The Defensive Drop: Five 2027 DS/Ls Just Earned Their Ranking

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colorado Class of 2027 rankings just got a defensive boost! Five DS/L standouts have officially earned their spots on the list. Each player brings a different style to the back row. However, they all have one thing in common. They have given our scouts a reason to take notice!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#10 [player_tooltip player_id='734457' first='Avery' last='Smiley'] | DS/L | Windsor </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734457"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acff2b5d1085"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A standout season has put Smiley firmly on the radar! The Windsor defender is now officially ranked in the Colorado Class of 2027. She has been making plays all over the back row and showing why she belongs in the conversation. Her defensive game starts with movement. Smiley covers ground quickly and stays ready for the next ball. She does not hesitate to chase down a tough attack. Once she gets there, she trusts her platform and works to keep the ball playable. That confidence shows up in serve receive, too. Smiley stays composed when the serve gets difficult. She also understands how important that first contact can be. Last season, Smiley finished with 548 digs. She also averaged 5.5 digs per set. Now, she is building on that production with another strong season. Because of that continued impact, Smiley has earned her place among Colorado's ranked 2027 players! This Windsor defender is absolutely a name to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#12 [player_tooltip player_id='734484' first='Elena' last='Paz'] | DS/L | Rock Canyon</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734484"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acff2b5d10ec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is a lot to like about Paz's defensive game! Her steady play has helped her earn a spot in the Colorado Class of 2027 rankings. Now, her name is officially on the list. Paz brings a controlled presence to the back row. She has a great feel for positioning and works to get herself ready early. As a result, she can create cleaner first contacts for her team. She also moves well when the play breaks down. If an attacker changes direction, Paz adjusts. If the ball gets pushed deep, she is ready to cover space. Meanwhile, her serve-receive game continues to stand out. She understands the value of a controlled first ball. That control can give her offense a better chance to run its system. Her consistency has been a big part of what caught our attention. Now, Paz is officially ranked among Colorado's Class of 2027! Keep this Rock Canyon defender on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#24 [player_tooltip player_id='734488' first='Genevieve' last='Forsman'] | DS/L/OH | Prospect Ridge Academy</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734488"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acff2b5d1151"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forsman has been giving us plenty of reasons to keep watching! Her defensive instincts and versatility have now earned her a spot in the Colorado Class of 2027 rankings. She can contribute as a DS, libero, or outside hitter. In the back row, Forsman stays locked in and ready to react. Whether an attacker goes down the line or targets the deep corner, she is prepared to move. She also handles those unexpected plays well. A tip over the block can change a rally quickly. However, Forsman stays ready for those moments. A deflection can send the ball somewhere new, and she adjusts. Because of that awareness, Forsman can cover plenty of court while staying connected to the rally. She also brings a disciplined approach to first contact. That combination has kept her on our radar. Now, she has taken the next step and is officially ranked in Colorado's Class of 2027! This is a new name to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#27 [player_tooltip player_id='519226' first='Maya' last='Singh'] | DS/L | Monarch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["519226"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acff2b5d11a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quick reactions have become a big part of Singh's game, and now they have earned her a ranking! The Monarch defender is officially part of the Colorado Class of 2027 rankings. Singh brings plenty of awareness to the back row. She tracks hitters and stays ready for changes in the play. If a block touch sends the ball somewhere unexpected, she reacts quickly. That quick response can make a huge difference during long rallies. In addition, Singh works hard to cover open space. She stays active and looks for ways to keep the ball alive. Her defensive mindset is another reason she caught our attention. Singh does not simply wait for the ball to come her way. Instead, she stays connected to the entire play. That activity has helped push her onto the list. Now, Singh is officially ranked in Colorado's Class of 2027! Keep this Monarch defender on your radar as the season continues.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#29 [player_tooltip player_id='734497' first='Laurissa' last='Richards'] | DS/L | Valley</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734497"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6acff2b5d1214"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Richards may stand at 5'1", but she brings plenty of presence to the back row! Her controlled serve receive has helped her earn a spot in the Colorado Class of 2027 rankings. Richards works hard to get her body behind the ball. She also creates a steady passing platform when the serve comes her way. As a result, she can give her setter a more manageable first contact. More importantly, Richards understands what that pass means for the offense. She is not simply trying to keep the ball in play. Instead, she works to create options for her team. She also stays composed when the serve gets difficult. That poise can help keep a team in system during pressure moments. Her combination of control and awareness has caught our attention. Now, Richards is officially ranked among Colorado's 2027 players! This Valley defender is another name to keep on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five Defensive Names Now Ranked</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Colorado Class of 2027 rankings just added five more names to know! Each defender brings something different to the court. However, all five have shown qualities that caught our scouts' attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From Smiley's standout season to Richards' controlled passing, this group brings plenty of defensive talent. Meanwhile, Paz, Forsman, and Singh continue to show why strong first contact matters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, they are not just names on our radar. They are officially ranked!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->