Freshman Liberos Turn Up the Heat in SLC

<!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>At the exclusive Pre-Tourney Showcase hosted by PrepDig and USA Volleyball, the Class of 2028 made it clear: the future of defense is in fierce hands. With more than 150 college programs watching, these freshmen seized the spotlight with poise well beyond their years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>While hitters brought the heat and setters orchestrated the rhythm, it was the Liberos who electrified the gym with game-changing digs, relentless hustle, and a commanding presence in serve receive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>We're excited to introduce the 2028 Liberos who stood out and set the tone for their class. These are the names college coaches should circle now, because they're only getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["721600"],"_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-67f9e531e5003"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With sharp court awareness and a strong voice in the back row, [player_tooltip player_id='721600' first='Sophia' last='Merkel'] knows how to control a rally. Her ability to place passes right where they need to go, combined with her communication skills, keeps her teammates confident and ready to attack. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["580674"],"_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-67f9e531e4f02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When asked what makes her shine on the court, Hayden Faught replied with a smile: <em>"My personality, just having fun, and also just defense in general."</em> That joy and passion radiate in her play. Fast, aggressive, and locked in, Faught brings a presence that's both energizing and effective. With her size and speed, she's a backcourt force in the making. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["760440"],"_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-67f9e531e4fc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addyson Eve is a vocal leader on the court, constantly communicating, cheering, and staying locked into every point. Her disciplined passing and consistent delivery to target make her a valuable asset in serve receive and transition play. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["531401"],"_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-67f9e531e4f49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tatum Comer plays with poise and precision. Her excellent defensive technique stood out among a strong field, proving she knows how to read hitters and position herself to keep rallies alive. She's a steady and reliable libero who brings confidence and skill to every touch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["587028"],"_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-67f9e531e507c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evie Cummins doesn't just pass the ball, she passes with purpose. Every touch is driven by intention, consistently putting the ball in a hittable spot. She plays with a quiet confidence that keeps her team composed under pressure. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["760490"],"_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-67f9e531e4f8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evelyn McKenna doesn't let anything hit the floor without a fight. Her game is gritty and focused, always getting the ball up and keeping her team in system. Representing Alaska proudly, she's a competitor who makes every touch count. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766393"],"_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-67f9e531e4e9a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alyvia Patterson showed confidence and clarity both on and off the court. When asked why she chose to attend this showcase, her answer was simple and self-assured: <em>“I should go for it.”</em> That mindset translated into her play, quick, intentional, and unafraid of the spotlight. Representing Team Colorado 15-1, Patterson held her own in a gym full of top talent, showing solid instincts, and a steady platform. Keep an eye on this Air Academy freshman as she continues to grow her game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766450"],"_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-67f9e531e5040"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smooth, steady, and composed, Adyson Landen has excellent platform control that allows her to handle tough serves and keep the offense in rhythm. Her fundamental soundness and smart decisions made her a standout among Colorado's strong libero presence. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766774"],"_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-67f9e531e50b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Determined and focused, Zoey Wentworth plays with purpose. Her hustle and mindset are matched by her ability to get the ball up in tight situations. She's a competitor who rises to the challenge and thrives in the grind of long rallies. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3,"className":""} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kailani Ruiz | 2028 | DS/L | 5'3" | Doral Academy Prep (FL) | MVA Chino 15-2</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>Kailani Ruiz impressed with her ability to control the tempo—fast when needed, calm when necessary. Her rhythm and touch on the ball show a deep understanding of the libero position, giving her team structure and confidence in every rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a></strong>&nbsp;and<strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a></strong>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. Thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->