Sunshine Classic Preview: Houston’s Star Liberos
As we near the Sunshine Qualifier in Orlando, Florida, we will take one more look at some of Houston’s best. Below we will analyze the liberos and defensive specialists that help propel their team to the next level. From defense…
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Continue ReadingAs we near the Sunshine Qualifier in Orlando, Florida, we will take one more look at some of Houston’s best. Below we will analyze the liberos and defensive specialists that help propel their team to the next level. From defense to serve receive, we will break down each athlete and their contributions to their teams. Orlando is one of the toughest qualifiers of the season, and these liberos will have to bring their A-game.
Riley Steubing – Houston Skyline 17 Black
First up is Riley Steubing of Houston Skyline. Her team will be competing in 17 USA this weekend and are hoping to secure a bid. She is one of the most solid pieces of this Houston Skyline team. Her ability to play all angles in serve receive and take balls outside her zone is fantastic. She is able to pass central to the floor, allowing her setters and hitters to be successful. One benefit she adds is setting a great out of system ball. She is able to use her hands or her platform to keep the ball in system for her team. Look for her to keep her team solid in serve receive this weekend.
Alice Volpe Alice Volpe 5'5" | DS/L Bridgeland | 2024 State #83 Nation TX – Houston Juniors 16 Elite
One of the biggest back row standouts in Houston is Houston Juniors 16 Elite, Alice Volpe Alice Volpe 5'5" | DS/L Bridgeland | 2024 State #83 Nation TX . She played on a very good Bridgeland team this school season and helped push them to a final 4 appearance at the state tournament. One of the reasons is her absolute stellar defense. She has the ability to play hard-driven balls with ease and completes very good reads around the block. You can see by her defensive footwork, that she works hard to keep her feet when playing the ball and stay ready for the next play. Keep an eye out for Alice Volpe Alice Volpe 5'5" | DS/L Bridgeland | 2024 State #83 Nation TX and HJV this weekend in the 16 USA division.
Kristen Kuehn Kristen Kuehn 5'7" | DS/L Brenham | 2024 State TX – Woodlands Revolution 16 Premier
Another stand-out in the 16’s age group is Woodlands Revolution’s, Kristen Kuehn Kristen Kuehn 5'7" | DS/L Brenham | 2024 State TX . Coming from Brenham, Texas, Kristen brings a load of hustle with her and energy to this Woodlands Revolution team. This weekend they are competing in the 16 USA division at the Sunshine Classic. Kristen has been a solid libero for this team all season, posting consistent serve receive. Her hustle plays that she is able to make on defense are what make her stand out from the crowd. Looking forward to seeing how Kristen and her team perform this weekend in a highly competitive 16 USA division.
Sydney Black Sydney Black 5'6" | DS/L Fulshear | 2025 State #95 Nation TX – Houston Juniors 15 Elite
Houston Juniors 15 Elite is joining the Sunshine Qualifier in the 15 open division. This team has been playing well all season, leading in the back row is number 8 Sydney Black Sydney Black 5'6" | DS/L Fulshear | 2025 State #95 Nation TX . Sydney is coming from a very good Fulshear program, and the high intensity and dedication from the Fulshear program have prepared her to take a lead role on this 15 Elite team. She is very good in defense, able to play the line, but quick enough not to get beat on tips. She really makes you work to score on her and does a great job of getting balls up and giving her team a chance to make the play. When looking at HJV’s path to success this weekend, Sydney Black Sydney Black 5'6" | DS/L Fulshear | 2025 State #95 Nation TX will be a main contributor.