Five 15U Liberos you might not know
By Michael Selecky Contributing Writer One thing that’s true for most 15-year old volleyball players in the state of Michigan is that 2019-20 was their first experience trying out for and competing at the varsity level. It’s a jump…
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By Michael Selecky
Contributing Writer
One thing that’s true for most 15-year old volleyball players in the state of Michigan is that 2019-20 was their first experience trying out for and competing at the varsity level.
It’s a jump forward in every sense when it comes to the level of play and those who tend to swim with the most success in those waters are the athletes who also take part in club volleyball. It’s that depth of commitment to this game that allows those individuals to stand out at this most pertinent of times, one where playing time is earned, confidence is gained and everything that follows arises from this base.
Those who choose to be Defensive Specialists can end up walking an especially lonely road. There’s no glory in doing the work others can’t or won’t, but that’s the role that comes with this position. Those who accept that responsibility and take it to heart have the potential to rise from the ashes of any effort, good or bad, like a Phoenix. Here in Michigan there are definitely some 15U Libero’s ready to smite all those who oppose them, such as…
KIERA SHANAHAN
Amidst her highlights on Maxpreps.com lie an ability and comfort to claim the center of the court defensively and own it, especially when receiving a serve. When it comes to strengths, Shanahan is consistent on the dig, which she posted 68 of for Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills in 2019-20. This five-foot-two sophomore also has a straight-on approach to serving that led to 11 aces this season in 46 sets played. Presently this Libero plays for Michigan Elite Volleyball 15 Elite.
ELLA SHIELDS
At a height of five-foot-eight, this freshman who also plays Outside Hitter at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills made it on the court for 66 sets for the varsity in 2019-20. In that time Shields proved good for 102 digs and 16 assists as the Marlins went on to finish with a record of 58-1 overall, 10-0 league, to end up ranked first in the state and 52nd nationally. Right now she suits up for Legacy 15-2 ADIDAS.
MADISON DERBY
A member of the class of 2023 and Far Out 15 Black, perhaps it was the 214 digs she logged in 88 sets played for Allendale High School in 2019-20 that made her as valuable as she was. Despite the fact those efforts couldn’t keep the Falcons from concluding with a mark of 10-32-3 overall, 2-7 league, to earn a ranking of 340th in the state and 10,249th nationally, the fact she also found a way to put up 19 aces and seven kills speaks to what she’s really all about.
JESSIE REBOCK
A freshman at Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Rebock moves well from side-to-side and puts that trait to good use from the back row. She stands in on even the hardest of shots, applies the dig with real effectiveness and can extend herself forward and get low on defense, as well. Currently wearing number three for Michigan Volleyball Elite 15 Elite, this season for the Maples she posted 56 digs, 11 assists, nine aces and two kills.
OLIVIA BONKOWSKI
The bad news for this five-foot-five freshman is that she only made it on the court for 13 sets with Walled Lake Northern High School in Commerce 2019-20. The good news was not only did she gather 49 digs, three assists and one ace in that span, but she also aided the Knights in finishing ranked 120th in Michigan and 3,559th in the nation with a record of 26-12-3 overall, 6-2 league. In club competition Bonkowski plays for Team Detroit Volleyball 15 Red.
Other 15U Defensive Specialists across the state on the club scene include Payton Barry-Wood, Lauren Hopkins and Amelia Chung of Michigan Elite Volleyball 15 National West, Jade Schiller and Kendyl Miller from Michigan Elite Volleyball 15 National Select East and Michigan Elite Volleyball National Select West’s Kloey Merenuk and Jacqueline Cape.