Standout Liberos Dominate ASICS Challenge
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As promised, it’s time to kick off our positional features from a star-studded ASICS Challenge field. It’s always tough to figure out where to start after a stacked tournament like this, but I feel pretty good about this choice. Even…
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Continue ReadingAs promised, it’s time to kick off our positional features from a star-studded ASICS Challenge field.
It’s always tough to figure out where to start after a stacked tournament like this, but I feel pretty good about this choice. Even with all the last weekend’s standout attackers, it feels right to start these features with a look at the tournament’s indispensable liberos. The impact of this position was unmatched.
So, here’s a look at a few defensive specialists who caught my eye at the ASICS Challenge.
Anchoring the Backcourt
Fittingly, the two teams participating in the ASICS Challenge championship both had liberos selected to the all-tournament team.
It was no surprise to see Mother McAuley senior Gigi Navarrete Gigi Navarrete 5'6" | DS/L Mother McAuley | 2023 State #18 Nation IL performing well on the big stage. No stage is too big for this GJNC champion. Navarrete was the catalyst for so many transition attacking opportunities for the Mighty Macs, as her digs consistently land on the setter’s head and allow McAuley to run its offense. Opposing hitters had a tough time terminating in the crosscourt with Navarrete patrolling the end line, and there’s no doubt about the worthiness of her all-tournament selection.
Notre Dame Academy’s Kamden Schrand Kamden Schrand DS/L Notre Dame | 2023 State KY was also recognized for her extraordinary work with the Pandas. This strong ASICS Challenge is just a continuation of Schrand’s prep tenure with NDA, and she will have a chance to stay in the spotlight when she heads to Louisville next fall.
And the list of D1-bound liberos at this event just keeps growing. Lia Schneider Lia Schneider 5'9" | DS/L St. Charles East | 2023 State IL of St. Charles East provided so much steady ball control and helped the Saints earn a Silver bracket championship last Saturday. The South Florida commit allows her team to comfortable pass with two and still put out dimes in serve receive.
The aforementioned trio brings a lot of senior leadership, but what about the youth movement at libero? Perhaps the strongest underclassman at this position was Assumption sophomore Kristen Simon Kristen Simon 5'7" | DS/L Assumption | 2025 State #70 Nation KY . We documented the stat-stuffing night she had when the Rockets took down Mother McAuley last Thursday, and Simon’s impact carried into the ASICS Challenge. The Assumption libero factory continues to produce.
I also won’t hesitate to mention the team from my home state. Omaha Skutt Catholic continues to get outstanding contributions from junior libero Paisley Douglas Paisley Douglas 5'5" | DS/L Omaha Skutt Catholic | 2024 State #123 Nation NE , who spends a lot of time playing middle-back defense in Skutt’s system. You also have to acknowledge the all-out effort displayed by primary defensive specialist Anna Weberg. The senior was clearly not afraid to lay out for a ball and take some bumps and bruises in the process.
For the Illinois readers here, we have a couple more names to address. Junior libero Reese Butkus Reese Butkus 5'6" | DS/L Nazareth | 2024 IL had a solid outing for Nazareth and was especially impactful during Saturday’s bracket play. Likewise, Reilly Chausse provided some great energy for what was a successful weekend for Sandburg.
You can bet that Wisconsin got in on the libero action, too. Olivia deGuzman Olivia deGuzman 5'5" | DS/L DSHA | 2023 State WI got in on plenty of impressive defensive plays for Divine Savior Holy Angels. Another Milwaukee Sting representative also had a great weekend for Kettle Moraine, as Kyleigh Coghlan Kyleigh Coghlan 5'6" | DS/L Kettle Moraine | 2023 State WI contributed to some intense rallies for the Lasers. And, just to add to the senior libero trend, Hamilton’s Mya Trafficante Mya Trafficante 5'7" | OH Sussex-Hamilton | 2023 State WI also anchored the Chargers’ steady defensive presence.