2023 Player Rankings: Top Liberos
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The liberos from the 2023 player rankings are by turns outstanding passers, versatile attackers, incredible athletes, and huge winners! The athletes are unique and have their own strengths and styles. The common thread is a relentless drive to keep rallies…
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Continue ReadingThe liberos from the 2023 player rankings are by turns outstanding passers, versatile attackers, incredible athletes, and huge winners! The athletes are unique and have their own strengths and styles. The common thread is a relentless drive to keep rallies alive, something they all do magnificently.
Kaelin posted eye-popping dig numbers this season and throughout her high school career. She will be playing next season for the Cal Poly Humboldt Lumberjacks and could make a difference right away for a program with a new coach just this last season. At nearly 6 digs per set, Kaelin is a ball hawk who reads the opposing hitters well.
One of many players on the list that was asked to take swings for their high school team, Gourde has played any spot needed for her Kelso squad. She was at her best using her quick feet and hands to grit out digs and keep the ball in play for the offense. She arrived in her freshman year ready to play big defensively.
https://youtu.be/_nrqbkn75Q8
The first of two Bellevue defenders in the top ranks of liberos, Sugamura is calm and strong in defense. she is never surprised and can handle as much heat as attackers can bring. Her second ball setting is fearless, she moves it pin to pin from any spot on the court. She has a low-to-the-ground stance, and makes small adjustments to her stance and platform to give her the best angles possible.
Huard has primarily been an attacker at Bellevue, her athletic profile and fundamentals project easily to the DS/L role at Washington. She is quick and strong off the floor and side to side. She can pass it on a dime in serve receive and has good height and reach for the libero spot. More than anything the senior has been a passionate leader for her team and school, and her teams win a bunch of games. It’s difficult to measure the value of a player who just wins!
Tauese-Paulino has a heavy background in beach volleyball and that gives her the ability to do just about everything on the volleyball court. She will take a swing, pass and defend, and has good hands. She treats every ball like it can somehow be run down or popped up, and with that mentality she gets to some that are hard to believe. Her fist pumps and celebrations are tough to beat!
McMahon is one of several liberos who split time as outside hitters during different parts of club and high school seasons. Ultimately her toughness on the court is a perfect fit for a full-time defensive spot. She will sacrifice to get a ball up and has a special serve package that she has turned into an offensive weapon. She thinks through her serving locations, changes pace, and can locate a well-disguised short serve or rip it hard to a seam.
The senior from Ridgefield has no problem picking up the most floor burns of any player on the court every match. She can hang in against the heaviest arms and will go all out to get to a tip. It’s very difficult to just pound down a ball in her area, she reads well, sets her feet, and just makes plays.
https://youtu.be/lKFL8FUERAY
Sheppard has a unique ability to read a tip or roll, then run down even the best-placed off-speed shots. She can play shots up accurately with both hands, using the correct one-hand stab to keep the ball off the floor. Her digging is accurate and on target, she cushions and adjusts to keep her setters off the net.
https://youtu.be/EV0V3dcJkRI
Highlights
An exceptional athlete, Deckard will take her talents to Oregon State next season. Having been an outside primarily in high school, you have to catch her playing club to see her true defensive prowess in the libero spot. She is a true 5’8, which gives her a reach not all liberos have, and her speed and out-of-system setting complete a special defensive package.
https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/olivia_deckard?video=1104402