Digging Divas at the Triple Crown NIT

Digging heat at Triple Crown is different. The hits come faster, with more power, and there's no comfort of facing familiar opponents from your own region. At this tournament, elite-level offense is relentless, and the ability to read, react, and get balls up separates the good from the great.   With over 670 teams, 7,000 athletes, and 800 college coaches in attendance, every dig means more. Every up is a statement.   From court to court, liberos and defensive specialists were putting in the work—hustling, making impossible saves, and keeping their teams in the fight. But among the sea of talent, a select group of defensive anchors rose above the rest. These players didn't just survive the challenge, they thrived in it, ensuring their names landed firmly on the radar of PrepDig and college coaches nationwide.   Here's a look at the defensive dynamos who proved they belong among the best.    [player_tooltip player_id='511345' first='Karys' last='Campos'] is a high-energy libero who plays with relentless speed, passion, and hustle. She has a natural instinct for reading the game, allowing her to anticipate swings and position herself for elite-level digs and serve-receive consistency. Her reaction time and quick footwork enable her to cover a wide range defensively, turning what seem like impossible saves into controlled transitions. Campos doesn't just react, she dictates the pace, keeping her team in system and extending rallies with precision passing.   Her ability to read the block and adjust her positioning is a testament to her strong volleyball IQ and disciplined fundamentals. She doesn't just get to the ball she makes plays happen, ensuring her touches set up offensive opportunities. Whether she's hustling to pick up a tough ball or anchoring the serve-receive, Campos brings a competitive edge and reliability that make her a difference-maker on the court. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='545345' first='Daniella' last='Marrero'] thrives in high-pressure situations, digging straight heat with precision and poise. Her defensive presence is undeniable, she consistently puts herself in the perfect position to absorb heavy swings and turn them into playable balls. Her ability to track and read hitters allows her to adjust on the fly, making difficult digs look routine. With a low, balanced platform and clean ball control, Marrero keeps her team in system and minimizes errors, making her a key asset in transition play.   Beyond her technical skills, Marrero's court communication and leadership stand out. She is constantly engaged, directing her teammates and ensuring seamless defensive coverage. Her energy and composure under fire make her a stabilizing force in the back row. With fantastic ball work, relentless effort, and a high volleyball IQ, Marrero has all the tools to be an impact libero at the next level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='569633' first='Sierra' last='Ellison'] is a high-motor libero who brings relentless speed and hustle to every play. Her ability to cover the court efficiently allows her to track down tough balls and extend rallies, making her a defensive anchor for Absolute 16 Black. With sharp footwork and disciplined fundamentals, she stays balanced and in control, ensuring clean, on-target passes that keep her team in system. She thrives in fast-paced situations, reacting quickly to both powerful swings and finesse shots with equal effectiveness.   What sets Ellison apart is her connection with her teammates and her competitive drive. She is always engaged, reading the game in real time and adjusting her positioning to give her team the best chance at success. Whether she's in serve-receive, tracking a tip, or making a diving save, she plays with a determined mindset and a team-first approach. Her ability to stay locked in and execute consistently makes her a standout libero with next-level potential. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='501818' first='Ella' last='Garner'] plays with a polished, all-around game that makes her an invaluable asset on both offense and defense. Her court awareness and ability to anticipate plays allow her to position herself perfectly, making even the toughest digs look effortless. She moves with confidence, maintaining a strong passing platform and keeping her team in system with consistent, high-quality first contacts.    What truly elevates Garner's game is her elite court communication. She directs traffic, keeps her teammates engaged, and ensures seamless defensive transitions. Whether she's picking up a tough cross-court swing, tracking a tip, or keeping an out-of-system ball playable, she's always locked in. With her ability to control the tempo and stabilize the back row, Garner is a libero who will thrive at the next level. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='525753' first='Annaly' last='Landeros'] is a true defensive anchor, showcasing exceptional quickness, hustle, and anticipation. Her ability to read hitters and react instantly allows her to neutralize even the most powerful attacks. She is relentless in pursuit of the ball, covering the court with efficiency and discipline. Whether she's extending rallies with acrobatic digs or making seamless transitions into serve-receive, Landeros brings a level of poise well beyond her years.   From the service line, she is equally locked in, delivering precise, strategic serves that challenge opposing passers and keep her team in control. What sets Landeros apart is her ability to seamlessly transition from an aggressive server to an elite defensive presence, always positioning herself to make an impact. With her high volleyball IQ, unwavering work ethic, and fearless mentality, she is undoubtedly a libero to watch as she continues to develop at the highest levels. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. Thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

Digging heat at Triple Crown is different. The hits come faster, with more power, and there's no comfort of facing familiar opponents from your own region. At this tournament, elite-level offense is relentless, and the ability to read, react, and get balls up separates the good from the great.