last year, to 86 throws this year.

Q: What goals do you have for recruiting new players next season?

A: My goals for recruiting new players is by showing people we are a welcoming team that likes it have fun and be there for each other. We have each other’s backs and are a close team.

Q: What personal goals are you setting for yourself for the upcoming season?

A:  My personal goals I’m setting for myself this upcoming season for starts is to let the past go and continue to be a team player. Another goal I have is for me to continue to learn how to improve my throws on court. A final improvement I have for myself is to always be there for others on and off court. 

Congratulations to Tori for winning this award and for all of the hard work she’s put in this season!

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner is Ben Breidenbach. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning this award!

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: It feels incredible to be recognized by my teammates for this award. I feel that the work I put in this past season did not go unnoticed and clearly, they noticed.

Q: What was your favorite moment or moments from this past season?

A: My favorite moments from this last season was just how close we all became as friends, and as a team. It was apparent in our game as we trusted eachother on and off the court. But something that especially sticks out in my mind was during nationals when I was able to keep my teams spirits high during the consolation bracket victory. I was worried that after our rough day 1, we’d be too deep in our heads to win, but my team proved me wrong.

Q: What does your future in Dodgeball look like?

A: My future is so bright I’ve got to wear shades, but those aren’t allowed on the court. I’m looking forward to taking my role as captain to a new level, by taking charge every chance I get, as well as helping my team to progress further so that when I graduate they are able to take a step forward as a team, rather than back.

Q: What do you hope to see the club achieve this coming season?

A: This coming season we’re going for gold. I’m looking for the best in each of my players both on and especially off the court. We’re either going to run a dynasty in the consolation bracket, or give the championship bracket hell. Nothing less will be acceptable.

Q: What advice can you give to any young or rookie players for the next season?

A: Coming off of a rocky season, my piece of advice to younger players and rookies is to capitalize on their voices. Each player has a role to play on the court and without their help the court, the older players don’t stand a chance.

Congratulations to Ben for winning this award and for all of the hard work he’s put in this season!

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner is Jalen Sims. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning the award.

Q: How do you feel about winning this award?

A: I appreciate the award. I feel a lot of people on the team could have gotten it, thank you for the votes.

Q: What was your favorite moment or moments from this past season?

A: My favorite moment from this past season has to be getting the last hit at nationals (felt pretty good).

Q: What does your future in Dodgeball look like?

A: Undecided 

Q: What do you hope to see the club achieve this coming season?

A: I hope to see the club be in the top 10 teams next year.

Q: What advice can you give to any young or rookie players for the next season?

A: My biggest advice would be to don’t be afraid to throw the ball and get hit.

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner was Tomas Zander. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning the award.

Q. How do you feel about winning this award?

A. This award means a lot to me because of how much work I put into getting my teammates and myself better this year. I am glad that my teammates were able to see that I was pushing not only myself but also them every game. Knowing that I made an impact on the team even when not at practice is important to me. I never want to be known as the person who didn’t give it their all for their team. I want to give a shout-out to the other nominations for this award: Jalen, Nick, and Caleb. Those three getting better every game made me want to push myself so I wouldn’t get left behind.

Q. What was your favorite moment or moments from this past season?

A. I was only able to come to a handful of practices this year because I moved to Madison. One of my favorites was the first practice I attended. The reason was that for a long time, Coach Erik and I have been trying to create a culture of people wanting to come to play dodgeball, compete, have fun, get better for themselves, and get better for their teammates. I showed up to that first practice, and everybody was early to practice, running team drills without complaining and having fun. That moment really stuck with me because it felt like we finally achieved that culture Coach Erik and I have been looking for at Platteville. I give a lot of credit to the veterans for having a good mindset and taking the time to teach the rookies. I am sure it will be even better next season.

Q. What does your future in Dodgeball look like?

A. I don’t know how yet, but my plan is to get UW- Madison to start a Dodgeball Club in the fall and I plan to be their Coach. I want to help the Central Region of the NCDA grow. As for playing dodgeball, you better believe I will be at every home tournament playing for the Alumni. I also plan to play in the NDA league for the Platteville Pickaxers.

Q. What will you miss the most from this club?

A. Tournament weekend was something that I always looked forward to. From having a six-plus hour jam session in the car heading to a tournament, to hanging out with the team at the hotel and staying up really late, to playing dodgeball all day the next day, to finally ending the day back in Platteville hanging out until we passed out from exhaustion. Most people would say that sounds awful, but I have had some awesome teammates over the years to share in all those memories and I would not trade them away for anything.

Q. What advice can you give to any young or rookie players for next season?

A. Find a way to make an impact! Don’t give excuses, give solutions. This sport is not all about you. You have 11 other teammates on the court that are relying on you to fulfill your role. If you can’t throw, find something else to do to help your team win! Also, on or off the court, show that you care to be there. Some of your teammates put a lot of work into the club. Be present, on time, and come with a good attitude. You do that and you will find success in this club.

This is an award that is given to the best player on the court. This individual throws outs, makes catches, provides pressure, and allows the team to compete. The winner is voted on by their teammates and this year’s winner was Austin Kurey. Let’s take a look at the interview below on his thoughts of winning the award.

Continue reading “Baller of the Year Award- Austin Kurey”