I.D That Sophomore: Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Dig Dallas Sophomore ID Showcase took place July 19th and for 2 hours the class of 2029 came in and put their best foot forward. There was much to see with great talent on all courts. We've looked at some highlight setters, and big middles that were in the house. Today, it's time for defense. A good play can only happen when started correctly, and that comes from a dime pass from some fearless defenders. Here are some top dawg Ds/Liberos from last weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> Other Sophomore I.D Standouts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/07/i-d-that-sophomore-must-see-middles/">https://prepdig.com/2026/07/i-d-that-sophomore-must-see-middles/↗</a><br></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Specialists </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["918789"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6bfccff0fc0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brianna Perry, Ds/L out of Sasche, Texas, came out with big play for a 'little' player. Coming out of a season with Amerisports, she brings a game of fundamental and technical volleyball to the court. Highlighting disciplined training with her footwork and passing technique, taking both feet to the ball and always seeing the ball into play. She does well covering her hitters and moving low in an athletic position to stay prepared to make adjustments to the play as needed. Brianna is going to play solid and accountable defense every time, there is no doubt she can be trusted to take of the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1002456"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6bfccff1073"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alejandra Guzman, a defensive specialist from Laredo, Texas, came in with the speed at the Sophomore I.D Showcase. Playing for J.B Alexader High School, she brings the quick and reactive coverage hitters love to have behind their attacks. Clearly comfortable on the court, Alejandra plays defense with quick and efficient reads, making adjustments and reacting to the ball with decisiveness that can only come with lots of training and court time. Her commitment and dedication to the game have, and will continue to stand out as she progresses her game to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["542662"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6bfccff10dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alexis Mull, defensive specialist out of Harker Heights, came in with all the energy for the Sophomore Showcase. Taking the extra step to go for the ball every play displayed her all out effort that got her noticed early. On top of her defense and hustle, Alexis took it a step further by ensuring she communicated with players alongside her every single play. Her effort and communication does not go unanswered as her extra step mentality constantly puts her in position to make the play happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1005899"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6bfccff115b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Austyn Kidwell, a Ds from PCA in Plano, Texas. Just spent her club season with Arete's 17 Navy team and the level up paid off! On the court, Austyn sets the tone for the back row, communicating and hustling every single play. Able to compete in a fast tempo game, she pushes to make the hard pass and keep rallies alive. With a clear high IQ for the game, she reads and reacts to the ball efficiently, putting herself in playing position quickly and making a fundamentally sound play. There is no fear and no hesitation when it comes to Austyn's play, a good sign that she's ready for what's next.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1001525"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a6bfccff11eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alesa Hernandez, going on tour with us, as she made her appearance in Dallas and Houston for this summer's showcases. There is some true grit to her game, hustling and making every effort to be apart of the play. Taking the time to read and react to the ball with minimal adjustments goes to show how confident she is in her ability to play this game. Proper passing form, fundamental footwork, and consistent communication are simple but shining qualities to Alesa's game, that are only getting better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->