Nebraska’s Standout 2026 Liberos from ASICS Presidents’ Day
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How about some shoutouts for the backcourt specialists? We’ve recently covered Nebraska’s standout 2026 attackers from Triple Crown NIT and the ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic. Having frontcourt terminators is only one element of a team’s success, and we need to…
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Continue ReadingHow about some shoutouts for the backcourt specialists?
We’ve recently covered Nebraska’s standout 2026 attackers from Triple Crown NIT and the ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic. Having frontcourt terminators is only one element of a team’s success, and we need to give some credit to the ball-control anchors who take care of first contacts. This is the feature to do it.
Keep these 2026 liberos on your radar after their successful outings in Omaha.
Trinity Uhrmacher Trinity Uhrmacher 5'9" | OH Aurora | 2026 State NE
Trinity Uhrmacher Trinity Uhrmacher 5'9" | OH Aurora | 2026 State NE
The Aurora-Nebraska Juniors libero pipeline remains strong. It might not be fair to solely classify Uhrmacher as a libero given her prior experience as an outside hitter. However, her impactful stint at the ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic came in the contrasting jersey. Uhrmacher commanded the 16 Black defense while picking up tips and roll shots with ease. Regardless of Uhrmacher’s primary position, she is bound to take her share of first contacts in any given match.
Petersen is a new addition to this year’s VCNebraska 16 Black group, and we already know this is a good fit. Her quickness and defensive instincts have given a boost to what was already a great backcourt unit. Petersen is also longer than many of her libero peers, allowing her to extend past her midline to pick up balls in open areas. She amassed double-digit digs in several matches at the Presidents’ Day Classic and will keep finding her rhythm as the season progresses.
We mentioned that VCNebraska 16 Black has a stout defensive unit, so let’s bring another big contributor into the spotlight. Pearson locked down the middle-back area for much of 16 Black’s stint in Omaha. That encompasses her skills in both floor defense and serve receive, where Pearson shined along the end line. But, just when you think you’ve seen it all from Pearson, she’ll occasionally rotate into the front row to take some swings on the left. VCNebraska is no stranger to versatile athletes who can be defensive specialists or six-rotation standouts.
Highlights
Neal has made serious gains to elevate this year’s Premier 16 Red backcourt. She donned the libero jersey throughout much of 16 Red’s third-place effort in Omaha, and this is just the beginning of the team’s ascent in 2024. With Neal locking down the crosscourt and passing dimes, we can expect this group to make some noise when the 16s enter the qualifier gauntlet.
Neal is not the only 2026 prospect on the rise for Premier 16 Red. Dickerson has cemented her own indispensable role with stellar Zone 6 defense in Omaha. It’s a natural spot for this multi-talented DS, who has also exhibited a wicked arm in the front row. These are future upperclassman leaders on the Nebraska prep scene, and it all starts with a stock-rising 2024 club season.
No one is surprised to see Kubat thriving. Last year’s high school season was a game-changer for this dynamic defender, who swiped Omaha Westside’s libero jersey and led the Warriors to the Class A semifinals. Kubat shoulders similar responsibilities with Club Legacy 16 Alpha on the club side. Her diving saves and unflappable passing catalyzed a six-match winning streak in Omaha. It’s proof of what 16 Alpha can accomplish against the Great Plains Region’s top competitors.
Myers’ climb continues. She generated plenty of headlines as one of Class A’s dig leaders with Millard South last fall. Her dominance hasn’t wavered since then, and Myers is back to racking up big numbers with River City Jrs 16 Navy. Beyond her impressive totals, Myers also brings the serve receive stability that won’t show up on a stat sheet. 16 Navy has incredible momentum after a 7-1 Presidents’ Day effort, and the libero is at the center of it all.
Don’t forget about Nebraska Elite’s rising defensive talent. Menicucci’s defensive grit was a consistent factor as Nebraska Elite 16 Nova clawed toward a winning record at the Presidents’ Day Classic. It wasn’t just Menicucci’s first contacts that made her a standout, either. When 16 Nova was out of system, Menicucci could be relied upon as a steady secondary setter. These skills add up to produce an impressive stock-riser in Nebraska’s Class of 2026.
Melendez was plugged into this year’s Premier 16 Silver roster to strength the team’s back line. Mission accomplished. Past Prep Dig Showcase events have given us a refresher on how Melendez can take over in the contrasting jersey. That has applied to the 2024 club season, even as Melendez is surrounded by new teammates this year. It’s a sign of Melendez’ willingness to adapt to any situation, making her a can’t-miss 2026 prospect.