Defensive Dandies in Dallas

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensive prowess was on show in Dallas on Sunday for the Stock Up Dallas Showcase. Lots of great hustle and heart on the defensive side of the ball. Many of these athletes stood out during pass and serve drills or 6 v 6 drills with live hitting. A great Libero or Defensive Specialist can turn the trajectory and momentum of a game. Let's take a look at these athletes:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Listed as Defensive Specialist/Libero, but played in the setter position at times during the showcase is Class of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='579082' first='Abigail' last='Reyes']. She attends UME Preparatory Academy and plays club for Fostering Dreams VBC. She has great hands and jump sets so well. To go along with those attributes she has a fast release and squares to her hitters well. She is efficient and covers hitters well. On defense she is always in ready position, reads hitters well and has a great platform. In serve receive she was smooth and did not let a mistake rattle her. I loved her confidence and poise on the floor. She would be a huge asset at Libero if the setter is out and she has to play that ball with her great hands. Reyes has a huge upswing in being able to play multiple positions!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2026 5'6” [player_tooltip player_id='433621' first='Alyssa' last='Dickey'] who plays for Argyle High School and club for Skyline Juniors is smooth and steady in the back row. She has a great platform in serve receive. Her calmness and platform control help her to get digs and keep them playable. She gives constant encouragement and energy to her teammates. Love what Dickey has to offer on the floor!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 2026 defensive dandy is Wakeland High School's [player_tooltip player_id='579990' first='Andrea' last='Torres']. The 5'7" Torres is willing to sacrifice her body at all costs to keep her team in the rally. She reads defenses well and plays outstanding floor defense. Torres also has great hands and squares well to her hitters, if out of system. Her back set is a thing of beauty! Torres plays club for Skyline. Keep this versatile athlete on your radar!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5'4” [player_tooltip player_id='433675' first='Kaitlyn' last='Burke'] is also a versatile Class of 2027 athlete. She plays for Wakeland High School and club for Instinct Volleyball Club. Burke brings a ton of energy to the floor and is very encouraging to others around her. When out of system she is able to set either pin with grace. She has strong wrists and knows the net zones well. Burke gets the ball out quick. She plays great floor defense and can stick her platform on hard driven hits. Burke has a knack for reading opposing hitters. Keep tabs on this defensive player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prosper High's 5'6” Class of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='533399' first='Ava' last='Callaway'] is really athletic. Callaway plays club for Frisco Flyers. She is all over the floor digging balls and running through tip shots. She sticks her platform well and keeps her angles good to keep balls in play. She also has great hands and can set a flatter ball to the pins out of system. A couple of times during the showcase she had to set and was able to pull out some tight sets on tighter passes. One time she even set the ball with one hand. Love her good ball control with her platform or her hands! Keep tabs on her!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The great hustle, communication, athleticism and overall play of the defensive players Sunday was outstanding! Ball control looks promising this upcoming fall season for the Dallas area! When ball control is on point teams can really gel and put pressure on the competition!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->