Defensive Specialists to Watch at WKU Camp

<p>Continuing the series, here are six defensive specialists to watch from the Western Kentucky Volleyball camp. </p> <p><strong>Kaylee Gifford-</strong> From South Warren High School, Kaylee Gifford has been the starting libero since her sophomore year for the Spartans. Gifford will return this season as the senior libero with the same vibrant personality and radiating energy. Liberos are known to be the "hype man" of the team, and Gifford is no exception to the rule. Yes, her passing skills are a key part to South Warren’s team, but the positivity she carries is just equally as important. Any college team would be lucky to have Kaylee Gifford in their lineup. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="68141" first="Mackenzie" last="Austin"]-</strong> A name many have heard, [player_tooltip player_id="68141" first="Mackenzie" last="Austin"] stood out as one of the top defensive specialists in the camp. Her smooth platform allows her to pass a ball to target from any angle of the court in serve receive. Plus, her athleticism makes every defensive move look easy. Austin has been the libero for the Lady Purples since her 8th grade year and has followed in her older sister’s footsteps. Last year, Kenzie helped lead her team to their very first district runner up trophy since 2014, so who knows what the squad will do next with Austin at the helm. </p> <p><strong>Evelyn Cotthoff-</strong> A class of 2024 recruit from University Heights, Cotthoff showed great promise at the WKU camp. Last year, as just a freshman, Evelyn had 180 digs with 2.69 averaged digs per set. She’s so quick which allows her to dig a lot of balls and sets her apart from other liberos. Cotthoff will be crucial to the success of the Lady Blazers! </p> <p><strong>Jessica Florence-</strong> From Harrison County, Jessica Florence will come back for her final year as the senior libero. Last year, Florence tallied 329 digs and averaged 5.58 digs per set! Florence has been a vital part of the team because of her defensive skills and ability to take up most balls in serve receive. It will be fun to watch Florence flourish in her final year with the Fillies! </p> <p><strong>Abbie Slaughter-</strong> An incoming senior for Edmonson County, Abbie Slaughter will be one to watch in region 3. She led her team in digs with a whopping 411 and averaged 8.56 digs per set! Her skills in the backrow helped the team to a district runner up title! Slaughter was a force in the backrow her junior year, so it’ll be interesting to see her impact as a senior. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="126310" first="KyLee" last="Bodell"]-</strong> A returning sophomore for Ballard Memorial, [player_tooltip player_id="126310" first="KyLee" last="Bodell"] will make a huge impact for the squad. Last year, she helped the team as a defensive specialist where she had 300 digs and 46 service aces in just three rotations. Bodell has a lot of potential not only in the back row but the front row as well. It will be intriguing to see where she fits into the lineup for the Lady Bombers. </p>