Top 250 Expo Class of 2026 DS/Liberos

Estela Escuro was a back-row defender during gameplay. She was able to move around and cover holes in the block. She kept the ball up and had a response to a hitters attack. She was aware of where the ball was during each rally. She would go after every ball. Escuro has a quick reaction when attempting to prevent a ball from hitting the floor. She is aware of sharp attacks and strong serves, knowing where to be positioned to get the best defensive response. Looking forward to her future in volleyball and watching her play.

Mckenna Giles has good speed to get to tips and an exceptional reaction time to dig some really hard attacks. She will slide on her knees, pop up a ball, and get back on her feet all in one motion. Not only can she pass, but she can also set balls from back row on target to her pins. Her athleticism shows when she is providing quality defense by running, diving, and sliding all over. Giles appears to know how to read her opponent’s offense and will get to the placement area saving a ball from hitting the floor. She is in position and ready at all times. Her platform is solid, her passes are controlled, and she provides great coverage for her pins. Excited to see what’s in store for her volleyball career and watching her play.

Destinee Gonzales Destinee Gonzales 5’3″ | DS/L Great Oak | 2026 CA stepped into the drills arms extended, low to the court, ready to receive a ball. She came into the Expo ready to show what she brings to the sport of volleyball. Gonzales brings one of the most important skills to the game, passing. Being able to pass so the offense can be in system is an important task. She would go after balls and save them from going out. She had no problem getting on the ground, digging balls, and hopping right back on her feet. Looking forward to where the volleyball platform takes her and watching her play.

Alizae Leilua Alizae Leilua 5’7″ | DS/L Lakewood | 2026 CA was very vocal during drill participation and gameplay. She was calling “mine, mine, mine” for the ball and making her presence known on the court. She is quick to the ball and fully covers her area and beyond from back row.  During gameplay, her passing was consistent. She would pass the ball on target to the setter, which assisted in getting off a good set. Leilua was ready to receive attacks and her speed made it possible for her to dive forward to cover the block and dig tips. Excited to see what’s in store for her volleyball career and watch her play.

Sage Meidroth has no fear of getting down on the floor for a dig, tip, or to receive an attack, she stays ready. She added ball control during gameplay, passing the ball well, and starting the offense. Meidroth was ready to get every ball she could. She has good attributions of consistency, good passing and digging abilities along with quickness and ball handling skills. Looking forward to her future in the sport and watching her play.

Brighton Richards Brighton Richards 5’6″ | DS/L Rancho Christian | 2026 CA came in the Expo ready to go. She hustled in drills, getting to the ball in the different areas it was being tossed. She would slide, arms extended to get that touch. During gameplay, Richards would dig the ball and put it in position so the setter could run an effective offensive play. She covered a lot of area on serve receive and made the best pass to get the offense started. She came in and did the two things expected from a libero, made good passes, and dug up balls. She has great court awareness. Looking forward to seeing her play.

Tiani Shaw Tiani Shaw 5’7″ | DS/L Mater Dei | 2026 CA has great passing skills which is a quality that defensive specialists/liberos require. Without a good starting pass, teams can end up out of system and it makes it harder to score. Shaw has very good passing skills with controlled ball placement.  Her reaction time is quick enough to pop up attacks and get into position to cover her hitters. She uses her speed from sideline to sideline, protecting any attempts of the other side scoring.  Her serves went right above the tape making them hard to predict. Shaw brought her confidence defensive skills to the Expo. Looking forward to watching her career in the sport and watching her play.

Ahnika Smith would place herself in the right position to take a ball. Without being at the right place a good pass could not happen. She was prepared for the angles by shuffling side to side to get a ball. She has good lateral movement while staying in position, being able to cover much ground. Her determination to get to every passable ball on the court was visible. Smith was alert and resilient. She remained confident even if a play didn’t go as planned. She was ready and focused. Excited to see her during club season.