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Used to winning: Novotny brings winning culture to Michigan Tech’s volleyball program

HOUGHTON — With an NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2017 season, the Michigan Tech Huskies’ volleyball program continues to be on the rise. Their success draws attention, both from fans and young athletes alike.

Incoming freshman Grace Novotny is one of those young athletes. The 5-foot-9 defensive specialist is arriving on campus at a time where the Huskies’ back row is in flux due to the graduations of Halie Hart and Elle Heinonen, so there might be a spot open that she can fill.

“They have a really really good program and that something that was really important to me,” said Novotny. “The focus on defense, being a defender myself, was really cool to me. (It was nice to find out) how much Coach (Jennings) values defense. That really stuck out to me.”

The Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, native played for Divine Savior Holy Angels High School. She comes into college having played a lot of libero, so she is comfortable with both positions.

Huskies head coach Matt Jennings was impressed with Novotny’s passing ability. It is something that he stresses with his teams. She also comes in having done a lot of winning, a quality that should help her make an impact in Houghton.

“Grace comes from the Milwaukee area (and is) very accomplished,” said Jennings. “She’s just been playing really good volleyball at a high level. She brings that winning expectation with her too.”

She did her homework when it came to studying up on Michigan Tech. When looking at the roster, she was quick to notice that sophomore Megan Utlak saw the floor a lot as a freshman. With Utlak likely slotted for one of the two spots opening up, Novotny sees a potential for her to jump into the other.

“I knew there was a defender, Megan, who is only a year older than me, who is a really strong passer and did really well last year,” Novotny said. “I knew she was there, but with two spots opening up, I feel that I have a really good chance, too.”

The former Dashers players was a three-year starter for the private school in the Milwaukee suburb. She is the used to the hustle and bustle of city life. Coming from Wisconsin, Novotny enjoys the snow, something she will see plenty of during her time at Michigan Tech.

“I like the snow,” she said. “It wasn’t a turnoff for me.”

However, after spending a few weeks in the Houghton area, she has decided that she enjoys the quiet life as well.

“I like the relaxed, ‘let’s have fun,’ attitude around here,” said Novotny. “Here, we can go hiking and stuff like that. That is so much fun… I love it.”

As a sophomore in high school, she and her Dasher teammates won a Division 1 state title in Wisconsin.

The following season, she earned First Team-All Conference, Third Team All-Area and Third Team All-State.

As a senior, she was named team captain and helped her team to the state semifinals. She was named First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-State.

“Because there were so many girls, we were always pretty strong,” said Novotny. “I loved it. It was a great experience.”

Novotny learned how to be a leader being a part of the Dashers for three years.

“I just like to work for my team, and show them that as long as I am working hard, they can work hard too,” she said. “We all just sort of fed off of each other. It was so much fun.”

Novotny also played club volleyball for the Milwaukee Sting while she was in high school. She and her teammates won national title in the Premiere Division AAU when she was a freshman in high school.

Seeing the Huskies get to the national tournament last year was something that made Novotny proud of the decision she has made to come to Michigan Tech.

“That was part of why I chose the school, the upward slope that they are going on right now,” she said. “Under Coach’s leadership, everyone is ready to keep building on last season. Everyone is ready to just keep going further and further.”

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