When a team loses a player like Brianna Neumeyer, the two-time Herald Times Reporter Volleyball Athlete of the Year, a sense of dread can shadow over a team.
Manitowoc Lutheran was trying to replace a multi-sport star in Neumeyer, but in stepped Devon Liermann, this years HTR Athlete of the Year.
Liermann, a first-team All-Olympian Conference selection and OC Player of the Year, shone her own light over the Lancers (23-10) and led them to the Division 3 regional semifinal.
“Devon really brought phenomenal leadership,” said Lutheran coach Dave Jirikowic. “She stepped up in the big games at just the right time, the epitome of a true leader.”
Liermann led the Lancers in kills (244) and kills per set (3) while being second on the team in blocks (50).
She will be attending Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minn and exploring the possibility of extending her volleyball career at the school.
No matter what the challenge, Liermann will be ready.
HTR All-Area Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Devon Liermann, Manitowoc Lutheran
Coach of the Year: Dave Jirikowic, Manitowoc Lutheran
* Devon Liermann, sr., Manitowoc Lutheran
* Mallory Dixon, fr., Manitowoc Lincoln
* Meg Wolowicz, so., Manitowoc Lincoln
* Britney Youngchild, jr., Manitowoc Lincoln
* Brittany Erickson, jr., Valders
* Stephanie Winans, jr., Manitowoc Lincoln
* Katherine Wolowicz, sr., Manitowoc Lincoln
