2026 Senior Rankings: DS/Ls Who Anchor the Floor

<p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: <strong>digdakotas30</strong> in the coupon code area</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p>   <p>In a sport built on firepower and height, it's easy for the spotlight to drift toward the pins or the dominant middles. But any coach, any setter, and any high-level program will tell you the same thing: the engine of elite volleyball starts in the backcourt. Defensive Specialists and Liberos are the heartbeat positions—responsible for first contact consistency, defensive reads, floor leadership, and the gritty, unglamorous work that decides tight sets. They own the serve-receive lanes, turn chaos into system, and often see the game two steps before anyone else.</p>   <p>The players on this list represent that standard. Whether they anchored a deep postseason run, transformed their team's ball control, or elevated every possession with discipline and toughness, each DS/L proved why backcourt talent is just as valuable as any terminal scorer. Here are the defensive difference-makers who stood out in the past year—and why their impact was undeniable.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736589' first='Emma' last='Gorvin'] – Sioux Valley</strong></h2>   <p>A natural floor general, [player_tooltip player_id='736589' first='Emma' last='Gorvin'] brought a steady, confident presence that Sioux Valley leaned on heavily all season. What separated her was her ability to read hitters early—often already planted in the seam before the swing even happened. Her platform remained quiet and clean, producing high-quality balls that gave her offense rhythm. Whether handling tough serves or extending rallies with fearless pursuit, Gorvin elevated Sioux Valley's composure in close matches. Her volleyball IQ and reliability made her the glue of her team's entire defensive identity.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765219' first='Jasmine' last='Vander Haar'] – Sioux Falls Christian</strong></h2>   <p>Sioux Falls Christian has long been known for its discipline, and [player_tooltip player_id='765219' first='Jasmine' last='Vander Haar'] fit that reputation perfectly. She was a rock in serve-receive, rarely getting knocked off balance no matter the server's speed or angle. Vander Haar's poise separated her—she didn't just dig balls, she controlled them. Her first touch consistently put setters in motion, allowing SFC's offense to stay unpredictable and fast. The championship-level calm she brought to the floor is rare, and her consistency was a major factor in SFC's high-standard season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='802148' first='Jolie' last='Lien'] – Great Plains Lutheran</strong></h2>   <p>Few players in the state brought as much raw defensive range as [player_tooltip player_id='802148' first='Jolie' last='Lien']. She covered ground with ease, flying into the deep corners or chasing balls few would even attempt. GPL relied heavily on her effort, and she delivered night after night. Lien's serve-receive improved dramatically this season, allowing her to shoulder more responsibility while still being the team's spark plug in long rallies. Her motor never shut off, and her ability to swing momentum with a single hustle play made her one of the most valuable defensive athletes in her class.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ireland Jackson – Bishop Heelan</strong></h2>   <p>A technician in the back row, Ireland Jackson played with a level of precision that stood out even in Iowa's competitive landscape. Her discipline on angles and her ability to keep her hips behind the ball were elite. Jackson didn't gamble—she trusted her fundamentals, and it paid off. What made her indispensable to Heelan was her consistency tracking seams and taking pressure off younger passers. When matches got tight, she was the calming anchor that kept the ball off the floor. Her polish and maturity allowed Heelan to stay in system far more often than opponents wanted.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='729821' first='Remie' last='Roduner'] – Wessington Springs</strong></h2>   <p>Roduner was one of the most dynamic defensive playmakers in her region, bringing both intensity and creativity to her role. She wasn't afraid of the big moment—if anything, she thrived in it. Roduner read hitters aggressively and took smart risks that turned into game-changing digs. Her ability to transition instantly from defense to a perfect out-of-system pass was a massive asset for Wessington Springs. She brought edge, attitude, and a competitive fire that raised the entire team's level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='765211' first='Kenna' last='Soulek'] – Mitchell</strong></h2>   <p>Mitchell leaned on the stability and toughness of [player_tooltip player_id='765211' first='Kenna' last='Soulek'], who showed all season why she's one of the most dependable DS/L's in the class. Her technique was clean, but it was her discipline in rotations and her ability to control the free-ball and down-ball game that made her shine. Soulek rarely made errors in serve-receive, and her ability to neutralize hard float serves was elite. She brought maturity to the backcourt and was a huge piece of Mitchell's consistency throughout the year.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='795436' first='Kayla' last='Newberg'] – Sioux Falls Jefferson</strong></h2>   <p>One of the most explosive defenders on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='795436' first='Kayla' last='Newberg'] read hitters exceptionally well and wasn't afraid to put her body on the floor to save plays. Jefferson benefited greatly from her aggression—Newberg generated second-chance efforts that turned into critical points. She excelled at digging in-system attacks, taking away cross-court angles that opposing hitters expected to score on. Pair that with her fast reactions and serve-receive steadiness, and you get a backcourt player who consistently changed the momentum of matches.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='794375' first='Hannah' last='Nesdahl'] – Sioux Falls Washington</strong></h2>   <p>Nesdahl brought a level of athleticism and defensive anticipation that stood out on one of the state's most competitive rosters. Her coverage in the middle third of the court was exceptional, and she excelled at reading setter tendencies and adjusting her depth perfectly. Washington trusted her with tough rotations because she thrived under pressure—handling elite servers without flinching. Nesdahl's energy and communication elevated the Warriors' entire backcourt unit and set the tone for their defensive culture.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cali Roemen – O'Gorman</strong></h2>   <p>Roemen was one of the steadiest, most technically clean liberos in the state. She excelled at quieting her platform and funneling balls exactly where her setter needed them. Her discipline in serve-receive allowed O'Gorman to run a fast, aggressive offense, and her composure in long rallies often gave the Knights the final swing. Roemen was the kind of libero who made everything look easier than it was, and her reliability played a major role in O'Gorman's success throughout the season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='799405' first='Taylin' last='Kleffman'] – Aberdeen Central</strong></h2>   <p>A fierce competitor, Kleffman brought next-level toughness to Aberdeen Central. She attacked every ball with intent—never passive, always determined. Her ability to dig power hitters and immediately convert the touch into a controlled pass set her apart. Kleffman's energy and vocal leadership fueled her team during big moments, and she often set the defensive standard early in matches. For a team that prided itself on grit, she embodied that identity every night.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <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>   <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 <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2>   <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p>   <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p>   <p></p>

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