The Star Tribune's all-metro volleyball first team gathered for a photo shoot. The members are, from left, Taylr McNeil of Eagan, Mackenzie Horkey of Southwest Christian, Player of the Year Alyssa Goehner of Lakeville North, Lydia Dimke of Blaine, Samanth
Lydia Dimke
Blaine • Middle hitter
At 6-2, she is a smooth, fluid athlete whose best position is setter. Possesses a quick arm swing, which not only helps when hitting but also with her jump serve, a rare weapon at the high school level. Has committed to play at Purdue.
Taylr McNeil
Eagan • Outside hitter
Another three-time All-Metro first-team selection. Can hit and play defense equally well. Hits with authority and has nearly 500 kills this season with a hitting percentage over .400. A leader who makes everyone around her better, she paced the Wildcats to their first state tournament berth since 2006. Will play at South Carolina with her older sister, Kellie.
Player of the year
Alyssa Goehner
Lakeville North • Outside hitter
Three-time All-Metro selection and two-time Metro Player of the Year. Played on Class 3A champions in 2010 and 2012. Freakish athlete with a 35-inch vertical leap, which enables her to hit over the block. Just as good defensively, with quick reflexes and an uncanny knack for accurate passing. Will play at Marquette.
Samantha Seliger Swenson
Hopkins • Setter • Jr.
Making her second consecutive All-Metro first-team appearance. Comes from a strong volleyball lineage — her mother is Hopkins coach Vicki Swenson — which explains her high volleyball IQ. Had 1,123 set assists, 255 digs and 194 kills this season. A 2012 member of Team USA, she has verbally committed to Minnesota.
Mackenzie Horkey
Southwest Christian • Outside hitter
Only 5-8 but attacks and hits as if she’s a half-foot taller. Can hit through or over most blocks. Led the Stars to a 2012 Class 1A runner-up finish. Has 487 kills and hits at a .400 rate. Instinctive on defense, with more than 300 digs and 300 serve receptions. Committed to Division-I Nebraska-Omaha.
Shelby Seurer
Delano • Middle hitter
Powerfully built at 6-2, she hits with intimidation. Has 384 kills this season and a school-record 1,193 for her career. Effective on defense, both digging and blocking. Led Delano, the smallest school in Class 3A, to its first state tournament berth since moving up from Class 2A. Committed to Northern Illinois.