The 5 Back Row Queens in 2023
Being a freshman at the libero position can be a lonely feeling. Taking on the biggest and fastest hitters in the state, or even the country, can be an intimidating experience. A lot of lumps and bruises are taken, but…
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Continue ReadingBeing a freshman at the libero position can be a lonely feeling.
Taking on the biggest and fastest hitters in the state, or even the country, can be an intimidating experience.
A lot of lumps and bruises are taken, but those that can fight through the early challenges tend to be much better for it and create a path to a great future in volleyball.
Here’s five liberos and defensive specialists in the Class of 2023 that are already well on that path.
Kaitlyn Hoffman, Clarkston/Legacy
Hoffman has been the rock in the back row for Legacy 15-1 Adidas during this impressive club season for the young group. While Legacy has tremendous hitting, it’s Hoffman’s play that really goes unnoticed in their success. She keeps the ball in-system and allows the offense to run smoothly. She has faced the best hitters in her age group on a daily basis, and that is showing in her play.
Kendall White, St. Johns/Five:1
White was thrown into the varsity fire right away in 2019, earning the starting libero position for St. Johns. She made the most of the opportunity, earning All-Region honors for a Division 1 district winner. White then built on that with some solid months with Five:1 15 Black during the shortened club season. We can expect a big jump for White this upcoming fall, as she has a wealth of experience against top hitters already.
Kalliann Cook, Birch Run/Michigan Elite
Cook is another freshman that saw herself in a starting varsity role this past fall. Cook aided Birch Run to a great season in Division 2, pushing toward 50 wins. She earned All-Region honors as well, as her court vision put her a step above most in her age group. Playing with Michigan Elite 15 Mizuno this club season, Cook improved on her timing and footwork to make herself even more of an asset in the fall with Birch Run.
Allison Berent Allison Berent 5'7" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2023 State #187 Nation MI , Notre Dame Prep/Legacy
As if Notre Dame Prep hasn’t had enough young defensive talent, Berent joined the mix in 2019 and showed she will be another great back row option for the Irish in years to come. This club season she has been with the loaded Legacy 15-1 Adidas team and getting a chance to truly put her skills up against the elite of her age group. Berent is sure to be a name you will continue to hear about leading up to 2023.
Erica Maladecki, Livonia Churchill/Michigan Elite
Maladeicki has seen senior Jessica Maladecki handle the libero position for Churchill and now she will be in the mix to take over in the fall of 2020. She certainly has a lot of the similar qualities that she has built up with Michigan Elite 15 Mizuno this club year. Speed, effort and instincts are all a big part of her game and Maladecki is going to live up to the name when she gets her chance at the varsity level.