More Under-the-Radar Liberos to Follow after NLQ
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Last weekend’s Minneapolis event was quite the defensive showcase. We’ve already covered several standout liberos through some of our post-NLQ features, but we’re adding more to the list today. This early-season qualifier always seems to deliver on backcourt talent. That…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend’s Minneapolis event was quite the defensive showcase.
We’ve already covered several standout liberos through some of our post-NLQ features, but we’re adding more to the list today. This early-season qualifier always seems to deliver on backcourt talent. That was the case again this year, with many under-the-radar names rising to the forefront–especially from the Class of 2024.
So, here are a few names to follow among some high-level, uncommitted liberos.
Rylee Scherder
Rylee Scherder
Let’s start in Iowa. Scherder made her presence felt for an IPVA team that embraced the challenge of playing in 17 Open. Besides her solid defensive skills along the end line, Scherder can also step in as a secondary setter and deliver quality balls to her outside attackers.
Caylan Russ
Caylan Russ
Russ has faced off against just about every elite hitter that the club game can offer. Her OT 17 O Felix squad was in the hunt for a 17 Open bid on NLQ’s final day, and Russ quietly plays a major role in the team’s winning ways. Russ’s command of the backcourt will remain important as OTVA chases that coveted bid at future qualifiers.
We’ll go back to Iowa for another 2024 libero who is hard to miss. Schelhaas has been making big plays at a variety of venues lately, including some of our Prep Dig Circuit events and showcases. This libero’s latest triumph was helping Iowa PowerPlex to an unbeaten run and a 17 USA championship in Minneapolis last weekend.
A former representative of HP STL, Normile is now thriving as a libero for Rockwood Thunder. Her 17 Navy squad finished third to snag a Nationals bid in 17 USA, and Normile had a big hand in that successful run. Her rock-solid combination of floor defense and serve receive, particularly in the middle-back area, embodies the kind of end line play that Rockwood Thunder gets from so many athletes.
Highlights
Terry has had a fast start to the 2023 season, keynoted by standout performances at local Texas events in addition to NLQ. The latest breakthrough for this talented libero was a bid-earning second place in the 17 USA division in Minneapolis, aided in large part by Terry’s lockdown floor defense.
Highlights
This wasn’t my first look at Koscielak in live action, as her MKE Sting club is a frequent participant on the Prep Dig Circuit. Still, Koscielak’s leadership in the backcourt has seemed to reach a new level this year, and 17 Black showed some high-ceiling moments as a result.
Of course, with my roots in Nebraska, Wolf has been on my radar for a while. But she will always be worthy of mention on a national feature as long as her Premier 17 Black remains a national contender in their division. Wolf’s defensive work helped Premier notch an unblemished run through pools before getting tripped up early in the 17 USA bracket. This libero will be back in the spotlight before long.
Kali Vanderhoof
Kali Vanderhoof
We’re rounding things out with another Texas athlete worthy of mention after a solid outing in NLQ’s 17 USA division. Like many of the players in this feature, Vanderhoof thrives in the middle-back position and was a passing anchor throughout NLQ weekend for Arete 17 Navy Ethos. We’ve seen Vanderhoof’s Texas club make noise at qualifiers before, so keep an eye on this group in a stacked region for club volleyball.