Top 250 Expo Kentucky: Defensive Specialists Vol. 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw so many amazing defensive specialists at the Top 250 Expo in Kentucky this past weekend, I cannot wait to share them with you. When I watch the expo, I look for the differences in these athletes because most of them are good athletes and most DS/Ls have a great platform. So, let us look at the individuals I scouted this past weekend in Kentucky and talk about what makes them unique and special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":255798,"width":"146px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"thumbnail","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/33-Hannah-Dannenberg-e1670162927518.jpg?w=150&amp;h=150&amp;crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-255798" style="width:146px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='253867' first='Hannah' last='Dannenberg'], 2025.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='253867' first='Hannah' last='Dannenberg']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dannenberg is a 5'5" defensive specialist from Notre Dame Academy's junior class. Dannenberg is so speedy and athletic. Every ball she touches has a golden outcome. She is good all along the back row but is especially good in the middle. She serves really hard and got several aces at the expo. Tough athlete to face. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='401244' first='Grace' last='Porter']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Porter is a 5'6" defensive specialist in the junior class at Lafayette High School. Porter is a taller defensive player and can hit from the back row well. She has a great platform, communicates with the other defensive players, splits up coverage well, and is always ready when play starts. She is good at receiving the ball and she has a very sharp serve. She can set hitters as well as play a defensive role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='152057' first='Alyse' last='Smith']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is a 5'8" junior defensive specialist from Ursuline Academy in Ohio. Smith is best at digging behind her hitters. She covers the blocked balls really well. She is super athletic and can jump, hit, dig, set, and serve. She is an intimidating opponent and is quite impressive in the back row. Smith seems to be a thinking athlete and was very good at positioning herself right where she needed to be to dig the ball up. It seemed like she could anticipate the hitters on the opponent's court. She was a calming presence on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='487235' first='Lindsey' last='Curless']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curless is a 5'5" sophomore defensive specialist from Oak Hills High School in Ohio. I called Curless out at the expo for being one of the great DS/Ls I saw that day. She is quick to the ground, has a great platform, and is very successful at saving balls that seem lost. She is quite impressive. She is a talented, quick, and court-smart athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='226852' first='Aubrey' last='Donald']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Donald is a 5'8" sophomore defensive specialist from Madison Central High School. Donald is very athletic and can play all around the court if needed. Very well-trained, has great form, and is always moving to the ball. Great speed, great platform, great athlete. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='486910' first='Ria' last='Furuta']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Furuta is a 5'5" defensive specialist from the sophomore class at Ryle High School. Furuta is a competitor. She is such a smart player and will sacrifice her body to get the ball. She is successful when she lays out for it and then her team makes use of it. One of the times she sacrificed her body for the ball she ended up with a bump kill, a term that has brought much laughter to my life during stressful volleyball tournaments. She will set her hitters if needed and is very good at it. Great athlete!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->