Loving the 2027 Littles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to the heartbeat of a volleyball team, few positions carry the weight of the libero and defensive specialist. The Class of 2027 is full of back-row standouts who embody toughness, quickness, and court awareness, making them some of the most valuable playmakers in the state. From game-changing digs to fearless second-ball setting, this group shows why defense wins matches. This class of liberos and defensive specialists is loaded with grit, intelligence, and leadership. They may not always get the spotlight, but their willingness to sacrifice, organize the floor, and make plays under pressure is what sets them apart. For the Class of 2027, defense isn't just a role—it's an identity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["475328"],"_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-68a62e7352791"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schaeffer sits firmly at the top of the class. Widely regarded as the best libero in Missouri's 2027 group, her combination of defensive instincts, vocal leadership, and elite second-ball setting separates her from the pack. With a high volleyball IQ and unmatched feel for the game, Schaeffer consistently puts her team in system and makes the toughest plays look routine. She's not just the best libero in her class—she has a case as one of the best in the state overall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["487562"],"_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-68a62e7352826"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='487562' first='Mara' last='Coulter'] of Nixa is small but mighty, bringing relentless energy and toughness to the floor. What she lacks in size, she makes up for with her willingness to sacrifice her body, chase down balls in impossible spaces, and keep rallies alive. Coulter's scrappiness and competitive fire make her a player no opponent wants to see on the other side of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["516219"],"_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-68a62e735289d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At Pembroke Hill, [player_tooltip player_id='516219' first='Lochlar' last='O'Bleness'] has built a reputation as one of the grittiest defenders in the class. Already committed to North Dakota, she plays with the poise of a veteran and the toughness of someone determined to win every rally. O'Bleness's back-row presence and relentless pursuit of the ball make her a cornerstone for her team's defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["446327"],"_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-68a62e7352913"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='800602' first='Molly' last='Bokenkroger'] steps into the libero jersey with big shoes to fill, but she's no stranger to the court. Having already logged two varsity seasons, Bokenkroger brings stability, experience, and confidence to the back row. Her quickness and ball control allow her team to run smoothly in transition, and her leadership is growing with every match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["445924"],"_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-68a62e735298c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Massey of Staley and the MAVS club program is another steady, reliable libero in the 2027 class. Massey's ability to read hitters, adjust her positioning, and consistently get underneath tough swings makes her one of the most dependable defenders in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["487567"],"_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-68a62e7352a02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At Orchard Farm, [player_tooltip player_id='487567' first='Khloe' last='Heberle'] represents the small schools with pride. She's a defensive anchor who plays with determination and composure, helping her team stay competitive against bigger programs. Her strong platform and quick reactions keep her squad in rallies time and time again.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["512842"],"_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-68a62e7352a7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rounding out the group is [player_tooltip player_id='512842' first='Rachel' last='Buchanan'], whose 5'7” frame and long reach give her a unique advantage in the back row. She covers more ground than most and uses her length to dig balls that others simply can't reach. Buchanan's physical tools and defensive instincts make her an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->