Top Ten Liberos for the Class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week we named the top pin hitters in the class of 2026. This week this post will identify the top liberos/defensive specialists, a tough group to measure. Most people who watch volleyball become familiar with the player who ended the rally. Many forget the player who begins the rally, ignoring one of the most under appreciated positions in volleyball. However, without a good libero or defensive specialist you would fail to notice those players who end the rally. While many of these players on this list may suit up as a defensive specialist as their primary position, they could play libero for many other club teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below are my top ten libero/defensive specialists from the class of 2026 and three others to watch as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181280"],"_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_0_evaluation":"If you look at the top liberos from the class of 2024, 2025 and 2027 they are also the top hitters for their high school team.  From the class of 2024 Duke commit [player_tooltip player_id='180300' first='Mailinh' last='Godschall'] (Centenial), the class of 2025 Kansas State commit [player_tooltip player_id='196556' first='Caleigh' last='Ponn'] (Hidden Valley) and from the class of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] (Madison).  Even at 5'5u0022 you can almost add Brenna to that group.  During her frosh season she ranked as her high school James Wood second leading hitter in kills.  For her sophomore season she started the season at libero, but after two losses at the Endless summer tournament the team moved her back to left side.  James Wood did not lose a match after that and went on to win the Virginia Class 4 state championship for the second year in a row.  She can do anything on the court despite her small stature because she has a tremendous volleyball IQ.  She has the sense of knowing where the ball will be hit before the hitter does.  Despite being an avid beach player she does have interest in playing the libero position in college.  An extremely intense team player who would be an excellent roster addition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520b7d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238358"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Every year Evie has played up for Metro.  For Flint Hill she won the libero position as a frosh, beating out two more experienced players.  Flint Hill won the VISAA state championship her first year as a libero and followed that up last year.  Her older sister Zoe set for Metro and currently plays that position at Maryland.   Evie chose a different path and shines at the libero position.  She moves her feet well to get into position to pass and shows quickness on defense.  Her serve also comes at opponents like a bullet, fast and darting.  She finished second for Flint Hill in aces.  If you want to see this class of 2026 libero play you will have to watch Metro 17.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520bed"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238858' first='Allyson' last='Burke']</strong> (Grafton/[program_tooltip program_id='498498' first='Virginia' last='Wave']) - As a sophomore she started as a libero for Grafton. She led the team in digs and receptions while Grafton lost in the finals of the state championship to Hidden Valley. Her accomplishments were rewarded with a selection to the first team All State for Class 3. She currently plays for [program_tooltip program_id='498498' first='Virginia' last='Wave']. They finished second in the Premier Division at the Charm City Challenge in Baltimore. Allyson stands 5'2". That height allows her to react quickly to the floor to scoop up any hard driven spikes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["443558"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Another smaller libero who can get low to the floor to dig those powerful spikes.  As a sophomore she started for Heritage High as their libero.  She currently plays for Virginia Elite, which ranks number 7 in the 16 age group in the Chesapeake region.  The team just finished playing in the Sunshine qualifier.  What impresses me most about Emily is how she moves her feet to anticipate the serve.  She always seems to find herself in front of the ball creating a quiet platform to pass.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520c41"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["325602"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Last year she played for Liberty Elite with [player_tooltip player_id='325603' first='Parker' last='Sutherland'].  This year the two came over to play for Paramount.  The duo both play for Hedgesville High School.  Currently, [player_tooltip player_id='412055' first='Lilly' last='Kennedy'] sees most of the time at the libero position, but Alexa's back row play and serve are critical to the team's success.  She led Hedgesville in digs and aces.  There also exists some diversity in her game.  Last year because of injuries Alexa hit outside at the Junior Nationals for Liberty Elite.  At 5'7u0022 the back row play remains her focus but she holds her own hitting from the pins.