Nowak tabbed as second-team all-GNC setter for Pines

Northland Pines volleyball captain Bella Nowak recently ended her junior season by being named second-team All-Great Northern Conference (GNC) as a setter.

Nowak was fourth in the conference with 215 assists as the Eagles finished 0-12. Their overall record was 11-12, with Bella piling up an impressive total of 406 assists. She led her team with 45 service aces, was second with 197 digs, and third with ten blocks.

She received two first-team and four second-team votes for a total of eight points, which was second highest on the all-conference second team.

“It made me feel very excited because I was being recognized for all the work I put in throughout the season,” stated Nowak, “in practice, outside of practice, and before the season. I was super excited to be recognized by every coach in the conference.”

Pines Head Coach Julie Smith talked about her setter and how she can create plays for her teammates. 

“Bella is very smart and delivers a beautiful set for our attack,” stated Smith. “She has also worked hard on her defense and I’m excited for that next year. She is an outstanding player. She takes her role as a team captain very seriously, even off the court and has been a great leader for our girls.”

Nowak is a four-sport athlete at Northland Pines, with volleyball in the fall, hockey in the winter, and track and field (shot put and discus) in the spring. She will be adding soccer to the mix this spring at Pines, and will also be in club volleyball again during the hockey season.

“This winter season I will be playing club volleyball as well and I’m hoping to make the club team in Minocqua (the Northwoods Stars),” noted Nowak. “I’ve played for the last two years, and it helps me to not get rusty. I’m hoping to play college volleyball and will start the recruiting process pretty soon. I have some people, including coach Smith, who have offered to help, so that’s exciting.”

Nowak is looking forward to next season with many experienced players coming back and the improved consistency that should bring.

She also is looking forward to another season playing under Smith.

“I feel my relationship with coach Smith is something special,” she said. “I know whenever I need something, I can count on her to be there for me. Not only as my volleyball coach, but with outside things as well.”