Outside hitter Ihrke finds fun, comfort in new start at Eden Prairie

Phoenix, Ariz., native Abby Ihrke admitted to being stunned when her family moved to Minnesota before her ninth-grade year.

"Shocked, to say the least," Ihrke said. "But it was also exciting to get the chance to start over and build a reputation. It's definitely been a lot of fun."

The senior outside hitter is a key member of Eden Prairie's No. 1-ranked volleyball team, a versatile force on both offense and defense. Her defensive skills have earned her a volleyball scholarship to Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

But first, Irhke has some high school business to attend to: Helping Eden Prairie get back to the state tournament. The Eagles finished fourth in Class 3A in 2013.

"Our goal is not necessarily to win state. We can't say that yet," Ihrke said. "Right now, it's to continue getting better and push through sections. We have a very challenging section."

Staff writer Jim Paulsen talked with Ihrke about the importance of the high school season and her feeling about her adopted state.

Q: Eden Prairie is ranked No. 1 in Class 3A. Does that matter to you?

Q: What drives this team?

A: We play most of the best teams. For us, it's the idea that we could lose any match on any day if we don't give 100 percent. We can't get arrogant.

Q: You're listed at 5-foot-8. Isn't that kind of undersized for an outside hitter?

A: I'm actually more like 5-foot-6½. I'm 5-7 on a good day. Like when I'm stretching in my sleep (laughs).

Q: So, will you get the chance to play outside hitter at Bradley?

Q: What is the best thing about high school volleyball?

A: There's something about playing with girls at school, where you know about their lives outside of volleyball and they know about yours, that makes it easy to get close to them. And you have the fans in the stands. I love it when it gets loud.

Q: How do you handle it when it gets loud on the road for the opposing team?

A: If the fans are against, you, it's just as good, if not better, to shut them up. You want them going home disappointed.

Q: Which do you prefer, at home with the place rocking or quieting the crowd on the road?

Q: Now that you've been in Minnesota for a few years, how does it compare to Arizona?

A: City-wise, it's pretty similar. But the culture is way different.

Q: How so?

A: Something funny that I noticed is that you don't have to dress as nice here as you do there. It's because of the cold, I think. It's all about comfort, which I love. And I found out that "Minnesota Nice'' does exist.

Q: What is the best part of volleyball to you?

Q: Best volleyball memory?

A: Last season, when we won the section championship after I sprained my ankle [in the match]. It was so cool. One of the coolest things I've ever witnessed.