Anchors of Durango: Liberos and DS Who Steady the Game

At the Durango Fall Classic, defense and serve receive carried just as much weight as offense. Libero and DS players showed why recruiters look to them for stability, energy, and leadership. These athletes emphasized the training, mental preparation, and character that define their role. Their insights reveal how backcourt leaders keep teams composed and in rhythm when it matters most.    [player_tooltip player_id='511345' first='Karys' last='Campos'] emphasized her versatility as a libero, pointing to both her defensive presence and her ability to set out of system. She has been working on moving her feet more on deeper balls, staying low in defense, and clearing distractions during big moments. Her attention to mindfulness and meditation speaks to her commitment to mental preparation.   “The goals I have personally set for myself include putting all my effort into every ball and on defense not letting a ball drop without full effort,” Campos said. “Our team goals have been focused on covering, and not just on big plays, but on the smaller or easier balls as well.” She added that she is both supportive and competitive, always ready to cheer for teammates and celebrate big moments. Marymount won the Durango Fall Classic.     Maddie has been steadily carving out her place as a backcourt leader, and I've had the opportunity to follow her path closely. She has proven herself ready to handle the pace of high-level competition, defending against strong attackers while also learning alongside teammates already committed to the next level. What stands out is her consistency and readiness to step into a college program.   Her voice was also featured in <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/09/california-dominates-on-championship-day-at-durango-fall-classic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">California Dominates on Championship Day at Durango Fall Classic</a>, where she earned All-American recognition. “Currently I'm focused on my high school season and continuing to perform at a high level, while also prioritizing my academics during my senior year,” Maddie said. “I'm eager to connect with and commit to a volleyball program at a mid to large university that is looking for a libero ready to contribute.” Sierra Canyon finished 2nd at Durango. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='463763' first='Lily' last='Spalding'] described her game around defense and serving, focusing on being active in every play until the whistle. She has been working on reading the game better and strengthening her volleyball IQ, which allows her to anticipate hitters and extend rallies. Her personal goals reflect confidence, persistence, and staying locked into every point.   “My goals I've set are to be active in every play and believe that the play is not over till the whistle is blown, and to be confident in my ability and mental game,” Spalding said. She also highlighted her personality, describing herself as both fun and dedicated on and off the court. Rancho Cucamonga finished 58th at Durango. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='777568' first='Emma' last='Carter'] identified herself as a defensive leader who thrives on communication. She has been working on serve receive and emphasized her ability to get a first-ball side out off the pass. Her goals reflect the importance of staying calm under pressure and building team cohesion by removing individualism and playing together.   “One thing I want college coaches to know about me is that I'm a very outgoing person and player,” Carter said. “I will do just about anything to get a ball up. You will hear my voice on the court as I communicate to my hitters and setters.” She added that her leadership extends beyond volleyball, with involvement in ASB and school programs that shape her character. Liberty finished 49th at Durango. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='885354' first='Addison' last='Thompson']'s focus is serve receive and serving, two skills she sees as essential to keeping her team in system. Her training has centered on physical preparation and sharpening her volleyball IQ. She set her goals around growth and development, keeping her emphasis on becoming a stronger player each match and practice.   She noted that her leadership is one of her defining traits. College coaches can expect her to bring consistency, composure, and a team-first mentality. Alemany finished tied for 55th at Durango. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='787194' first='Ana' last='Laverty'] highlighted the energy she brings to the game as a defining part of her identity. She shared that her personal goal is to show up with confidence every match while ensuring her positivity is visible regardless of the score. That reliability makes her a trusted teammate and a steadying presence on the court.   “No matter the score or my attitude I'll always bring energy and positivity,” Laverty said. She sees her role as being someone teammates can look to for encouragement in pressure situations. 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The Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest tournaments in the country, highlighting programs and players who rose to the challenge. Next up is the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona, another premier stage where athletes will continue to showcase growth, leadership, and competitive drive. It is the perfect time to read, share, and support their journey as they compete in front of college coaches and elevate their game against top-tier competition.   🔥 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

At the Durango Fall Classic, defense and serve receive carried just as much weight as offense. Libero and DS players showed why recruiters look to them for stability, energy, and leadership. These athletes emphasized the training, mental preparation, and character that define their role. Their insights reveal how backcourt leaders keep teams composed and in rhythm when it matters most.