Six Defensive Specialists To Know
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You don’t often find a large number of defensive specialists on a team like you would find a lot of pin hitters. And the role of a defensive specialist, whether they are playing as a libero or not, is a thankless…
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Continue ReadingYou don’t often find a large number of defensive specialists on a team like you would find a lot of pin hitters. And the role of a defensive specialist, whether they are playing as a libero or not, is a thankless one. This certainly doesn’t mean it’s an easy one, since they have to keep their cool, even if there is a 6’5 hitter at the net and your blockers are late. The defender is the foundation of the team’s success, and without their stellar 1st contact, there is no quick tempo play and big, exciting kill. Here are six defenders that play for the love of the game because their job isn’t about the glory.
Alexa (Lexi) Dhein – 2024 – Green Bay New Lutheran – One Wisconsin Bay 15 Momentum (WI)
Dhein is fresh off her first high school campaign for Green Bay NEW Lutheran and is a key piece in the back court for 1W Bay 15 Momentum. As a member of the class of 2024, she shows there is a bright future at GBNL. Dhein takes care of the routine stuff, as well as get a ton of touches and big hustle plays, which creates a frustration for the other side of the net. She plays with a lot of energy and gives her team a spark when she hustles into the chairs to bring a ball back in play.
Anna Jamroz – 2022 – Neenah – FVP G18 Blue
Jamroz is a junior at Neenah High School but plays for FVP during the club season. Jamroz has been a tough defender who continues to improve. As a libero, she has a solid platform with control and anticipates well. She’s been a DS for Neenah and, in limited appearances during a shortened season, she posted 28 digs. The sky is the limit for Jamroz with her float serve that has a lot of movement and is tough to track.
Brandi Fuller Brandi Fuller 5'3" | DS/L Randolph | 2023 State WI – 2023 – 5’3 – Randolph – River City 16 Blue
Fuller tallied 245 digs and 17 aces in a condensed 2020 sophomore season. Fuller is the libero for the Rockets but trades off the odd colored jersey responsibilities while playing in club. She is a player who truly exemplifies what being a defender is all about, while being fast and a leader vocally and with her body language.
Madelyn Dix – 2023 – SPASH – One Wisconsin Point 16 Lightning
Dix is getting important experience since there could be some varsity openings at SPASH in the fall with the graduation of 4 defensive specialists/pin hitters, which makes some opportunities on the 2021 roster. Dix is a scrappy defender who I saw make a great defensive play which required some fast reflexes and control to make a playable touch on the ball.
Cailey Eastman – Pulaski – FVP G18 Blue
She may be smaller, but Eastman plays a big role for FVP. She’s often the first person to the ball with a good pass to start her team off in-system. Eastman has such a soft touch and an instinctive passing capability. She also brings a lot of energy to her team!
Vanessa Krueger
Vanessa
Krueger
5'7" | OH
Marathon | 2022
State
WI
– 2022 – 5’7 – Marathon – Wisconsin Ice 18 Purple (WI)
Krueger has been playing her club ball for Wisconsin Ice 18 Purple. She is quick on defense, and reads well in serve-receive and defense. Krueger is a good communicator, and her sand doubles savvy shows through as she strategizes and directs her attackers. She is a five-foot-seven junior at Marathon High School in Wisconsin. Krueger put on a clinic that included 171 digs, 140 kills, and 20 aces in their covid mini-season. Along the way she helped the Red Raiders to a 9-4 record and a sectional appearance. Krueger is confident and a rock who keeps her team headed in the right direction. She also has the ability to swing and play from either pin.