2024 Players Watch List: Impact Liberos

Prep Dig Kansas features five Top Performers At the Kansas Klassic

Drew Ellis October 11, 2020 @ 10:41 AM

Libero is a vital position on the volleyball court.

There is a lot of trust put into the position by coaches.

Giving that spot to a young player can be difficult, but the Class of 2024 is proving to have some talent that is ready for the challenge.

Here’s a look at some of the impact liberos in the Class of 2024.

Gianna Bender Gianna Bender 5'6" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2024 State MI , Hudsonville

Hudsonville feels very secure with the Bender family in the back row. Already with junior Carlina Bender Carlina Bender 5'5" | DS/L Hudsonville | 2022 State MI in the starting libero role, Gianna is a steady part of the rotation as well. Gianna has 111 digs so far in 2020 and also has shown to have a competitive serve that has earned 31 aces. Bender has a great eye for the play and has the competitive drive needed to succeed at a high level.

Natalie Bourdo Natalie Bourdo 5'3" | DS/L Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI , Traverse City Central

The Trojans have put a lot of trust in Bourdo right away, putting the starting libero jersey on her right away. She’s proven that she can handle the challenge, as she has a team-high 343 digs on the season. She has also added 27 aces from the service line. Bourdo is a scrappy player that shows a lot of confidence on the court. Her 2020 experience is going to lead to great things in the future.

Hope Davies Hope Davies 5'5" | DS/L Forest Hills Eastern | 2024 State MI , Forest Hills Eastern

Davies is a diverse talent that can be used as an outside hitter as well as a DS. The foundation of Davies’ game is her passing ability. She’s fundamentally sound, looking the ball in and making the smooth pass. Her added athleticism is shown in her play at the net as an outside. With her skillset, Davis is going to find a way to make an impact in every match she’s in.

Brooke Ellens Brooke Ellens 5'1" | DS/L Cadillac | 2024 State MI , Cadillac

It’s a crowded group of talented passers in the back row for Cadillac, but Ellens has been slowly increasing her role. The Vikings are putting more trust in the freshman and she is proving she can handle the increased workload. Ellens moves instinctively to the ball and doesn’t let a bad pass stick around. She moves on to the next play and makes the needed corrections.

Hailey Green Hailey Green 5'1" | DS/L North Branch | 2024 State MI , North Branch

We’ve mentioned North Branch a lot this past week due to their heavy reliance on the Class of 2024 this season. Green is another part of that. The athletic libero is leading the Broncos in digs with 171. She also has an improving serve. Like any North Branch talent, Green has a lot of fundamental skills that are only going to get better with time.

Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI , Lakewood

The Vikings have a bright future defensively with Piercefield in the back row. Head coach Cam Rowland has gotten to work with her both as part of the Vikings and in club season. He sees her as one of the best liberos he’s had the opportunity to work with. She’s instinctive, athletic and has a high volleyball IQ. She gets to face top hitters each day in practice and that shows in her play on the court.