Top Defensive Specialists: 2022
These six sophomores have an incredibly difficult job to do for their team, sacrificing their body to keep the ball alive and working their hardest to keep their team in system. , 5’6″, DS, Jesuit High School, Athena Volleyball…
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Continue ReadingThese six sophomores have an incredibly difficult job to do for their team, sacrificing their body to keep the ball alive and working their hardest to keep their team in system.
, 5’6″, DS, Jesuit High School, Athena Volleyball Academy
Alexander had a stellar sophomore season, competing with the Jesuit High School Crusaders. As a freshman, she made their JV2 team and was determined to compete at a higher level. So she put in a lot of work during the offseason playing for MAC Juniors 16-1 as their libero. As a sophomore, she made the jump to varsity. Even though she had a few defensive specialists ahead of her she was able to work her way into the starting line-up and eventually became their libero. Alexander totaled 221 digs on the season she averaged 3.7 digs per set. With her incredible hustle, all-out mentality, and consistent serve receive, she helped the Crusaders to another State title. She was awarded Metro First Team All-League She is currently playing for Athena Volleyball Academy’s 16-1 National team.
Hannah Nguyen Hannah Nguyen 5'5" | DS/L Jesuit | 2022 State OR , DS, Jesuit High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Nguyen had a solid sophomore season, playing the back row rotation for one of their outside hitters. Nguyen totaled 239 digs on the season she averaged 2.6 digs per set. With her athleticism, hustle, and competitive drive, she helped the Crusaders win another State title. She was awarded Metro Third Team All-League as well as given the Team Hustle Award. She has also been playing with USAV the past few years and made the Girls Select Continental National the last season. She is currently playing as the libero for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy’s 16-1 National team.
Celia Espinoza Celia Espinoza 5'3" | DS/L Mountain View | 2022 State OR , 5’3″, DS, Mountain View High School, North Pacific Juniors
Espinoza had yet another solid season as the Varsity libero for Mountain View High School. As both a freshman and a sophomore she was awarded Mountain Valley Honorable Mention. She has consistent serve receive passing and a great ability to put an out of system ball back in play for her attackers. She is currently playing as the libero for North Pacific Juniors Volleyball Club’s 16-1 Bend team.
Laci Jespersen Laci Jespersen 5'2" | DS/L West Salem | 2022 State OR , 5’2″, DS, West Salem High School, North Pacific Juniors
Jespersen was a key player on West Salem High School’s JV team, showcasing her athleticism as their primary libero. She brought her consistent serve receive and incredible defensive range to the Titans. She is currently the libero for North Pacific Juniors Volleyball Club’s 16-1 National team. With the Titans graduating three defensive specialists in 2020, Jespersen will have an opportunity to make her way onto the Varsity squad for the 2021 season.
Sophie Biehler Sophie Biehler 5'7" | DS/L Tualatin | 2022 State OR , 5’7″, DS/OH, Tualatin High School, Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy
Biehler is an incredibly versatile player who juggles different roles depending on the team she is on. Though she has transitioned to a DS role this past club season, she is also a smart and powerful hitter and can step into the setter role if needed, given her naturally nice hands and leadership skills. Biehler is an incredibly hard-working athlete who pours her heart into every practice, point and set. During the 2019 season with the Timberwolves, she averaged 6.3 digs per match. She is currently playing for Oregon Juniors Volleyball Academy’s 16-1 National team.