Must-See Athletes “Playing Up” in 2022: Defensive Specialists
We’re seeing a big surge of liberos playing up this year, so we might as well talk about a few of them here. In case you missed it, we’ve already discussed some pin hitters and middle blockers climbing up the…
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Continue ReadingWe’re seeing a big surge of liberos playing up this year, so we might as well talk about a few of them here.
In case you missed it, we’ve already discussed some pin hitters and middle blockers climbing up the age group ladder this year. Chris Fitzgerald covered some elite 2025s here, and now we’re building on that same theme with this series.
Time to bring on the liberos. It’s a position that has recently seen a large influx of athletes playing up, so I’m excited about the player pool we have for this one.
Heidi Devers Heidi Devers 5'4" | DS/L St. James | 2024 State KS – 5’4 DS/L – Dynasty 17 Black – Class of 2024
Dynasty just keeps popping up in this feature series, and you know we can’t forget to talk about Devers. This libero reads the game like few 2024s can, and that’s especially important with the quick pace of the 17s age group. Devers is particularly skilled at getting her feet to the ball in the passing formation and delivering a three-point pass to the setter. Don’t hit at Devers in the crosscourt, either, as she will not be afraid to take some contact and steal a sure kill.
Melissa Eyer – 5’1 DS/L – Idaho Crush 17 Bower – Class of 2024
Here’s another entry for 17 Bower, a team stacked with players hopping up an age group. Eyer is one of a handful of Idaho Crush athletes that competes for the dominant Skyview High School in Nampa. That high school-to-club connection yields some great on-court chemistry for 17 Bower’s back row, and Eyer has been a year-round defensive leader. She will gladly control middle-back serve receive and is surely not intimidated by the impressive group of 17s attackers that Crush has faced this season.
Lola Buck-Taylor – 5’8 DS/L – No Name VBC 17 Doug – Class of 2024
No Name is another club with a surprising amount of 2024s on its 17s squad. Buck-Taylor takes care of the libero responsibilities for this squad and makes the position look pretty easy in the process. Her range in serve receive helps take some passing burden off of the team’s hard-hitting frontcourt players. Better yet, Buck-Taylor moves well in floor defense and has a knack for reading opposing hitters before the ball cross the net tape.
Olivia Mauch Olivia Mauch 5'7" | DS/L Bennington | 2024 State #49 Nation NE – 5’6 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 17 Gold – Class of 2024
Here’s my chance to propel Mauch to the National page on our site. Folks in my Nebraska stomping grounds will already know about this libero’s dominance, but Mauch is quickly building a case as one of the top 2024 defenders in the entire country. The quality of her digs allows the hard-hitting offense of Premier 17 Gold to flourish. We saw that trend emerge in Kansas City as Premier swept through the Show Me Qualifier field and firmly placed its bid as a national championship frontrunner. Mauch will likely back up that hype once again at Nationals.
Sierra Pokharel Sierra Pokharel 5'4" | DS/L Millard West | 2025 State NE – 5’4 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 16 Gold – Class of 2025
Perhaps Premier has found something with these defensive specialists playing up. In all seriousness, Pokharel has long been a staple piece of Premier’s strong collection of backcourt players. Her quick reactions and steady platform remain important assets for a 16 Gold team that will surely give us some excitement in Indianapolis this summer.
Gabrielle Tafoya – 5’6 DS/L – Arizona Storm 16 Thunder – Class of 2025
Arizona Storm has had some impressive backcourt players over the years, and Tafoya is one to watch in the playing-up category. Her well-rounded game allows her to lock down either middle-back or right-back and be equally confident in both roles. Tafoya also works well with her other passers to ensure 16 Thunder’s offense is allowed to run efficiently. These are a few of the core qualities to look for in a defensive specialist, and Tafoya is among Arizona Storm’s large group of talented 2025 backcourt players.
Maya Evens – 5’6 DS/L – WAVE 16-Brennan – Class of 2025
Not only is Evens playing up, but she has the distinction of leading the defense for one of this year’s top 16s teams. Like many California prep athletes, Evens applies her experience from both indoor and sand competitions to shine during the club season. WAVE can rely on this libero to take care of anything coming down the line or the crosscourt, as Evens will promptly fill in any gaps and make a terrific first contact.