2026 All-Minnesota Girls Volleyball Player of the Year: Kaelyn Bjorklund

Lakeville South’s Kaelyn Bjorklund, a Clemson recruit and the reigning Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year, has been named the Star Tribune’s All-Minnesota Girls Volleyball Player of the Year. The senior setter orchestrated back-to-back Class 4A volleyball title teams for the Cougars, a feat made even more impressive by the departure of key players and a challenging season that tested the team’s resolve. Bjorklund's journey to becoming one of the nation’s top setters is a story rooted in a childhood spent juggling basketball and volleyball, a testament to the value of diverse athletic skills.

Early Ambitions: From Basketball to Volleyball Stardom

Kaelyn Bjorklund initially prioritized basketball, drawing inspiration from WNBA star Paige Bueckers and even considering a collegiate basketball career. As a 14-year-old rising prospect, she seriously contemplated abandoning club volleyball after ninth grade to focus solely on basketball recruitment. “I always watched Paige Bueckers,” Bjorklund said. However, winning a national AAU volleyball championship in Florida during the summer changed her trajectory. “I was planning to pick basketball,” Bjorklund said, “But then I won a national [AAU volleyball] championship in Florida. That’s kind of what changed it all. I was like, ‘Why would I quit club in this fun sport?’ ” She subsequently gave up basketball after her freshman season on Lakeville South’s varsity team.

The court vision and athleticism honed through basketball proved invaluable to her volleyball career. Bjorklund developed those skills into becoming one of the nation’s best setters, leading Lakeville South to consecutive Class 4A titles in 2024 and 2025. Last year, she earned the Gatorade Player of the Year award, leading the team with 967 assists. This season, she has shared setting duties with sophomore Amy Utecht to add more scoring punch to the team. She had over 400 assists and 200 kills in the regular season while hitting a team-best .326. Her season high was 18 kills in a five-set loss to Eagan.

Coach’s Perspective on Bjorklund’s Versatility

Lakeville South coach Steve Willingham praised Bjorklund’s versatility, describing her as a “six-rotation, three-way player [offense, defense, setting] who is a threat at any attack position along the net.” Her willingness to match kills with Eagan’s Mesa Jameson, a fellow top Minnesota volleyball player who is committed to the University of Pittsburgh, showcases her competitiveness. Bjorklund and Jameson are considered Minnesota’s top volleyball players, regardless of class, and are expected to face off again in the ACC.

Community Reaction: A Leader on and Off the Court

Bjorklund's talent extends beyond the court; she’s known for her bubbly personality and ability to connect with her teammates. This was evident last year when the team celebrated their state title victory together. However, this season presented unique challenges, as the Cougars faced three losses in two weeks – a stark contrast to their previous season's record. This included their first home loss since 2024.

During these difficult moments, Bjorklund recognized the need to step up as a leader. “[I] had to show my leadership more through my voice in huddles and in practice, holding people accountable,” she said. This emphasis on accountability helped the team refocus and push for continued success.

What’s Next: A Legacy of Excellence and Future Competition

With the departure of key hitters like Elleora Utecht and Romi Chlebecek, Lakeville South faces the challenge of building a new offensive dynamic. Chlebecek contributed 460 kills last year, leaving a significant gap to fill. Bjorklund acknowledged this shift, stating, “I knew this team was going to be different from past years,” emphasizing the need for younger players to step up. While the team aims for a third consecutive state championship, Bjorklund’s focus remains on her senior season and leading Lakeville South. The Minnesota State High School League will host the tournament, and Lakeville South is poised to contend for the championship.

Bjorklund’s future at Clemson promises exciting competition, particularly against Mesa Jameson. Their shared commitment to the ACC will provide opportunities for future matchups and a continuation of their friendly rivalry. The team's focus now shifts to navigating the remainder of the season and preparing for the state tournament.

Winning a third consecutive state championship is a challenge, especially after graduating key players. Bjorklund won two state titles with Elleora Utecht and Romi Chlebecek as her go-to hitters, but Chlebecek is gone, leaving a big hole to fill offensively this season.

Marcus’s Take: The Enduring Value of Commitment and Family

Watching Kaelyn Bjorklund’s story unfold, it’s striking how much her early commitment to both basketball and volleyball shaped her into the leader she is today. The willingness to persevere through challenges, to adapt and lead when faced with adversity—those are the qualities that define not only successful athletes but also strong families and communities. Her story reminds us of the importance of encouraging young people to explore their passions, even when those passions shift.

The loss of key players on the volleyball team highlights a reality that all families and communities face: change is inevitable. But it also creates opportunities for new talent to emerge and for existing leaders to step up. Bjorklund’s response to this challenge—her willingness to hold teammates accountable and provide vocal leadership—is a model for how we all can navigate difficult transitions.

Ultimately, Kaelyn Bjorklund’s story is an inspiration—a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude, anything is possible. It’s a story that resonates deeply with the values we cherish here in Edina: commitment to excellence, support for our young people, and a celebration of the American dream—the dream of building a better future through hard work and perseverance. We should all be watching closely to see what she accomplishes next. For those interested in supporting Lakeville South athletics, information on volunteering and donating can be found on the school's website. Lakeville South High School is a cornerstone of the Edina community, and its athletic programs provide valuable opportunities for students to develop leadership skills and build lasting relationships.

The success of Lakeville South’s volleyball program underscores the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, and dedication. Edina Public Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education and athletic opportunities for all students.