Backrow Leaders: 2029 Libero Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every new high school volleyball season brings a wave of excitement, but few storylines are more fun than watching freshmen step on the floor for the first time and hold their own. The back row is a tough place to earn trust—it's where rallies are saved, momentum is shifted, and mistakes get magnified. Yet this fall, a group of freshman defenders has stepped into those pressure-packed spots with confidence and hustle, giving their teams a spark and showing flashes of what they can become.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They're not finished products—far from it. The talent is developing, the game speed is still being adjusted to, and mistakes happen. But that's the beauty of it. Watching these young players grow into their roles is just as fun as watching them dig a hard-driven swing or put a perfect ball on target in serve-receive. Each of these athletes brings her own personality to the floor, her own style of play, and her own upside. Here's a closer look at the freshmen making noise in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='745242' first='Liv' last='Mattern']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mattern plays with a steady confidence that belies her freshman status. She anticipates well in serve-receive and reads hitters early, allowing her to be in position before the ball crosses the net. While she's still refining her platform angles, she shows an advanced ability to control the first touch and keep her setter in system. Coaches will like her willingness to communicate and her calm demeanor under pressure—two traits that often take years to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='737779' first='Brooke' last='Peterson']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peterson brings energy every time she rotates into the back row. She has a quick first step, which helps her cover tips and off-speed shots that frustrate many defenders. Her court vision is sharp for her age, and she's not afraid to lay out for a ball when her team needs a big save. Peterson is still adjusting to the physicality of high school attackers, but her effort level and grit already stand out. She's a spark plug that teammates feed off of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='751383' first='Emmalee' last='Eriksmoen']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eriksmoen is learning the libero craft with patience and persistence. She plays with an even keel, rarely showing frustration when a play doesn't go her way. Her serve-receive mechanics are clean, and she has a knack for keeping balls alive with one-arm saves and emergency touches. Eriksmoen is still working on her range, but her consistency in free-ball passing has been a steadying force for her team. For a freshman, that reliability is gold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Jada McClaflin</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McClaflin is athletic and fearless. She's quick off the floor when diving, and her reaction speed gives her an edge in picking up hard-driven balls. Her footwork allows her to adjust on the fly, and she's not shy about taking charge in serve-receive lanes. The next step for McClaflin is improving her communication with teammates, but her physical tools already set her apart. She has the look of a defender who could grow into a long-term difference-maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='755993' first='Anna' last='Jackson']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson thrives on court awareness. She sees plays develop and reacts early, often beating attackers to the spot with her anticipation. She's not the loudest player yet, but her ability to read tips and roll shots adds real value to her team's floor defense. Her serve-receive has been improving week by week, and she's beginning to trust her instincts more. Jackson may fly under the radar, but she's quietly carving out a role for herself in the rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='846387' first='Mya' last='Dannenfelzer']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dannenfelzer plays with a toughness that shows up in long rallies. She's quick to recover after a dive and doesn't hesitate to challenge herself on difficult balls. Her platform control is still developing, but she makes up for it with effort and hustle. She's also showing early signs of being a strong server, which adds another dimension to her role. Coaches love players who refuse to let the ball hit the floor, and Dannenfelzer is quickly earning that reputation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='846269' first='Arika' last='Bhattarai']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bhattarai is a technically sound freshman with a good foundation in passing form. She positions herself well and often makes serve-receive look easier than it is. While she's still building confidence in the speed of the high school game, her ball control is steady and dependable. She may not be the flashiest defender on the list, but her consistency is exactly what keeps rallies alive and helps setters run smooth offenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='778569' first='Kloe' last='Ackerman']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ackerman is one of the more vocal freshmen in the group, which instantly makes her valuable in the back row. She's not afraid to call seams, direct traffic, or take control of a play. That leadership is rare in first-year players, and it pairs well with her solid digging ability against heavy swings. Ackerman's confidence will only grow as she gains more experience, but even now, she's already making an impact by keeping her teammates organized.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='882502' first='Sylvia' last='Barnacle']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnacle plays with a fearless edge. She attacks every ball with determination, whether it's a deep line shot or a short tip just over the block. Her quick reaction time allows her to adjust mid-play, and she's not intimidated by facing older, stronger hitters. Barnacle is still refining her passing consistency, but her relentless pursuit of every ball gives her team an extra gear on defense. She's the type of player who inspires effort across the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='882189' first='Cannyn' last='Walter']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walter stands out with her smooth movements and ability to stay balanced while passing. Her platform control is advanced for her age, and she rarely looks rushed when the serve is coming her way. Walter's confidence in serve-receive helps her team stay in rhythm, and she's beginning to take on more responsibility in covering large portions of the backcourt. As her defensive range expands, she projects as a high-level libero prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='884090' first='Evie' last='Pecoraro']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pecoraro is scrappy, determined, and willing to chase down every ball. She thrives in broken plays, where her instincts take over and she finds ways to keep rallies alive. Her serving is also a strength, giving her team momentum swings from the line. While she's still developing in serve-receive, her defensive hustle ensures she's never far from the ball. Pecoraro's competitiveness is her calling card, and it's what makes her stand out early on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='792456' first='Marcella' last='Heiser']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heiser brings steady ball control and patience to her team's backcourt. She's not rushed in serve-receive, and her calm approach helps settle her teammates during tense stretches. She moves fluidly, which allows her to cover tips and short shots effectively. Heiser is still finding her voice on the court, but her technical foundation suggests she'll be a reliable piece of her team's defensive future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='880408' first='Halle' last='Welken']</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welken rounds out the group with her quick reflexes and athletic ability. She reacts well to hard swings and isn't afraid to sprawl out for difficult digs. Her ability to adapt mid-play, whether chasing down a shanked ball or reacting to a mis-hit, shows advanced instincts. Welken's next step is sharpening her consistency in serve-receive, but the tools are all there for her to become a cornerstone defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Freshmen Rising</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group of freshmen may not have all the polish of upperclassmen just yet, but that's what makes watching them so fun. Every match is a learning experience, and every touch on the ball is a chance to grow. What's already clear is that they're competing with confidence, embracing their defensive roles, and helping their teams in meaningful ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->