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520c8e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='320814' first='Alycia' last='Miller']</strong> ([program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge']/Musselman) - Another West Virginia player sliding into Virginia to play club. Alycia plays defensive specialist for Musselman, finishing second on the team in digs and aces. For [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'], she yields the libero position to [player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin'] who returns to the age 16 group. However, Alycia's back row play and serve are critical to allow [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] to climb to number three in the Chesapeake rankings and number 25 nationally. Unlike Metro and Paramount, [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] does not participate in most qualifiers. The only qualifier you will see them play in is the Northeast qualifier. After that they will travel to Orlando for AAUs. Last year was their first effort at participating in the junior nationals and they received bids from almost all their age groups. Definitely a team with players worth a look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["377326"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Elly lists at 5'9u0022, which is tall for a libero.  In the past she has played the pins and also set.  This provides a lot of flexibility in her game.  For Metro she normally plays defensive specialist, yielding the libero position to [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'].  Many favor liberos with length because they can cover more of the court with their reach.  She shows strong hands to make that two hand serve receive or dig.  Elly plays for Quince Orchard high school in Maryland","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520cd4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["397192"],"_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_0_evaluation":"540 Volleyball finished first at Charm City in the Premiere Division.  They have a solid group of players who do the fundamentals well.  Kadie (pictured above) fits that description with her libero play.  She moves around the court well, has strong hands to make the two handed dig and accumulates aces with her bullet serve.   She actually goes to Hylton High School (not Colonial Forge as it states in her profile, unless something has changed).  I first saw her play at the Clash of the Titans volleyball tournament.  While the team struggled Kadie played her position well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520d1e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["238860"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Mia first made the rankings when I watched her as an outside hitter.  At 5'8u0022 she recognizes her focus should be on the libero/defensive specialist position.  Love her enthusiasm and attitude on the court.  She plays for Bullis High School and made the varsity team as a frosh, playing both as a defensive specialist and outside hitter.  With her ability to hit outside she brings a lot of options to her back row game.  More and more coaches are looking at defensive specialists who pass and play defense better than a pin hitter but also provide an attack option in the back row.  Mia has the capability to do that.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520d62"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238862' first='Livia' last='Lee'] </strong>(Woodson/Renaissance) - It would be difficult to find a player more intense than Livia at playing the game. She plays for Woodson High School and played as a defensive specialist for them her frosh and sophomore seasons. Her big contribution to the team came as a server where she finished third on the team in aces. Break that down into aces per set and she finished tied for first with the two players ahead of her. Her junior season she has an opportunity to take over the libero position. For travel ball Livia plays libero for Renaissance, currently ranked fourth in the Chesapeake Region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Others to watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["218149"],"_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_0_evaluation":"You won't find a more dedicated player than Giselle, or a harder worker.  She started for Millwood as a frosh playing libero.  Last year she chose to forgo her high school season to focus on improving her game.  She plays for Metro 16, one of the top teams in the country.  They also have two excellent libero candidates in class of 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] and [player_tooltip player_id='377326' first='Elly' last='Vanlandingham'] (listed above).  Playing time can be a challenge but sometimes if you want to be the best you have to play with the best.  Giselle competes well and holds her own on the court when playing against some of the top attackers in the game.  Definitely, someone I would want on my team.  A team first player who makes others around her play better.  Those are always the ones you want to play for you.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520da5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='412055' first='Lilly' last='Kennedy'] (National Cathedral/[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']) - Last year Lilly rotated between the libero position and defensive specialist. When it came down to playing in the junior nationals Lilly earned the spot as libero. Early this year she has been getting most of the playing time at the libero position for Paramount 16. They recently played at Triple Crown where they finished 61st out of 120 teams competing against teams considered the best in the country. Her back row play has improved immensely since last season. A very dedicated athlete who can only get better. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493358"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Kennedy appeared on the watch list.  I saw her play at the Volley by the James and came away impressed with the way she covers the court.  She was vocal, hustled and glided smoothly through the back row from base to defensive position.  Her and [player_tooltip player_id='238860' first='Mia' last='Fornasiero'] provide good back row coverage for MVSA.  Currently not ranked but that should change once the rankings are updated in April.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65e3667520de7"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->