M2 and Ichiban Practice Report: Liberos who caught our eye

The more time we spend inside these practices, the more obvious it becomes — the back row is where the tone of a team actually lives. Liberos and DSs don't just pass balls. They set the emotional temperature, steady the pace, and make the court feel safer for everyone else.   And generosity shows up here too — in how they cover hitters, chase balls with no hesitation, and give their teams second and third chances to score. That effort expands everything around them.   Here are five athletes who stood out in practice for exactly that reason.    Sophia runs the back row with real authority. Quick feet, constant communication, and a natural ability to organize defenders around her. Coaches said her presence is noticeable, and they weren't exaggerating — the energy shifts when she's in. She's Colombian‑Persian, formerly played tennis, and loves researching skincare. She hopes to study law at the University of Chicago. Her disciplined communication mirrors someone who sees the game through structure and clarity. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     Coaches didn't hesitate — “best libero in the club.” That confidence showed up immediately. Dallas has the footspeed, the angles, and the discipline to clean up entire defensive sequences by herself. Her communication is sharp, and she plays with a presence that makes the court feel manageable. She's in Beta Club and National Honor Society and already assists coaching younger athletes — the kind of servant‑leader mindset that makes great defenders even more valuable. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     Madelynn's game is all about stability. She tracks the ball well, keeps her platform quiet, and plays with a calmness that spreads across the floor. Coaches noted her reliability, and her training reps made that clear — she brings consistency to every contact. Outside of volleyball, she likes to cook and bake, participates in FCCLA and Beta Club, and plans to major in marketing. Her steady demeanor matches the kind of libero who raises the floor for everyone around her. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     Fast, sharp, and technically clean — Luiza plays defense with real efficiency. She reads early, moves decisively, and doesn't waste steps. In practice, she consistently put hitters in comfortable situations because her first touch settled the entire system. She also loves art, painting, and sketching, and wants to major in business at Georgia Tech. That creative attention to detail parallels her court presence — thoughtful, precise, and composed. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast     Coaches talked about her quick feet and relentless hustle, and she backed that up the entire session. Audrey chases balls most players give up on, and she does it without dramatics — just work, urgency, and repeatable discipline. Off the court, she's planning for med school with top choices like Emory, UGA, NYU, and Georgia Tech, and spends weekends golfing with her grandparents. That mix of focus and balance shows up in how she competes: grounded, intentional, and reliable. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast    Back‑row play is one of the purest expressions of generosity in this sport — giving effort, giving coverage, giving your team the belief that the ball is never truly down. These athletes showed that in practice. And being granted access to watch them work is a reminder of why this coverage matters: when players give their best, the entire community grows with them.   Note to GA Athletes:   If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following<a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"> BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Work hard, Play hard. ~ Z.R. Nix @BenchtoBeast

The more time we spend inside these practices, the more obvious it becomes — the back row is where the tone of a team actually lives. Liberos and DSs don't just pass balls. They set the emotional temperature, steady the pace, and make the court feel safer for everyone else.