Future Libero Leaders Emerge at Nebraska Freshman Showcase

This one is for the backcourt.   As our post-showcase coverage rolls on, we'll be honing in on some position groups that stood out across Sunday's "doubleheader." We've already addressed some freshmen who made an instant impression in La Vista, but our scope is about to expand. It's time to dig into the back row.   Liberos made their mark on the Nebraska Freshman Showcase--both in positional drills and six-on-six competition. We're looking at some future leaders along the end-line, so get a head start on your scouting reports.    We were thrilled to see the influx of South Central NE athletes in La Vista. Cisneros adds to the list of South Central NE 14 Black stars who participated in our showcase after thriving at GJNC. The Milford native angles her platform well and always gets her feet to the ball before making contact. Those skills helped 14 Black remain in bracket contention during USAV Nationals, and we can't wait to see what the future holds on the high school stage.     Hartle is the kind of libero who isn't afraid to play low to the ground. Her diving saves were a highlight of Sunday's scrimmages, even as high-flying hitters delivered heat from across the net. Elkhorn South's rich history of defensive talent has kept it at the forefront of Class A's hierarchy for several years. Hartle is eager to add to that legacy.     The Northwest Iowa volleyball scene is growing at an incredible pace. McCarty offered another reminder of this trend and was an unflappable defender in La Vista. The Kairos Elite standout brought infectious energy to the court and backed that up with outstanding first contacts from the back row. We had a handful of Hawkeye State participants in Sunday's events, and McCarty staked her claim as one of the best.     We're making a few mentions of family ties in this feature, and Menicucci won't be the only libero in her family to compete with Omaha Marian and Nebraska Elite. This rising freshman exhibited many of the same traits we've associated with her older sister, Sadie. Menicucci is an exceptional midline passer who can also reach outside her body to keep balls alive.     The Wallraff name already looms large at Elkhorn North, but we're about to have double trouble for the Wolves. This latest iteration occupies the libero spot and made quite an introduction at Sunday's showcase. Wallraff's quick reactions gave her an advantage in positional drills, where she also showed a knack for proper ball placement. The family tradition of volleyball excellence is bound to continue.     We can't go without a Lincoln-area athlete in this feature. Warnock carried the banner for the Star City after shining with [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] during the spring. This libero was eager to take command during serve-receive drills in the final portion of our showcase. Her passing set up opportunities for her teammates to operate, allowing frontcourt attackers to terminate. That's exactly what you'd want from a defensive specialist in a showcase environment.     Whaley joined several of her Premier Nebraska 14 Black teammates at the Nebraska Freshman Showcase. This team is particularly notable given its appearance in the final bracket of GJNC's 14 American division. Whaley donned the libero jersey throughout much of the 2024 campaign and was just as prominent during our event. An exciting influx of talent at Ashland-Greenwood should have the Bluejays flying high in 2024.     Those who follow Nebraska's club volleyball scene are no stranger to Lewis Central High School, which lies across the Missouri River in Council Bluffs. This program churns out a ton of volleyball talent and will soon bring Young into the mix. Young competes with SWI Third Degree on the club trail and flashed a ton of potential alongside her Nebraska peers. Her ball-control prowess will have her in the mix for early playing time with the Titans this fall.

This one is for the backcourt.