2021 Player Rankings: Top 10 Liberos

<p>The thankless position of libero can go unnoticed often, but it is a great position for young players to learn if they hope to develop in a collegiate player. Here’s a look at some of the liberos/DS's in the Class of 2021 that are making a wave over the last year and should continue to improve up recruiting charts over the next two years.</p> <p>RELATED: 2021’s <a href="http://bit.ly/2Fi6E0s"><strong>Top Outside Hitters</strong></a></p> <p>RELATED: 2021’s <a href="http://bit.ly/2Hq0eyw"><strong>Top Setters</strong></a></p> <p>RELATED: 2021’s <a href="http://bit.ly/2UMKHMo"><strong>Top Middle Hitters</strong></a></p> <ol> <li><strong> Olivia Kowalkowski, Notre Dame Prep/Michigan Elite: </strong>An unsung hero for the Division 2 runner-up Notre Dame Prep, Kowalkowski was a consistent player in the back row that allowed the Fighting Irish to get the ball to their loaded hitters. She had 609 digs this fall while racking up 81 aces. Kowalkowski continues to improve her abilities as part of Mizuno 16 during the club season.</li> <li><strong> Lara Sebastian, Rochester Adams/Legacy: </strong>Sebastian really had a breakout fall for Rochester Adams as she faced the stacked hitters in the OAA Red. Sebastian had close to 550 digs for the Highlanders and now is getting to defend against more great hitters as part of Legacy 16-Elite.</li> <li><strong> Rachel Jennings, Novi/Michigan Elite: </strong>Jennings is an athlete that can fill a number of roles. While handling the libero role for the Wildcats, she still approached 200 assists and had over 50 aces. Novi, the state champs from 2015-17 still have a lot of promise for years to come with Jennings part of a young core of talent. She is currently playing for 16 Mizuno.</li> <li><strong> Lauren Peal, Grand Rapids Christian/FaR Out: </strong>It’s easy to forget about defense when you look at Grand Rapids Christian’s hitting depth, but Peal’s consistent play allowed those hitters to stay in system. She had over 500 digs and 70 aces for the Division 2 state champs this fall. Peal is playing as part of FaR Out 16 Red in club season.</li> <li><strong> Avery Horejsi, Walled Lake Central/Unified: </strong>Horjesi fit into a leadership role with the Vikings this fall despite being just a sophomore. Always willing to put her body on the line, Horjesi had over 600 digs this fall with 50 aces. She plays for Unified 16-1 during the club season and help Central remain an LVC contender in 2019.</li> <li><strong> Abby Boyle, Byron Center/FaR Out: </strong>Boyle is another promising libero that pick up over 400 digs for Byron Center this fall. Bryon Center didn’t have the season it was looking for in 2018, but that could change in 2019 thanks for Boyle, who is playing for 16 Black this club season.</li> <li><strong> Madison Malecki, Mercy/Legacy: </strong>Malecki is always surrounded by great talent, as part of Mercy her prep season and part of Legacy during the club year. Though, it is her consistent play in the back row that helps her teammates excel.</li> <li><strong> Mya Minjares, Royal Oak Shrine/Unified: </strong>Minjares is part of a young Royal Oak Shrine squad that could make some waves in Division 3 next fall. She was the starter in the back row and will be part of a strong defense in 2019. In the meantime, she gives Unified 16-1 an impressive defensive duo with her and Horejsi.</li> <li><strong> Hannah Blaney, Saline/Legacy: </strong>Blaney is a rising star for the Saline squad. She some consistent action during the fall and will take on a bigger role in 2019. In the meantime, Blaney is improving her skills with 16-Elite.</li> <li><strong> Julia Bouma, Forest Hills Central/MVA: </strong>Bouma is part of a family line that has competed at FHC over the years and she should be in for a big 2019 season. Bouma is having a good club season with MVA 16 National Black and is making improvements as a player.</li> </ol> <p><strong>Others to note: </strong>Katie Stotts, Kylee Crandall, Kelby Goldschmeding, Mia Osorio</p>