Early-Season Standout 2023 Defensive Specialists
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We’re continuing our look at some of the top performers in each position group after early-season competition in Nebraska. Next up: junior defensive specialists! Naturally, the Cornhusker State is loaded with DS talent in every class. Our goal is always…
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Continue ReadingWe’re continuing our look at some of the top performers in each position group after early-season competition in Nebraska. Next up: junior defensive specialists!
Naturally, the Cornhusker State is loaded with DS talent in every class. Our goal is always to cover as many athletes as possible, so you can expect coverage of other classes in further installments of this series. We’re only just getting started!
So, on to the junior defensive specialists. With 2023s now rising to upperclassman status, many of these talented players are now taking leadership roles on their respective teams. It’s always fascinating to watch up-and-coming players embrace more responsibilities, and these athletes have caught our attention already.
Aniah Seiler – 5’7 DS/L – Maywood/Hayes Center
Maywood/Hayes Center clearly has aspirations to return to Lincoln for postseason play, and Seiler is going to help lead them there. Racking up eight digs per set is just an ordinary day for this junior libero. She has put up massive numbers this year and her Wolves team has soared to a 10-1 start. Seiler should help keep that momentum going.
Jocelyn Healy Jocelyn Healy 5'8" | DS/L Omaha Westside | 2023 State NE – 5’7 DS/L – Omaha Westside
The impressive group of attackers at Omaha Westside will always get a lot of attention, but Healy’s vital contributions in the back row cannot be overlooked. In addition to be a proficient floor defender, this experienced DS can be the anchor to any serve receive pattern. These assets are just as important as having efficient hitters.
Karsyn Worley – 5’6 DS/L – Kearney
Kearney has faced quite a gauntlet in early-season play. Worley hasn’t been intimidated. This libero is accustomed to carrying the load defensively and posted a 30-kill performance earlier this year. With new faces rotating into the Bearcats lineup, Kearney can lean on their steady junior defender for guidance throughout the year.
Emmalee Sheppard Emmalee Sheppard 5'4" | DS/L Fremont | 2023 State NE – 5’6 DS/L – Fremont
Sheppard is the latest libero to eclipse 1000 digs over her career. She’s been tearing it up ever since her first day with the Tigers. Like many of their regional counterparts, Fremont has not shied away from a tough opening schedule in 2021. Sheppard will deliver no matter who is across the net.
Faith Van Eck Faith Van Eck 5'7" | DS/L Lincoln | 2023 State NE – 5’7 OH/DS – Lincoln High
Van Eck was one of our big stock risers in the 2023 class after her solid defensive work with VCN this past spring. Now, she’s showing her versatility by being a go-to hitter for Lincoln High. It’s a testament to Van Eck’s athleticism that she’s able to easily transition to an attacking role at the net. Anything to win.
Paisley Darst – 5’5 DS/L – Lincoln Christian
Darst is another Lincoln-area VCN product that has had a solid start to the 2021 campaign. She began with 26-kill match against Concordia and hasn’t looked back. There’s a lot of emerging libero talent in the Star City, and here’s another one to follow.
Bailey Rogers Bailey Rogers 5'6" | DS/L Minden | 2023 State NE – 5’6 DS/L – Minden
Minden has one of the most productive liberos in the state. Rogers just does everything. She puts up gaudy dig numbers and takes up so much space on the court at any given time. This is the kind of defender that can cover an area that seems to be open. Rogers’ ability to read opposing offenses will serve her well as her career continues.