Top Liberos at the Michigan Stock Up Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><strong>Be sure to follow&nbsp;@lshotvb&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lshotvb/">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc">Tik Tok&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LineShotVBall">Twitter</a>&nbsp;for all things volleyball!</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7670343376297905439?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7621309005139035661" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.tiktok.com/@lshotvb/video/7670343376297905439?is_from_webapp=1&amp;sender_device=pc&amp;web_id=7621309005139035661">How are we getting NUMBER 1 VS. NUMBER 2 in the opening weekend of the NCAA Season?!</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>--</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's about that time to get a look on the returners! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Stock Up Showcase is the perfect place to get a good check up on some of the top athletes across the state, but its also the place to be to find the emerging talents that are beginning to blossom. This year's edition of the Stock Up was second to none.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had it all here. The National Champions. The USA Training invitees. Some of the biggest names in Michigan volleyball were on tap for the showcase at UWM Sports Complex. But we also had the fresh faces. The players that caused us to turn our head and go "Who is that?!" We got you covered here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is where the whole game starts. The first touch can make or break a team. With a legit libero, it changes the game. This position doesn't get nearly enough credit for their impact, but these players won't go unnoticed here. Let's take a look at some of the best 'bros at the 2026 Stock Up Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bridget Wiggins - Sacred Heart/Mid-Mich Aces</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like I said, a legit libero takes things to another level. That is what Bridget Wiggins does. When you look at the last few years, Wiggins has truly elevated her program at Sacred Heart. A powerhouse D4 program that can get by on a really strong hitter to go the distance. For Wiggins, she's managed to have a similar effect in the off-colored jersey. Wiggins is no stranger to the stock up and she's going into her junior season looking better than ever.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Jayda Guyton - Renaissance/Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the opener, we mentioned the beauty of these showcases. You bring in the top guns and then you can find the diamonds in the rough really finding their groove. Jayda Guyton is one of those players that are blossoming into a promising player. She's vocal, she's agile and she's finding a very prestine touch on the ball. Renaissance is a program that is always good for a solid player or two with promises to surprise others, with Guyton, that is very much the case.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lyla Russell - Imlay City/Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I would be keeping a real close eye on Lyla Russell and Imlay City this fall. We got to get a taste of what Russell was cooking up last fall, but after a season of playing open level club, I have a confidence that this 'bro will be coming in with a little oomph in her play. This is a speedy player in the back row that can cover quite a bit of ground. She'll be able to have full court access with Imlay City to allow for her younger players to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hope Purwadihardja - Plymouth/Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Right alongside Russell this club season, Hope Purwadihardja made huge strides in what as her new position as a DS/L. Once a setter, now practically a veteran in the DS position, this fall could be a break out for Purwadihardja. With this club season, her touch has become much more refined and controlled. She's always been known for her hustle and court coverage, but with the cleaner play, Purwadihardja takes control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Breanna McMahon - South Lyon East/Legacy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I love a player that can really weave in and out of positions and I feel this could be Breanna McMahon. While listed as a DS/L, McMahon can very easily muster in a heavy ball. She is a versatile weapon on the court that can elevate her side of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elizabeth Burke - St. Catherine/Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's hard to miss this player, if she's not taking in the hardest of swings, Elizabeth Burke is vocally running the court. Maybe the loudest player you can find in the gym and its all with great direction. Burke is really finding her groove on the court and reading the game at a much higher level than a year prior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Anna McBride - Detroit Country Day/L2</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Detroit Country Day is very much the early favorite to go on the three-peat run this fall. While they return their attackers and setter, it is the upgrade in the DS/L position that seems to lock them in. Anna McBride is going to be a game changer for DCD. After a really promising freshmn year full of growth, McBride is working the court quite comfortably and with great control. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Isabelle Brown - Cadillac/FaR Out</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Without a doubt, Isabelle Brown is one of, if not, the best libero in the 2029 class. There is just so much that she does well on the court. From her reception to her defense and to her stellar out of system setting, Brown is one of those liberos that hitters fear. She is also so versatile on the court when needed. Last fall, she set for her varsity team and now, this fall she is positioned to be a six rotation attacker for Cadillac. Brown is the athlete you want in your gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bristol Davenport - Southgate Anderson/Legacy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like many others on this list, Bristol Davenport is a perfect utility to have in the gym. While she is a DS/L at the end of the day, Davenport can slot into as an attacker and score quite a bit of points if needed. Her touch on the ball in both contacts is so controlled and effective. Davenport is coming off of a huge summer helping her club team to 15 Open National championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Maddy Willis - Divine Child/Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throw her in the libero jersey or let her run the court, either way you have it, Maddy WIllis is going to deliver. This past club season was Willis' first true season focusing on the position and she has shown huge leaps and bounds in the position. While she's always been known for her scrappy defense, her reception and touch on the ball have become much improved. Her background as a setter offers so much intangible in the position as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hadley Conrad - Northville/Michigan Elite</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there is anything to know about Northville, it is that there is no shortage of elite level DS/Ls. Hadley Conrad is in perfect company and continues the streak. Conrad has such a controlled touch on the ball that in both defense and reception, she is always in control. Conrad is vocal and leads with intent and it really elevates any court she's on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Be Sure to grab your tickets to watch some of the biggest events in college volleyball this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">The Players Era Volleyball Showcase in Las Vegas, NE, August 29-30 - Nebraska, Texas, TCU &amp; UNLV! <strong><em><a href="https://www.axs.com/events/1442695/all-tournament-pass-players-era-volleyball-showcase-tickets" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.axs.com/events/1442695/all-tournament-pass-players-era-volleyball-showcase-tickets">Grab your tickets HERE!</a></em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Broadway Block Party in Nashville, TN, September 6 - Texas, Louisville, Indiana, and Tennessee! <strong><em><a href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/broadway-block-party-nashville-tennessee-09-06-2026/event/1B00645A9F4ED5CD">Grab your tickets HERE!</a></em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Paradise Invitational in Nassau, Bahamas, September 11-13 - SMU, Purdue, Houston and Kentucky! <a href="https://bit.ly/LineshotxParadise"><strong><em>Grab your Tickets HERE!</em></strong></a></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->