Libero Talent in the 2026 & 2027 Classes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the volleyball landscape continues to evolve, the importance of a solid libero can't be overstated. These defensive specialists are the backbone of their teams, showcasing exceptional skills in reading the game, anticipating plays, and maintaining composure under pressure. Take a look at some of the up and coming defensive talent from the 2026 and 2027 classes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["412442"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0cd3004cfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ressler is the definition of a disciplined defender. She reads the game at a high level, allowing her to anticipate plays and react quickly and confidently in the back row. She has consistently strong form, ensuring controlled, precise passes her setter can run three hitters from. She isn't afraid to step in front of teammates to take charge on a ball, showcasing her confidence and leadership on the court. Ressler is a strong libero to watch from the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["738581"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0cd3004d67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Staab is a steady and reliable presence in the back row for her Rocky Elite team. She stays light on her feet, keeping plays alive while maintaining control, even in chaotic moments. Her ability to read the game and her opponents allows her to anticipate tips and react quickly, making her a key defensive asset. She moves efficiently, covering her hitters while always resetting in time for the next attack. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["738588"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0cd3004dae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blake brings a unique edge to the court as a libero playing out of middle back, allowing her to cover a wide range defensively. She reads the game well and makes intentional, precise moves to put herself in the right position. Her split-step timing is great, helping her react quickly to attacks, and her strong platform allows her to deliver controlled passes. In serve receive, she creates strong angles and holds her platform for consistent ball control. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734457"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0cd3004def"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='734457' first='Avery' last='Smiley'] is a scrappy and reliable libero who thrives in high-pressure moments. She stays low and moves quickly on defense, picking up hard-driven balls with ease. Her ability to absorb powerful hits keeps the ball high and in system, allowing her team to stay in rhythm offensively. She also does a great job covering her hitters, giving her attackers confidence to swing aggressively, knowing she's there to back them up. With her hustle, court awareness, and ability to better the ball, she's a key defensive leader in the 2027 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Allison Shepard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"University","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Rocky Elite","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0cd3004e8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allison is a confident and vocal leader in the back row, bringing a strong court presence and sharp defensive instincts to her team. She reads the game well and angles early, allowing her to make controlled plays on tough balls. She also brings a reliable and strong serve to her team, giving her an edge from the service line. With a bit more quickness and intention in her footwork, Allison has the potential to take her game to the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734484"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c0cd3004ed1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elena is a smart and instinctive defender who finds ways to keep the ball alive. She reads the game well and utilizes emergency moves like knee drives and overhead digs to pick up tough shots. One of her strengths is getting her feet stopped at the right time, allowing her to react quickly and change directions as needed. In serve receive, she keeps things simple and effective, staying squared to the server and delivering clean, consistent passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->