Best Of The “Bros”: 4 Top 2019 Liberos
Year after year we see the glory given to the hitters. But what about those players who get their teams in system and save the balls that most have given up on? When I was in high school, the libero position was…
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Continue ReadingYear after year we see the glory given to the hitters. But what about those players who get their teams in system and save the balls that most have given up on? When I was in high school, the libero position was making its way into the club season. I was blessed enough to be able to lead my high school team as a setter, while embracing the new libero position on the club scene, knowing my height limited my chances of playing collegiately as a setter.
Liberos need to be top-notch in serve-receive, defense, and serving. They also lead their team with the relentless pursuit attitude that is “defense” and provide the team energy. Liberos need grit, athleticism, discipline, and consistency in order to be successful at an elite level. Here are some of the Class of 2019’s top liberos in Wisconsin.
Class of 2019
Dru Kuck Dru Kuck 5'8" | DS/L Sheboygan North | 2019 State WI – Sheboygan North (27-15)– Milwaukee Sting 18 Gold
Kuck recently went back on the market for colleges. When you see her in action, it doesn’t take long to see the impact that Kuck has on her team. She is intense and raises the level of play of those around her. This past season Kuck earned 2nd Team All-State as she helped North to a 27-15 record while recording 694 digs.
Kayla Kraus Kayla Kraus 5'6" | DS/L Neenah | 2019 State WI – Neenah (32-15) – FC Elite 18 Navy
Committed to Loyola (Chicago)
Kraus started at libero for Neenah for 4 seasons. As a sophomore, she helped bring home the gold ball with the Rockets winning the D1 State Title in 2016. This past season she earned 2nd team All-State in an extremely tough division with the likes of Burlington and Oconomowoc. She recorded over 2300 digs for her career at Neenah.
Alyssa Eske Alyssa Eske 5'3" | DS/L Milwaukee King | 2019 State WI – Milwaukee King (5-22) – Sky High
Committed to Illinois
Eske was a diamond in the rough. While she was able to provide a great first contact for her high school team, King struggled since they are located among some of the toughest programs in the state. Eske thrives within the club scene and her smooth movements, strong serve-receive, and tenacious defense got her signed with Final Four contender Illinois.
[player_tooltip player_id="10227" first="Maddie" last="Berezowitz"]Maddie Berezowitz Maddie Berezowitz 5'7" | DS/L Burlington | 2019 State WI – Burlington (38-5)– Milwaukee Sting 18 Gold
Committed to Kentucky
Berezowitz is a play maker. It doesn’t matter if she is playing as a Libero, Defensive Specialist, or Outside Hitter. One thing is for sure; the more Berezowitz contacts the ball, the better. Paired with Kuck in the back court, Sting 18 Gold will have scary good defense this season.