Defensive Specialists Who Elevate the Game

High school season is in full swing and these liberos and defensive specialists are proving why they're the backbone of their teams. After putting in the work all summer, from long club seasons to extra reps at the PrepDig Showcase, this group is now showing up with consistency, energy, and leadership every time they step on the floor. They're competitors who embrace pressure, steady their teammates in tough moments, and bring the kind of presence that college coaches are always looking for. Beyond the back row, they also opened up about their strengths, growth, and the qualities that set them apart both as athletes and teammates.    Court leadership and defensive toughness are the strengths of [player_tooltip player_id='581638' first='Aila' last='Reich']'s game. She takes charge in the back row, reading attackers and providing out-of-system sets when needed. Recently, she has been focusing on sharpening her out-of-system locations and even adding back sets to the outside to create more offensive options. Coaches and teammates praise her energy, speed, and volleyball IQ, recognizing her ability to lead through her play and her presence. Aila explained, “There's nothing I love more than making people laugh, my teammates, coaches, refs, opponents, and any stranger that looks my way.” Her ability to balance leadership and joy makes her an invaluable teammate. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='530914' first='Erin' last='Federigan'] plays with relentless effort, always focused on keeping the ball alive no matter how difficult the play. Her teammates know they can count on her to extend rallies and fight for every touch. She has recently been focusing on her split step in serve receive, working to be more aggressive in claiming seams and giving her team stability in the back row. Teammates and coaches describe her as energetic and full of hustle, especially in high-pressure moments. Erin shared, “My goal is always to just get the ball up whether it's barely up or super high up. I want my teammates to rely on me to keep rallies alive.” She also values the team environment deeply, explaining that she always works to build a family-like culture with those around her. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Quick reflexes and high energy define [player_tooltip player_id='777568' first='Emma' last='Carter']'s play. She keeps communication at the forefront, using her voice to bring energy to the court and direct her teammates on where opportunities are open. Lately, she has been improving in providing feedback to her hitters, making sure they know where to place the ball to exploit the defense. Coaches and teammates recognize her competitiveness and her drive to do whatever it takes to win. Emma explained, “I want to win so I will do everything in my power to help my team win.” Away from volleyball, she has been playing since fourth grade and has already had experiences traveling internationally, including to Paris. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='734842' first='Skyelar' last='Mennillo'] stands out for her ability to command the court with confidence. She uses her presence to take space and relieve pressure from her hitters both in serve receive and on defense. Recently, she has been refining her serve receive technique to ensure efficiency and consistency. Coaches and teammates describe her as a high-energy player who brings intensity to every rally and lifts the energy of the group with her personality. Skyelar put it simply, “My greatest strengths lie in my ability to project a commanding presence on the court.” Off the court, she is deeply committed to giving back, actively volunteering with Girl Scouts and helping those in need. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Known for her consistency and reliability, [player_tooltip player_id='786815' first='Kaylee' last='Olson'] prides herself on making defensive plays that keep rallies alive. Reading hitters has been her recent area of focus, helping her anticipate plays and adjust more quickly to attacks. Her coaches describe her as consistent and trustworthy, while teammates know she will always be there to support them on the court. Kaylee reflected, “My coaches say that I am very consistent, and know that they can put me in any position and I will do my job.” She also makes a point to include and encourage those around her, always welcoming teammates and peers who might feel left out. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Mindset and determination are the foundation of [player_tooltip player_id='780655' first='Hailey' last='Nordlicht']'s game. She thrives on defense, using her drive to keep her team composed and in control. Recently, she has been focusing on staying forward in her defensive posture to improve her reaction time. Her coaches describe her as a leader who helps relax the team in stressful moments while also bringing consistency every time she steps on the court. Hailey summed up her role by saying, “My coach says I'm a good leader, I'm good at relaxing the team when stressed, and staying consistent.” Off the court, she shows her creativity through art, a passion that complements her steady presence in volleyball. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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" />   September high school volleyball is in full swing, with players finding their rhythm as two of the nation's premier events approach. The Durango Fall Classic in Las Vegas and the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona provide stages for athletes 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

High school season is in full swing and these liberos and defensive specialists are proving why they're the backbone of their teams. After putting in the work all summer, from long club seasons to extra reps at the PrepDig Showcase, this group is now showing up with consistency, energy, and leadership every time they step on the floor. They're competitors who embrace pressure, steady their teammates in tough moments, and bring the kind of presence that college coaches are always looking for. Beyond the back row, they also opened up about their strengths, growth, and the qualities that set them apart both as athletes and teammates.