Washington Top 250 Expo: Top 2026 Liberos

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Class of 2026 Defenders Shine!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Top 250 Expo in Washington was loaded with impressive talent and well-trained players from Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and British Columbia. The action was fast, fun, and competitive, and the 105 players present kept the level of play high with their skill and effort. Thank you to all the coaches and staff who helped run the event; it's appreciated!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article examines the 2026 Top Performers at the libero position and two terrific 2025 defenders. Keep watching the site and social media for more coverage of the Expo. Thank you for attending!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["486968"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b7769197"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A junior from Edmonds-Woodway, Pontak backed up her selection as a Top Performer at the 2023 Expo with another in 2024. She is comfortable taking the lead in the back row and communicating with her team positively and confidently before, during, and after a play. Court coaches appreciated her consistency as a player and her ability to connect with the players around her. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":728568,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Addyson-Pontak.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-728568" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275058"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b77691ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Espinosa was a defensive leader on her Liberty High School squad, which finished fifth place at the 3A State Tournament. The junior showed a calm and cool demeanor at the Expo, digging everything that came her way and passing nails in serve receive. Her size and athleticism are difference-makers for her defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":728569,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Charlize-Espinosa.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-728569" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727387"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":728909,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b776924c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coaches at the Expo singled out Schneider for a Top Performer award, noting her strong hands when playing the ball overhand, excellent recognition on tips and off-speed, and range and size in the back row. The junior from Bishop Blanchet had a successful school season that included a post-season run with the Bears; she will be with Space Needle for the club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":728908,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Audrey-Schneider.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-728908" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["726984"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b77692ee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Libero/OH from British Columbia played with sharp fundamentals as both a defender and attacker, displaying a well-rounded skill set that court coaches appreciated. Veenstra did everything with a smile and hustle, working hard to get to swings and deflections and delivering solid passing in the serve-receive game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":728907,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Peyton-Veenstra.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-728907" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b776933e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Court coaches were impressed with Geenlaw's in-serve recieve and precision delivery when she needed to set the second ball. The 2026 prospect will cushion a hard-driven serve or swing, keeping her setter out of the net and the offense in rhythm. Greenlaw has good length for a libero; it was crucial when she covered her hitters and made lunging plays on tips. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":728906,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Gianna-Greenlaw.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-728906" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["519075"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6754e9540b284"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The junior from Bishop Blanchet was recognized as a Top Performer. Coaches mentioned her ability to handle the ball overhand, recognize tips and off-speed, and chase down balls in the back row. Schneider had an excellent season for the Bears, including an appearance and a 1-2 record at the state tournament. She will be with WVBA for the club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":728908,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/Audrey-Schneider.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-728908" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two 2025 Libero Standouts!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["249416"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b7769386"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mossburg set the tone for the event with her energy and gritty play, keeping drills focused with her intensity and hustle. The fiery libero from Glacier Peak is always on the floor after any ball she can track down; she played with the confidence of an experienced, match-tested senior standout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["219491"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-674d4b77693ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The senior from Kentridge High School played much of her career at the Outside spot but has always been a stand-out defender and high-quality passer in serve recieve. Caoili plays with strength and excellent hands; if she can get to a ball, she can pop it up from a challenging position to keep it alive. There is still room for her to improve with a full-time defensive role; Caoili should continue to develop as she dials in a single position at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->