High School Defensive Specialists to Watch This Season

With high school season just beginning, these liberos and defensive specialists are stepping up as the heartbeat of their teams. The best defensive players don't just dig balls, they set the tone for the entire squad. This group brings relentless hustle, sharp reading skills, and a voice that never stops. From serve receive to out-of-system setting, they have worked to become reliable anchors who keep plays alive and make their teammates better. For college coaches looking for defenders who combine energy with precision, these athletes deliver exactly that.    [player_tooltip player_id='463763' first='Lily' last='Spalding'] brings a combination of positivity, coachability, and a competitive drive that lifts everyone around her. She understands that being a good teammate and an eager learner are traits that make a lasting impression on coaches at any level. This summer, she focused on sharpening her serve receive and building a strong presence on the court, knowing that both can make or break a match. “Serve receive can win or lose a game,” she says, and her loud, upbeat energy keeps her team connected during the toughest points. Her teammates describe her as highly competitive and fully committed to giving her all. Off the court, Lily loves to dance and sing, and her Marvel fandom shows her fun, spirited side. Rancho Cucamonga enters the season with Lily ready to set the tone defensively while being a constant source of energy.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable 247     For [player_tooltip player_id='532636' first='Isabella' last='Gornick'], defense is more than a role, it is a passion. She thrives on the challenge of keeping plays alive, whether it is laying out for a dig or delivering a perfect ball in out-of-system situations. Communication is one of her biggest strengths, and she uses it to guide hitters toward open shots and lift their spirits when momentum dips. “I love defense and those crazy hustle plays,” she says, a reflection of her relentless pursuit of the ball. Her coaches and teammates describe her as loud, energetic, and dependable, someone who brings both intensity and consistency to the court. With playlists that she says are “fire,” Isabella's pregame energy will be fueling Buchanan's defensive charge this season.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable 247     A leader by example and by voice, [player_tooltip player_id='730245' first='Katherine' last='Deng'] brings constant communication, a positive attitude, and strong reading skills to the libero position. As a captain, she has learned how to keep her team steady in high-pressure moments, using her ability to identify hitter and blocker tendencies to gain an edge. This offseason, she has taken that vision a step further, studying defender positioning and setter patterns to anticipate plays before they develop. “Reading is the most important aspect of volleyball,” she recalls from a coach's advice, and she is committed to mastering it. Known as a passionate and dedicated player, Katherine enters Campolindo's season ready to be the anchor that keeps her team organized and confident, no matter the matchup.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable 247     Gabrielle "Gabi" Pagano is the kind of player who steadies a team in high-pressure situations. She combines calm under pressure with resilience, responsibility, and a growth mindset, always looking for ways to improve. Her offseason work has been centered on building consistency in every fundamental skill, a foundation that allows her to elevate all aspects of her game. “Facing challenges with a growth mindset means always continuing to work hard,” she says. Described as supportive, competitive, and outgoing, Gabrielle not only makes an impact on the court but also strengthens team chemistry. Fluent in Spanish and with a love for cooking, she brings a well-rounded presence to Centennial, where she is ready to be both a defensive anchor and a motivator this season.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable 247     [player_tooltip player_id='762567' first='Devyn' last='Lacoste'] reads the game with precision and brings clear, confident communication to every rally. She values feedback and uses it to constantly refine her play, a coachable quality that helps her improve at a fast pace. This summer, she focused on becoming a more vocal presence on the court, knowing that a libero's role includes controlling the game's rhythm. “To be a libero I need to control the game,” she says, a mindset she brings into every match. Hardworking, focused, and a true team player, Devyn enters Rocklin's season ready to lead the defense and keep her team organized in every rotation.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable 247     Agile, quick-reacting, and court-smart, [player_tooltip player_id='747038' first='Emry' last='Ward'] thrives in high-speed rallies. She takes pride in her ability to anticipate plays and react instantly, skills she has sharpened through focused serve receive training this offseason. “It's one of the most important responsibilities as a libero,” she says, knowing that a clean first touch can completely change a possession. Her dedication, consistency, and open communication make her a reliable defensive leader. Off the court, Emry's unique flexibility as a contortionist is a reminder of the athletic versatility she brings to her role. Edison can count on her to be a steady and dynamic presence as the season unfolds.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable 247    <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_b3bd7c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770392" /></figure>     ✨ Help a player get discovered — share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCa</a>!   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   🚀 <a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">prospect index</a>.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Throughout August, as tryouts, preseason training, and early matches unfold, high school players enter a critical stretch of growth, leadership, and visibility. It's the perfect time to read, share, and support their journey.   🔥 Players — Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to go further? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors — Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them loudly. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility is everything.   🎯 College Coaches — Tag these athletes in your University Athlete app and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. We're tracking their performance, growth, and impact through Recruitable Credentials — earned indicators college coaches recognize. Follow their journey with us and connect with athletes built for the next level.   🙏 Parents & Supporters — Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this possible.   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

With high school season just beginning, these liberos and defensive specialists are stepping up as the heartbeat of their teams. The best defensive players don't just dig balls, they set the tone for the entire squad. This group brings relentless hustle, sharp reading skills, and a voice that never stops. From serve receive to out-of-system setting, they have worked to become reliable anchors who keep plays alive and make their teammates better. For college coaches looking for defenders who combine energy with precision, these athletes deliver exactly that.