New 2027 Liberos on Our Radar after ASICS Presidents’ Day
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Meet some of Nebraska’s future backcourt leaders. Over the past few days, we’ve focused on new discoveries made from Omaha’s ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic. The Class of 2027 makes up a large portion of these first impressions with the 15s…
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Continue ReadingMeet some of Nebraska’s future backcourt leaders.
Over the past few days, we’ve focused on new discoveries made from Omaha’s ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic. The Class of 2027 makes up a large portion of these first impressions with the 15s just entering our coverage spotlight. Past features on this group have honed in on attackers and setters. What about the liberos?
Let’s add to the list once more. Nebraska’s 2027 liberos will ensure that prep backcourts are in good hands for years to come.
Ella Strasburger Ella Strasburger 5'7" | DS/L Lincoln Southeast | 2027 NE
Ella Strasburger Ella Strasburger 5'7" | DS/L Lincoln Southeast | 2027 NE
Strasburger is ready to make the jump into our 2027 watch list. We briefly mentioned this libero’s impact after Nebraska ONE 15 Lime’s successful stint at the Northern Lights Qualifier. It’s worth rehashing those points here after Strasburger made another big impression in Omaha. This steady defender makes brilliant crosscourt reads to pick up balls that are drifting into open court. Her passing will also remain a strength, giving 15 Lime ample in-system opportunities. Strasburger carries on a long tradition of Nebraska ONE liberos who have found the early spotlight.
Emmalyn Quinn Emmalyn Quinn 5'5" | DS/L Waverly | 2027 NE
Emmalyn Quinn Emmalyn Quinn 5'5" | DS/L Waverly | 2027 NE
We’ve highlighted a few VCN 15 Black athletes lately, but this is our first chance to discuss Quinn’s backcourt impact with this group. This 2027 DS can adapt to playing in the libero jersey or slotting into a sub role for one of 15 Black’s attackers. The ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic allowed Quinn to showcase her prowess as a right-back defender–a tough spot to lock down for many young players. Quinn embraced this challenge with quality transition digs and a major passing role for 15 Black. Backcourt depth is turning into a strength for this VCNebraska group.
Regan Schnabel Regan Schnabel 5'6" | DS/L Papillion Lavista | 2027 NE
Regan Schnabel Regan Schnabel 5'6" | DS/L Papillion Lavista | 2027 NE
Here’s a bit of a “wildcard pick” for this feature. Schnabel caught our attention with her lockdown Zone 6 defense when Premier 15 Red traveled to January’s Northern Lights Qualifier. However, last month’s holiday tournament in Omaha gave us a completely new perspective. Schnabel has now emerged as a significant scoring weapon who can play all the way around at the outside hitter spot. This multi-faceted skillset will give 15 Red a lot of lineup options as the team prepares for the next big qualifier.
How about another savvy middle-back defender for the list? Premier 15 Silver is building serious defensive depth with Carson finding her footing along the end line. The Ashland-Greenwood prep athlete compiled plenty of first touches at the Presidents’ Day Classic, and these were quality digs that led to quick transition opportunities. Carson is comfortable working outside her midline to pick up an shots drifting into the seam. More high-level reps could turn 15 Silver into a defensive powerhouse on the regional stage.
Bourbyn Jensen Bourbyn Jensen 5'4" | DS/L Lincoln East | 2027 NE
Bourbyn Jensen Bourbyn Jensen 5'4" | DS/L Lincoln East | 2027 NE
Jensen is one of those defenders who makes big plays look casual. It’s high praise for someone who still has a lot of volleyball left at the prep level. Nebraska Juniors leans on Jensen to pick up anything from finesse shots to crosscourt daggers. The Lincoln East defender made efficient work of these attacks in Omaha, and she’s only going to improve in the weeks and months ahead.
Lena Ward Lena Ward 5'7" | OH NE
Lena Ward Lena Ward 5'7" | OH NE
Let’s stick with 15 Black to cover another player who can do a little of everything. Ward has donned the Nebraska Juniors libero jersey in past regional events, including the Midwest Power League. However, she also had a strong stint as an outside hitter during the Presidents’ Day Classic. 15 Black gets ball control contributions from Ward regardless of which role she’s playing, which has offered a major boost to the team this year.
Madi Kosmicki
Madi Kosmicki
Kosmicki regularly racked up double-digit dig totals during Nebraska Juniors 15 Red’s stay in Omaha. That production remained constant against some of the best teams in the division, which bodes well for this year’s backcourt unit. We’ll see if Kosmicki maintains her leadership role as 15 Red brings more 2027s to our watch list.