Omaha Liberos: Featuring Defensive Specialists in Douglas and Sarpy Counties
With Omaha’s outside hitters covered in two separate features on Douglas and Sarpy Counties, I figured I’d cover some great players at other positions. Today, it’s the defensive specialists. This feature covers some of the best defensive specialists throughout the…
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Continue ReadingWith Omaha’s outside hitters covered in two separate features on Douglas and Sarpy Counties, I figured I’d cover some great players at other positions. Today, it’s the defensive specialists.
This feature covers some of the best defensive specialists throughout the Omaha Metro. These backcourt ballers are the foundations to their respective teams, with their rock-solid passing and relentless defense. Thus, they deserve the recognition and credit that might otherwise be attributed to those who play more “glamorous” positions. Make no mistake: these athletes represent the true essence of volleyball.
Samantha Riggs Samantha Riggs 5'7" | DS/L Papillion-LaVista | 2022 State NE – 5’7 L – Papillion-LaVista – Premier 16 Black- Class of 2022
It’s hard to miss Riggs when she’s on the court. Her impact on any match is undeniable. She racked up 370 digs in 2019 for Papillion-LaVista on 3.7 digs per set. Riggs is so fluid and controlled when she dives for a ball, allowing her to extend her reach far beyond her five-foot-seven frame. Her transition digging is extremely precise, which is an invaluable asset to any offense. Riggs is a player whose stock will continue to rise as she enters the latter half of her prep career.
Kate Galvin Kate Galvin 5'7" | DS/L Millard North | 2022 State NE – 5’6 L – Millard North – Nebraska Elite 16-2 – Class of 2022
Witnessing Galvin’s hustle and grit at last year’s state championship was an eye-opener. Maybe that’s because she’s the kind of player that always excels on the big stage. Galvin accumulated 443 digs in 2019 on an impressive clip of 4.1 digs per set. Her one-armed digs are truly a marvel, and her passing is phenomenal. As a sophomore on a strong Mustangs squad, Galvin was asked to pass a large portion of the court. She succeeded, of course, because she would accept nothing less.
Hazen
Ella Hazen Ella Hazen 5'8" | DS/L Millard West | 2022 State NE – 5’8 OH/DS – Millard West – Premier 17 Gold – Class of 2022
At Millard West, Hazen shows her all-around skill, as she takes on both hitting and passing duties. She put down 197 kills to go along with her 304 digs, which is apropos of her toughness and skill. Hazen plays a vital role as a DS on the talented Premier 17 Gold club team. All good offenses need good passing, and Haden’s steady platform and great technique ensure that the high-powered Premier attack runs smoothly.
McCune
Skylar McCune Skylar McCune 5'9" | DS/L Gretna | 2022 State #53 Nation NE – 5’9 L – Gretna – Premier 16 Gold – Class of 2022
McCune is one of the most well-rounded and skilled athletes in the 2022 class. She was a stellar six-rotation outside hitter for the Class A runner-up Gretna Dragons last year, tallying 420 kills on .241 hitting. Her 456 digs on the season is perhaps more impressive. McCune shows her versatility by donning the libero jersey for Premier, where her ability to read both blocking seams and opposing hitters makes her an outstanding backcourt defender. This Gretna star brings a hitters’ mentality to her defensive specialist role, making her a great addition to any team in need of an anchor.
Estella Zatechka Estella Zatechka 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #54 Nation NE – 5’8 L – Elkhorn South – Premier 16 Gold – Class of 2022
Zatechka refuses to let a ball hit the floor. You can see it in the way she plays. She moves effortlessly, has a low center of gravity, and can absorb heavy contact. Zatechka often makes quick, diving passes to ensure that all offensive options are available in transition. What a luxury it must be to know that your libero can cover the first ball no matter where she is on the court. That’s the kind of impact Zatechka makes. In her sophomore season at Elkhorn South, she put up numbers that few can match: 677 digs on 6.2 digs per set. It’s an amazing stat, but Zatechka is only getting started. The pairing of McCune and Zatechka on the same Premier squad is an incredibly formidable backcourt.
Katie Galligan Katie Galligan 5'6" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2022 State #162 Nation NE – 5’6 L – Elkhorn South – Nebraska Elite 16-1 – Class of 2022
A multi-talented athlete, Galligan excels on the court and the sand. She has the kind of court vision and awareness that you would expect from a skilled beach volleyball player. Her ability to dig heat is particularly impressive. She’s not afraid. Galligan was a valuable DS for Elkhorn South, notching 277 digs while playing alongside Zatechka. The libero for Nebraska Elite 16-1, Galligan has tremendous command over the court and uses her quick feet to run the backcourt. Whether her future is on the hardwood or beach, this elite defender will surely thrive at the next level.
Makenzie Dyrstad Makenzie Dyrstad 5'7" | DS/L Papillion LaVista South | 2023 State NE – 5’7 L – Bellevue West – Premier 15 Gold – Class of 2023
Playing for a Premier team full of young stars, Dyrstad has already had experience playing on some big stages. This libero was a vocal leader for her team that won the USAV National 14s division a year ago. She has the kind of traits that you want from a developing star at defensive specialist. Dyrstad has a quick reaction time and quick feet; everything she does is fast and with purpose. The superb frontcourt talent of Premier’s 15s team is allowed to flourish because Dyrstad handles the backcourt so well. Out of all the great libero talent in the Omaha Metro, Dyrstad represents the multitude of future stars in the making.