Latest Winter Rankings Update: 2027 Liberos

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week, our <a href="https://prepdig.com/michigan/rankings/2027-rankings/">2027 player rankings</a> were updated this week after an exciting prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at the liberos and defensive specialists in the class and where they stand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2027","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"32926","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"19892","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6977f118b82f6"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Top 5 Liberos</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='454351' first='Mallory' last='Johnson'], Byron Center/FaR Out: </strong>Johnson has proven she can do anything, as she led Byron Center to a D1 semifinal appearance as an outside hitter. Still, she's among the elite in the country for her defensive play. Johnson is committed to Nebraska.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id='442967' first='Addison' last='Stepp'], South Lyon East/Legacy: </strong>Stepp has been in plenty of high-pressure situations throughout her prep and club career, coming out strong a majority of the time. She's very poised and reliable. Stepp is committed to Alabama.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='442971' first='Brenna' last='Mirovsky'], Oxford/Michigan Elite: </strong>The Oakland commit is a strong competitor that leaves it all on the floor in each match. She brings a lot of well-rounded skills to the court and is an outstanding leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='442994' first='Makayla' last='Naves'], Davison/Legacy: </strong>A Western Michigan commit, Naves has gone up against the best hitters time and again and proven she can dig them up. Naves has great footwork and athleticism, along with a tremendous energy that others feed off of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id='467951' first='Rylee' last='Paddock'], Jension/FaR Out: </strong>Another defender that can play any position, Paddock has brought her athleticism and quickness to the libero position. Paddock covers a lot of space and uses her intuitions well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Others To Watch</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='523872' first='Anika' last='Jaroszewski'], Plymouth Christian/Michigan Elite: </strong>Another player that can wear multiple hats, including setter, Jaroszewski has a great feel for the game, allowing her to excel at two key leadership positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='442977' first='Demi' last='McCoy'], Country Day/Michigan Elite: </strong>McCoy is a very powerful hitter that can also be a great defensive option. She plays with a lot of energy and determination that her teammates feed off of. She can also make an explosive offensive or defensive play to turn the tide in a match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='454376' first='Blair' last='Russow'], Bedford/Legacy: </strong>Russow is a dig machine that is relentless with her play. She's got a great first step to get to a spot to make a difficult dig. She also times out her sprawls and dives very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800489' first='Mackenzee' last='Stanley-Eldred'], East Grand Rapids/FaR Out: </strong>Stanley-Eldred was a solid defensive foundation for EGR this fall, helping the Pioneers compete against the best of the best in the state. She's got great form and a lot of calm in her play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='470701' first='Zoey' last='Kapeller'], OLCM/High Performance: </strong>Kapeller is long for the position and that allows her to cover good space. She's a natural athlete that has exceptional footwork and consistent form.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->