Nebraska’s Late-Season Stock Risers: 2025 Liberos
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How about another one for the 2025s? Our late-season stock riser series just addressed a few 2025 middle blockers who are gaining momentum in the Great Plains Region. We’re sticking with the same class today, as we still have a…
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Continue ReadingHow about another one for the 2025s?
Our late-season stock riser series just addressed a few 2025 middle blockers who are gaining momentum in the Great Plains Region. We’re sticking with the same class today, as we still have a stacked group of uncommitted prospects among the 2025s. The last several weeks have brought several top performers into the spotlight, and we still have Nationals to look forward to.
Liberos are the storyline here. Nebraska is no stranger to talented floor defenders.
South Central NE gets our first entry of the feature after this club showed defensive prowess at last month’s Show Me Qualifier. That distinction extends to 17 Black, a team that looks to Brueggemann for its backcourt leadership. Brueggemann has put up big numbers on the small-town prep scene but can also step up against national competition in the spring. This valuable qualifier experience puts Brueggemann on a higher platform heading into her senior campaign.
Highlights
River City Jrs continues to build a strong pipeline of Bellevue West athletes. Faiman is an important part of that trend, especially given how well she guided 17 Navy’s back row this year. This squad thrives whenever Faiman gets passing opportunities, as she’s sure to deliver it right on the setter’s head. Faiman’s quick reflexes are evident in the way she moves to the ball in the serve receive pattern. 2024 is a big year for this libero, and it’s only just beginning.
Highlights
Borer remains a transformative addition to the VCNebraska gym. She immediately took control of 17 Elite’s libero role and helped the team navigate a tough early schedule. We’ve documented 17 Elite’s close calls throughout the 2024 season, but Borer’s defensive excellence brought this group closer to a breakthrough. That big triumph came in Salt Lake City as VCNebraska locked up its Open bid. We can’t wait to see Borer on club volleyball’s biggest stage.
Studnicka has become a fixture in Nebraska Elite 17 Koa’s success. We’ve lauded the team’s physicality in prior features, but we can’t forget about the defensive specialists holding down the back row. Studnicka’s specialty is middle-back defense, and she has no problem being in the center of the action. Her reliable platform allowed the 17 Koa offense to operate.
Mia McMahon
Mia McMahon
Here’s another defender who is quickly rising the ranks with Nebraska Elite. Like Studnicka, McMahon spends much of her time patrolling Zone 6 and covers a lot of ground along the end line. She works with her fellow backcourt specialists to form a cohesive unit for 17 Mamba. Even if a ball seems out of her reach, McMahon is eager to step in and pursue. Keep an eye on McMahon’s final prep season with Omaha Skutt Catholic.
Lund was one of Nebraska’s most impactful athletes at the Windy City Qualifier–just look at Premier 17 Black’s final placement. This rising star made all the steady, sure-handed plays you hope to get from a libero. These aren’t necessarily flashy plays, but 17 Black understands how important Lund’s role is. The team’s Chicago trip under in total victory behind some stellar ball control and a lot of defensive grit.
Highlights
VCNebraska keeps racking up the standout liberos. Abel was an essential part of 17 Black’s championship run at the Show Me Qualifier. She uses a wicked combination of quickness and instincts to form the foundation of 17 Black’s defense. The Lincoln Pius X star has been on a roll since last year’s high school season, and it’s not slowing down now. Bring that momentum to Vegas for a shot at a GJNC crown.
Goes didn’t take long to become a stock riser in the 2024 season. She had several outstanding showings with Nebraska Juniors 17 Black at the Midwest Power League. The Freeman High School libero knows how to absorb crosscourt heat and has a knack for locating transition digs. 17 Black challenged itself during the late-season qualifier grind, and Goes always elevated her play to meet the competition.
Highlights
Daly has adapted to several different defensive roles throughout her tenure with Nebraska ONE . Recent events have proven how well she can anchor the right-back area as a primary DS. We also know that Daly has spent time in Zone 6 and can sub in for any outside hitter in 17 Black’s lineup. This is another athlete who saw the Windy City mountaintop with her team, so GJNC beckons this summer.
Braithwaite’s influential backcourt role was a huge boost for Club Legacy 17 Alpha. This talented libero has been a past standout at Prep Dig Showcase events, and those skills translate well to club competition. Aside from her natural ability to lock down first contacts, Braithwaite is also a strong secondary setter who lays up consistent, accurate sets to her pin hitters. The upcoming fall season should offer more examples of Braithwaite’s well-rounded approach to the libero position.