Texas Liberos Ready to Shine at GJNC
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The anchor of every team that has a shot to win it all is a defensive specialist who keeps points alive and is rock solid for their team in serve receive. Add in precise footwork and incredible ball control and…
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Continue ReadingThe anchor of every team that has a shot to win it all is a defensive specialist who keeps points alive and is rock solid for their team in serve receive. Add in precise footwork and incredible ball control and you have the recipe for liberos who make their teams go! The following list of players do just that. Expect these players to lead their teams and give them a chance to be strong contenders to compete for a championship in Chicago.
Sophie Bridges Sophie Bridges 5'8" | DS/L Prosper | 2025 State TX – TAV 16 Platinum – 2025
Watching Sophie play, her demeanor stands out right away. She doesn’t get rattled and her team feeds off her calm confidence. She is particularly steady in serve receive, which allows her to team to run a quick, high-tempo offense in transition. While her passing is textbook perfect she does things well that set her apart from other top liberos. She uses her length time and time again to cover when teams try to tip over the block. She routinely pancakes tipped balls that would surely be points against anyone else. She is also incredibly impressive passing out of system balls that her hitters are able to attack with the same speed of a ball from their setter. Her ability to not only pass with precision but help run an effective offense makes her an incredible weapon for her team.
Sarah Mendoza Sarah Mendoza 5'7" | DS/L Colleyville Heritage | 2025 State TX – Drive Nation 16 Red – 2025
Drive Nation Red has athletes all over the court and their high-flying attack is something to watch. Sarah Mendoza Sarah Mendoza 5'7" | DS/L Colleyville Heritage | 2025 State TX is a show all her own in the back row. Very few balls hit the floor when she is on the court. Time and time again she makes plays on balls that should surely have been points for the opposition. She is extremely athletic and uses her to speed to her advantage. She plays with tremendous confidence and her setters take advantage of her well passed balls to push a very high-tempo offense that few teams can handle.
Maddie Smotherman – Madfrog ‘ last=”] 16 National Green – 2025
Maddie’s ability to extend rallies and dig high-speed balls is a huge asset to her team. She is often the spark that lights the flame and her team responds to her high-level play. When she gets in the zone she is able to pick up balls and frustrate opposing hitters. She is extremely quick and has next-level footwork. She is a momentum player and utilizes that energy to help her team run an aggressive offense and score points in a hurry.
Sloan Cleveland Sloan Cleveland 5'7" | DS/L Prestonwood Christian Academy | 2025 State TX – Skyline 16 Royal – 2025
Sloan is a defensive specialist with all the intangibles you look for in an elite player at her position. Her footwork and ability to track the ball in the air allow her to make play after play defensively for her team. She also brings a tremendous amount of energy for her team. When she makes an impressive play defensively, her team feeds off of it and pushes the tempo offensively. She is able to cover both the deep balls in middle back and still make plays on tipped balls and off-speed swings. She is rock-solid in serve receive and gets balls in perfect position for her setters to utilize all their offensive weapons.
Expect these liberoes to make impressive plays and be a huge force for their teams in Chicago. As always let us know if there are players that should be on our radar and share our articles so that these ladies get the exposure they deserve. Email me with any questions or feedback at ttalbert33@hotmail.com