Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos

The 2029 and 2030 classes are quickly emerging as strong groups of back-row defenders, showcasing high-level serve receive, defensive discipline, and competitive toughness. Here are seven liberos making an early impact and laying the foundation for long-term development.    McCullough is a 2030 libero with a 3.3 GPA who plays with a clean platform and fluid movement across the court. She positions well outside the block and is excelling in a middle-back libero role, handling deep shots with confidence and control. More than just a defender, she's capable of attacking from the back row and contributes additional pressure with a reliable serve.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/IMG_0591-crop-1170x769-1769127419.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-937892" /></figure>   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv     A 4.0 GPA student-athlete, Artiga plays with poise and intentionality on the defensive end. She consistently creates clean angles, uses the tomahawk effectively when needed, and delivers controlled, high balls to her setter. A relentless hustler, she covers significant ground to keep balls off the floor and anchors serve receive with confidence and composure.   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv     Wald brings high-level anticipation and nonstop movement to the libero position, pairing her on-court instincts with a 4.25 GPA. She shows strong serve-receive skills, reads plays early, and expects the ball to come her way, rarely caught off guard. She consistently covers hitters, handles short serves well, and currently plays behind both middles for her club team. Her float serve adds another steady weapon.   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv     Rainford is committed to her long-term development, putting in consistent work in both the weight room and the gym with some of the best trainers in the sport. Her dedication is translating to growth as a libero, paired with a left-handed deep float serve that applies pressure from the end line. Her work ethic and continued reps are clearly paying dividends.   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv     Assahouri stands out with a strong, seam-finding serve and one of my favorite pre-serve routines so far this season. She controls one-hand passes when necessary, stays steady in her movement during serve receive, and covers hitters with reliability. Her ability to manage pace and stay composed makes her a dependable presence in the libero jersey.   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv     Pham may be a freshman, but she plays like a seasoned libero. She has very clean serve receive and excellent ball control. She delivers high, hittable balls to the setter and isn't afraid to lay out to extend rallies. Quick on her feet and disciplined in coverage, she consistently supports her hitters and serves tough enough to push opponents out of system. Her steady growth continues to show each weekend.   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv     Perkins is a dependable libero who brings positive energy and effort every time she steps on the court, pairing her play with a 4.0 GPA. A varsity contributor as a freshman, she chases down balls and provides reliable serve receive. Her upbeat presence and consistency make her a stabilizing force in the back row.   —Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv    Thank you for supporting Prep Dig Nevada. We are grateful for our readers and subscribers as we cover high school athletes and incoming freshmen from across the entire state. Our team scouts matches consistently and provides exposure through in-depth articles and social media features.   Follow, tag, and collaborate with us on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdignv">@prepdignv</a>   Gain major exposure by creating a <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">Free Player Profile</a> or tagging us in your game schedules on social media.   Already a subscriber? Share the love and support the sport by using code Bryant30 for 30% off subscription

The 2029 and 2030 classes are quickly emerging as strong groups of back-row defenders, showcasing high-level serve receive, defensive discipline, and competitive toughness. Here are seven liberos making an early impact and laying the foundation for long-term development.