Eagan High School Athletes to Watch: Girls Volleyball Team

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As the fall sports season gets underway, these athletes are primed to lead their teams to victory. Check back each morning on Eagan Patch as we go sport-by-sport, profiling the top athletes on each team. 

Name: Taylr McNeil
Grade: Junior
Sport: Volleyball
Strengths: A relative newcomer who moved from Lakeville North High School after her freshman year, Taylr McNeil has already firmly established herself as a presence on the Eagan High School volleyball team. McNeil was honored as an All-State player her freshman and sophomore years, and is arguably one of the top five players in the state this year, according to Volleyball Coach Kathy Gillen-Melville. McNeil, positioned as the team's outside hitter, was also named a captain and will likely be a strong offensive presence this year, Gillen-Melville said.

"Statistically, she's a leader in every stat there is," Gillen-Melville said.

Name: Calleigh Steichen
Grade: Senior
Sport: Volleyball
Strengths: Calleigh Steichen is the back row anchor for the Wildcats volleyball team, according to Coach Kathy Gillen-Melville. Steichen, who specializes in returning serves and defensive passing, is a vital component of the team, Gillen-Melville said.

"A lot of people see the offense, but really the defense—the steady passing—is what creates the offense," Gillen-Melville said. "It's not flashy, but good defense creates good offense."

Steichen, who was named All-Conference last year, is also a good communicator on and off the court, Gillen-Melville said.

"She’s kind of a little coach herself, she thinks strategically and off the floor she’s just a very mature leader."

Check out our athlete spotlights for these other Eagan High School sports teams: