Can’t-Miss Liberos from Updated Nebraska 2027 Watch List
In this article:
Lockdown defenders are in the spotlight first. We can’t go wrong with this one. In case you missed it, we just updated our Nebraska Class of 2027 watch list. This refresh comes with nearly 100 new names for our database–all…
Access all of Prep Dig
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingLockdown defenders are in the spotlight first. We can’t go wrong with this one.
In case you missed it, we just updated our Nebraska Class of 2027 watch list. This refresh comes with nearly 100 new names for our database–all of whom have a shot to enter our initial rankings in the next update.
Our coverage of this watch list update is a bit unique. We don’t have stock risers without numerical rankings, so we’ll lean heavily on the new additions. But we also have the freedom to freelance a bit and mix existing players with new faces. Let’s do that here.
Here are some of Nebraska’s standout 2027 liberos after early-season club action.
Schroeder was one of Nebraska’s first stars of the 2024 season. Her incredible floor defense and rock-solid passing anchored Nebraska Elite 15 Revolution’s championship effort at January’s Northern Lights Qualifier. It’s easy to focus on the frontcourt firepower of this Nebraska Elite squad, but Schroeder’s transformative back-row presence cannot be overlooked. She’ll compete for Bennington High School on the prep side, and we know about the defensive talent that school can produce. This is just the start of Schroeder’s ascent.
Highlights
Nebraska Elite already boasts some serious libero depth in the Class of 2027. McGreer is compiling a fantastic highlight tape during early-season action with Nebraska Elite 15-2, including a strong weekend at the aforementioned Northern Lights Qualifier. This libero has brought the same intensity to regional events like the Midwest Power League. Wearing the contrasting libero implies a leadership role, and McGreer undoubtedly has command of her team’s defense. Her hustle has set the standard for Nebraska Elite 15-2 heading into another wave of major events.
Triple Crown NIT was an eye-opener for us regarding VCNebraska 15 Elite’s defensive talent. That’s especially true for Lottman, who dazzled onlookers with her improbable digs throughout the event. This Norris prep athlete showed an innate ability to read opposing hitters and put herself in the right spot to make a play. Lottman was also unflappable in serve receive, allowing 15 Elite to run its up-tempo offense. More pressure tests await this group, but Lottman has already proven she can perform against the nation’s best.
Quinn is a new addition to the 2027 watch list, and there’s a lot to like about this VCNebraska 15 Black defender. She is given a lot of freedom to roam the court and pick up any finesse shots, particularly in the campfire. Quinn will also make brave, diving saves on short tips behind the block. 15 Black’s “floor general” racked up some quality reps that ended in a division championship at the ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic. This sets the foundation for more high-profile success.
Here’s another one of our top performers from the season-opening Northern Lights Qualifier. This one comes from the Premier Nebraska 15 Black team that punched its GJNC ticket with a 15 USA championship. Jacobson led the backcourt for this group and established herself as one of the most formidable defenders in Minneapolis. She passed a large portion of the court, allowing 15 Black’s left-side hitters to focus on scoring. We also saw Jacobson work in tandem with a variety of backcourt lineups while never missing a beat. Defense will be central to 15 Black’s future success on club volleyball’s biggest stage.
Highlights
Outside hitter or libero? McLeay has an extensive background as a frontcourt hitter, but her most recent excellence has come in the back row. She donned the libero jersey throughout much of Premier 15 Gold’s stay at Triple Crown NIT, and the wins kept rolling in for this squad. McLeay’s experience as a left-side attacker makes her an ideal choice for the middle-back area, where she can pass and play defense with ease. She reminds us of so many other versatile athletes who have excelled with Premier Nebraska, and this is just the beginning of the journey.
Strasburger captured our attention at one of last month’s Midwest Power League weekends, and the stats back up this libero’s dominance. She does not take long to compile double-digit digs in a single match, giving plenty of second-chance opportunities to Nebraska ONE 15 Lime’s offense. Just like any great libero, Strasburger is the catalyst to her team’s efficient attack. It’s generating positive results this season, and Strasburger will keep progressing with more high-level experience.
River City Jrs is on the board in this one. Duncan is another one of those hybrid players who can play outside hitter or lock things down defensively. She showcased that range when she competed at one of our Prep Dig Showcase events, which helped her capture our early attention. Duncan has kept improving since that event and has not relinquished her attacking role with River City Jrs 15 Navy. We’ll see which niche prevails moving forward.
Schweitzer has been in the 2027 spotlight for a while. She contributed to Milford High School’s efforts last fall, making an extraordinary backcourt impact as a freshman. We now find her excelling on the club side with Nebraska ONE 15 Black, a group loaded with talent from this class. Even if Schweitzer is not in the libero jersey, she’s a sure bet to sub in as a middle-back defender to give 15 Black an extra ball-control boost. This club knows all about defensive standouts, and we’re already seeing good ones in the 15s ranks.