Player vs Position: Versatile Standouts

All too often you hear players say, "I am a setter" or "I am an outside." You rarely hear "I am a volleyball player." In fact, some kids get upset when asked to play a position they do not deem as "their" position. As a coach, I love the kids that can play anywhere and contribute to the team's overall success. Below are a couple of the most versatile players in the area that have been asked to play more than one position and have done it very well.    As a freshman this past season, Brooklyn played right side, defensive specialist, and then spent the last half of the high school season playing libero for LaCrescent. In addition, she was also the team's backup setter. While she excelled in each of these positions, Brooklyn is headed back to Elevate this club season where you will likely see her leading her team in the OH position as she has the past couple of club seasons. Brooklyn is straight up a great volleyball player and will do whatever is asked of her to help her team.     Brenna could be found hitting from the pin at Holmen this past school season on their way to the state tournament. She powered her way to success hitting cross and also down the line from both pins. Brenna can serve receive and dig and has also played the role of setter in the past. She is versatile and can step into any position that is needed at the time.     It is fun to watch Bristol play. She played a 6 rotation middle position in high school at Melrose Mindoro this past fall. Standing at only 5'6”, what she lacks in height, she makes up for in speed and perseverance. Coats had 225 digs, 409 receptions, 118 kills, and 1.5 kills/set. While she proved efficient at middle, we will likely see her playing libero on the 16 national team for Tenacity this club season. You usually don't see this combination and versatility in a player. However, her efficient movements and speed will aid her in owning the backrow as her team competes at some high level tournaments.     Konrad is one of the most versatile players around. At Vel Philips Memorial, Konrad led the team in kills by hitting from both pins and out of the backrow. In addition, she also led the team in aces, dished out 165 assists, and was second on the team in digs with 2.8 digs/set. The club season will be more of the same where we will see Konrad playing a mix of positions in the front, backrow, and perhaps even the libero.

All too often you hear players say, "I am a setter" or "I am an outside." You rarely hear "I am a volleyball player." In fact, some kids get upset when asked to play a position they do not deem as "their" position. As a coach, I love the kids that can play anywhere and contribute to the team's overall success. Below are a couple of the most versatile players in the area that have been asked to play more than one position and have done it very well.