2023 Player, Position Spotlight Part IV
Volleyball is a sport in which each players position contributes a unique skill set to the team. This contribution makes the entire team stronger when all parts work together. Player, position spotlight will be a series to highlight prospects and…
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Continue ReadingVolleyball is a sport in which each players position contributes a unique skill set to the team. This contribution makes the entire team stronger when all parts work together. Player, position spotlight will be a series to highlight prospects and introduce players to fans. Introducing six players below whose contribution to their team will allow for a stellar season.
Macey Smith
Macey Smith
Macey Smith has great ball control and back-row defense. She is a quick and agile player. She was involved in serve receive and is a primary passer on the court. Smith has great digs, dives and passes on target, making her stand out. She saves attacks by being able to dig and bump balls back into play. She has a solid platform to control her ball passes and is ready for defense. Smith plays her position well and the spotlight was shining on her this tournament.
Angeni Buenrostros
Angeni Buenrostros
Angeni Buenrostros has high hands and good energy. This is the first time I combined a photo to show a player in their position and the good energy brought to the court; which is just as important as the talent and skills. Buenrostros has quick lateral movements that get her in position to help the outside pins block and produce solo blocks at the net. She is ready for the tip and can bump it back up to start the offense. When her teammates turned a play, she was smiling and cheering for them. She capitalizes on good sets by scoring. She is a fun middle to watch because of her gameplay and the good energy she brings to the court. That is why the spotlight shines on Buenrostros.
Alexis Richards
Alexis Richards
Alexis Richards’ one-handed set was caught in action this game. One thing that stood out is she adjusted her sets to her hitter. She does not produce the same set over and over. The connection setters have with their hitters proves beneficial because every hitter is different. Placing her sets on target with the height and speed that are desirable by her hitters is a great skill she has. It’s not an easy position because the setter has to remember which hitter likes what type of set. Richards has smooth hands and limited to no ball spin on her sets. She is quick to get the second ball and gets under the passes. She can also turn an off pass into a good set. The reasons mentioned above are why she’s under the spotlight.
Nia Thompson
Nia Thompson
Nia Thompson soars high in the air when she finalizes her approach and knows just how to score. She is an all-around 6-rotation player who is quick on offense and defense. She can hit over the block and knows the best angle to attack when being guarded by blockers. Thompson can also hit through and around the block. She quickly gets on the floor and digs a ball passing it on point. Her court placement is also noticeable by hitting crosscourt, downline, and off the block. She is a good server too. Thompson is a whole volleyball package wrapped in one player; great offense and defense.
Maya Gonsalves
Maya Gonsalves
Maya Gonsalves’ high hands protect the net and make her a great blocker in the front row. She also has strong hands to get a good attack on the ball and score. She can overpower the opponent with her hits. She jumps, dives, and moves side to side to cover her spot and help the middle hitter block. She can adjust to any type of set that comes her way. Gonsalves can make things happen since she is prepared to pass, hit or block at any moment when those skills are needed.
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