Top Defensive Specialists From Oklahoma

The school season has just finished up, champions were crowned, and club volleyball tryouts are now in full swing. Let's take a minute to look back at some of the best defensive specialists from the state of Oklahoma this season. They will be placed into a poll at the bottom and the top 4 from each position poll will move on to the final poll.

Olivia Dewitt Olivia Dewitt 5'5" | DS/L Charles Page | 2023 State OK - Sand Springs

Olivia has been a three year starter for the Sandites and the libero the last two. Her serving has been a huge help to the team her entire career. Her leadership and attitude may be her biggest contribution though. She is a teammate everyone wants on their team.

Jessica Shildt Jessica Shildt 5'3" | DS/L Bishop Kelley | 2023 State OK - Bishop Kelley

Jessica has been a terrific player on a terrific high school team, played on high level club teams, and done nothing but dominate the back row in both cases. Her ability to read an opposing team's offense really sets her apart and helps her make plays look a lot easier than they are. I would be shocked if she hasn't received any offers from colleges looking to have her join their team.

Avery Jones Avery Jones 5'4" | DS/L Broken Arrow | 2024 State OK - Broken Arrow

Avery is the libero for the Tigers. She was a standout performer all season long. She will likely go down in the record books at BA since she has started varsity as an underclassmen, which is tough to do at a program like this. Look for her to help continue the program's tradition next season and be an even more prominent leader for the team.

Kyndal Carolina Kyndal Carolina 5'4" | DS/L Jenks | 2025 State OK - Jenks

Starting DS for the #1 team in 6A tells you something. She is ONLY a sophomore might I add. She is just now halfway through her high school career. She will end up being one of the best DS recruits to come through Oklahoma. Hard working and always eager to push herself, these are things that will take her to a whole new level each season.

Maria Roquemore- Mount St. Mary

Starting libero for 5A #1 MSM. She is a floor general, not with just her words, but her actions as well. She will be the first to dive after a ball and first to say "let's get the next one right here". She is underrated in my opinion and deserves more credit. Her in-transition digging is rarely matched, unafraid to slide into the gap and battle a hitter. She was a big reason MSM won the state title and didn't even drop a set.

Maddy James Maddy James 5'6" | DS/L Rejoice | 2025 State OK - Rejoice Christian

I finally got to see her play at state and she can play with the best of them. She works hard and gives her team plenty of energy based off her efforts. She will become a really big part of Rejoice's future. Rejoice was the state runner up in class 3A.

Itzel Blanco- Santa Fe South

I was able to see her play at a tournament this season and I would go as far to say that, she may outwork every player on this list. Her relentlessness is unlike many I have seen. She does a great job in serve receive but an even better job in transition. She rightfully was voted as an all tournament selection that weekend.

Kirsten Harper- Owasso

Just shy of being an All-State selection. She exploded on the scene last season and has been a star ever since for Owasso. She helped get them to state last year and helped give Bixby all they wanted in the regional championship in a 5 set loss.

Lexie Hensley- Edmond Memorial

Edmond Memorial beat out both of last year's championship teams in route to the 6A state title. A major reason for that was the defense they played all year long. Against Norman North and Jenks, it was even better. Lexie is the starting libero and was right in the middle of all of it. She had some amazing digs and some crucial serves that helped propel them past the rest.