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Class 5 Top Returning 2026 Defenders

Class 5 Top Returning 2026 Defenders
Prep Dig Kansas covers live summer event in Topeka.
Ryan Johnson
Prep Dig Staff
August 18, 2024 @ 09:02 PM
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In this article:

Sophie Steinbrueck
Sophie Steinbrueck 5'4" | DS/L | 2026
MO
Brynna Fox
Brynna Fox 5'4" | DS/L | 2026
MO
Piper Cantrell
Piper Cantrell DS/L | 2026
MO
Ella Anderson
Ella Anderson 5'1" | DS/L | 2026
MO
Jenna Cochran
Jenna Cochran 5'2" | DS/L | 2026
MO
Leah Stephens
Leah Stephens 5'8" | DS/L | 2026
MO
Madilynn Benne
Madilynn Benne 5'7" | DS/L | 2026
MO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/jenna-cochran/">[player_tooltip player_id='237000' first='Jenna' last='Cochran']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cochran has been in the lineup since the first game two years ago and is a considerable part of Pattonville's success. She's a great passer and plays tremendous defense. Jenna is one of the top returning liberos in the STL Metro and should pass the 1000 career digs within the first month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/brynna-fox/">[player_tooltip player_id='490201' first='Brynna' last='Fox']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With 575 digs last season, Brynna led her entire class for Class 5 in digs with 575. The crosscourt defender does an excellent job covering the court and her hitters. Her speed and high volleyball IQ make her one of the top defenders in the Kansas City area.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/ella-anderson/">[player_tooltip player_id='261289' first='Ella' last='Anderson']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She might be itty bitty, but she is one tough libero. She has a great platform, makes great diving saves, covers the extremely well, and gives her team 100% on every play. The Blue Jays crank out top-notch talent each season, and Ella is one of them. With 470 digs, she is impressive in her varsity debut season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/leah-stephens/">[player_tooltip player_id='222068' first='Leah' last='Stephens']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In her debut season for the Markers, Leah quickly made a name for herself. She was an outstanding passing libero who used speed and length to get too many balls that would fall on other players. Leah racked up 307 digs and should have another monster season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/sophie-steinbrueck/">[player_tooltip player_id='490217' first='Sophie' last='Steinbrueck']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophie is coming off a season where she ended with 437 digs. The fiery libero makes big plays, and with her improvement at [program_tooltip program_id='428799' first='Rockwood' last='Thunder'], I expect another big season for Steinbrueck.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/madilynn-benne/">[player_tooltip player_id='220462' first='Madilynn' last='Benne']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defense at LSN is a family affair. Madilynn is one of the best defensive setters in any class in the state. She has a knack for knowing where the ball is going, a high volleyball IQ, and would make an outstanding libero if she wasn't busy directing the Broncos' offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepdig.com/player/piper-cantrell/">[player_tooltip player_id='490202' first='Piper' last='Cantrell']</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Piper led the Tigers' backcourt in her first two seasons, and this year will be no different. She is a quick and feisty libero who uses her speed to track down any ball for her team. She already has 928 career digs, so passing 2000 for her career is within reach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Jenna Cochran Jenna Cochran Jenna Cochran 5'2" | DS/L Pattonville | 2026 State MO

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