Freshman First Impressions: Definition of Defense

The Dallas Freshman Showcase came with many surprises from the class of 2030, and defense was no exception! Great touches from some impressive up and coming defensive specialists that need to be seen this season. Hard to miss these Texas dawgs on the court. The effort, the energy, the skill! Here's who was on the court this weekend.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coach Faith's Defensive First Take</h2>    Aria Luna, Ds/L out of Royse City, brings a defensive consistency to the court needed for good play. She does well getting her feet to the ball and creating an angle early to make a controlled play on the ball. Aria is disciplined when it comes to defense, staying low throughout play, moving to cover hitters, and constantly putting her self in position to make a read off opposing hitters. Control, discipline, and fundamental volleyball define her game, and show why she has carried the libero jersey in seasons passed.     Maylen Skogsberg, a Ds with some size, from Lake Country Christian. While she stands up and stands out in the back row, Maylen's effort and energy are what truly separate her from the crowd. With constant communication with whoever is on the court with her, and all out effort for the play, she leads. She takes the extra step to make a controlled pass to target, keeping her platform in front of her, ready to react to any change in play. Control, discipline, and energy are keys to a leader, and Maylen will lead from the back.     Stevie Lee, calm, cool, and collected freshman Ds/L from Red Oak. She takes the time necessary to make a good, clean pass. Seeing the ball all the way into her platform and freezing on contact to ensure a target pass. Defensively she does not hesitate to push to a ball and strives to keep fundamental form at all times. Taking her feet to the ball and emphasizing sticking and freezing in her pass, is a stand out component to her game. Stevie oozes control and clean play, showing she is ready for the next level.     Jordyn Williams, a hustle player out of Ducanville, that is ready for the up tempo games. Moving through plays with all out effort and sticking to her fundamentals when she plays the ball. Doing whatever it takes to keep the ball in play and elevating the energy with every point. Jordyn stays on her toes and keep the ball in front of her from every angle. She moves with confidence and is sure to be heard as play progresses. Energy, tempo, and fundamentals are the key to her game, and have shown to work in her favor.     Elleana Paredes, freshman Ds/L out of Rockwall, Texas. Prides her game in cover defense, moving with her hitters and communicating her presence, allowing hitters to confidently swing. Sticking to the fundamentals, she takes her feet to get around the ball and does well getting her platform to the pass consistently. With all that hustle and transition, Elleana remains under control in her movements. No pressure, no chaos, all systematic volleyball from theis defensive specialist.

The Dallas Freshman Showcase came with many surprises from the class of 2030, and defense was no exception! Great touches from some impressive up and coming defensive specialists that need to be seen this season. Hard to miss these Texas dawgs on the court. The effort, the energy, the skill! Here's who was on the court this weekend.