Can’t Commit? No Problem. Five Defenders We’re Watching From ‘29

Want a subscription to PrepDig? Use code Kyp30 for 30% off of your annual subscription! And don't forget to follow @KypPDIN on X for all of your Indiana high school and club volleyball news!   In our final edition of ‘29s turning heads, we focus on the five floor defenders that have the biggest likelihood of committing early next summer. From around the state, on both the JVA and USAV circuits, here they are, in no particular order.    As if you needed an excuse to watch Roncalli, look no further than Callie, who will dictate the Royals' future successes. Miss Stephenson follows the trail already blazed by multiple primary passers, and matches their talent point for point. In her case, she can receive serve in half the court, taking pressure off of her fellow passers. On defense, her read-and-react abilities are second to none in this class. I have confidence in the following statement—-Callie is next in line for D1 consideration from Roncalli, in this or any class.     A tough day 3 at GJNCs in 15 Open led to a 21st place finish with Evie at the helm of serve receive and floor defense. There's a reason she was the captain of this overachieving squad this past spring, as the first contact in all situations were spot on when Miss Ellis was in charge. Gritty, tough and athletic, Evie's ability to get to every ball—-and I mean EVERY ball—-kept this team on the winning side of things for at least 75% of their matches this past spring. In short, you could do a lot worse than Evie when committing to a defensive specialist next summer, but why would you settle for less when you can have one of the best in the class?     This rockstar of a libero is fun to watch, and I've been high on her skill set for some time now. Miss Beyer, despite her obvious stature, will track down each and every ball, regardless of the in- or out-of-system status of the play. Fighting for every point from 0-0 to the last whistle, Cecelia is a spitfire of a defender whose grit, toughness and relentless play will carry her far in her recruiting process.     You can't mention floor defenders without mentioning someone from HSE. The perennial 4A state power produces high-end players at all positions consistently, and Miss Hancock is no different. I like the fact that her relentless play and solid skill set carries her (and the roster around her) to wins more often than not, as the first contact is SO important for any roster. If Isabella can continue her training regiment and foot speed work, she will rise through the rankings faster than most.     Trinity Lutheran——and subsequently, Cougar—-have a problem. They regularly produce high-end, Division 1 talent, yet not enough recruiters know about them, let alone what level they can play. Insert Kennedi, the next in line libero for a winning club and high school that anchors one of the best defensive teams in the state. Ignore the height, as Miss Butler plays much longer than her stature, and can defend any and all in- and out-of-system shots from opponents with ease. You're also going to notice a little more floor direction from Kennedi, as she's now older and more mature, allowing her to direct traffic with confidence. Having another coach on the floor that passes nails is a nice problem to have, and TL has Kennedi to thank for such a problem.

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