5 2026 Liberos To Pay Attention To

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The libero position can often be a thankless one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But, those in the know, know that a lockdown defender can really be the key to success, especially on Sunday's during club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 isn't short on talent in the back row, but not all get their proper due.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's five liberos in the class that you need to stay focused on, as they have big things ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='216201' first='Cara' last='Wolf'], Grand Rapids CC/FaR Out</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wolf has definitely been under the radar, as she's racked up some impressive dig totals this club season. While not always in the libero jersey, she's been locking down the left side of the back row as a DS. Wolf seems to always be in good position and looks the ball into her arms for a smooth delivery to the setter. Teams that hit her way have just been adding to her stat total rather than scoring points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226937' first='Mallory' last='Stoy'], Novi/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stoy comes from a Novi program that has produced some elite defenders in recent years. Stoy shows a lot of promise to also be a great. She's laser-focused during the point and moves casually, yet purposefully. She knows where she needs to be and stays ahead of hitters while making her delivery seem rather easy despite having to get under some powerful swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='226941' first='Jaidyn' last='Vanochten'], Reese</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vanochten has been a dig machine for Reese during the fall, but she brings a lot of dynamics to the table that the Rockets rely on. She's got a nose for the ball as a libero, making dozens of digs each match. But she also brings an explosive serve, and the ability to take back-row swings when needed. Her athleticism and quickness makes her a threat in all phases, but is also what makes her defensive play so strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='490046' first='Madeleine' last='Koch'], Marian/Michigan Elite</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koch has been excelling this club season as an outside for Michigan Elite 16 National West. Though her defensive game is her foundation, that translates well into her playing as an outside, as she's still able to be a major factor on defense while showcasing her all-around ability. Koch has great court awareness and special recognition. She's finishing a lot of out-of-system swings and offspeed attacks for points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261147' first='Emma' last='Flick'], TC West/Northshore</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flick is really shining this club season for NorthShore 16 Betas, coming off a dynamite prep season for TC West. Flick plays with a lot of determination and focus and she gets to nearly every ball opponents throw her way. Teams have tried to avoid her, but she covers space so smoothly, that it just doesn't matter where teams try to put the ball. Flick is also a momentum-shifter with her serving. Her ball carries the same intensity as her defensive play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->