Backcourt Anchors: DS and Liberos to Watch This Season

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   Look for diving saves, hustle plays in the seams, and fearless pursuit of balls in the deep corners. These athletes will be the difference-makers in tight matches—the ones coaches trust to steady serve-receive rotations and to handle the toughest servers in the gym. Their ability to anticipate hitters, close gaps in coverage, and make transition plays flow smoothly is what separates a solid defense from an elite one.   As the season unfolds, keep your eye on the liberos in their contrasting jerseys and the defensive specialists who come in off the bench ready to lock down the back row. They may not always fill the stat sheet with kills or blocks, but they deliver the kind of gritty, high-IQ volleyball that wins championships. Let's take a look at some players to keep an eye on this season.    Park Christian has a seasoned leader patrolling the backcourt this fall, and her name is [player_tooltip player_id='532491' first='Delaney' last='Spaulding']. Entering her junior campaign, Spaulding brings the kind of defensive grit and steady presence every program craves at the DS/L position.   Spauldings' game is built on her ability to read hitters early, anticipate angles, and get herself in position before the ball even crosses the net. She has the quick reaction time to cover tips, chase down off-speed shots, and lay out for full-extension digs that keep rallies alive. Her serve-receive mechanics are clean and consistent, giving setters the kind of perfect first touch that opens up the entire offense.   Beyond her passing and digging, Spaulding brings an energy and communication style that elevates her teammates. She's the vocal leader calling out seams, directing defensive shifts, and making sure no ball drops untouched in her zone. Coaches trust her in pressure rotations because she thrives against tough servers and stays composed when the pace speeds up.   As a Junior, Spauldings' experience shows in her confidence and poise. She understands the grind of long matches, the importance of minimizing errors, and how to spark momentum with a game-changing dig. With her high volleyball IQ and relentless backcourt presence, expect Delaney to be the defensive backbone for Park Christian all season long.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     When it comes to defensive reliability, [player_tooltip player_id='261225' first='Aubrey' last='Mueller'] is the type of player every coach wants anchoring the backcourt. The Edina senior DS/L doesn't just react to plays—she dictates them with her anticipation, court awareness, and relentless pursuit of the ball.   Mueller's game shines in serve-receive, where her balanced platform and ability to handle velocity allow her team to stay in system against the toughest servers. She reads float serves early, adjusts her angles quickly, and rarely gives up free points. On defense, she plays with a fearless edge, extending rallies by popping up rockets from the back row and neutralizing high-powered attackers with disciplined positioning.   What sets Mueller apart is her ability to turn defense into instant offense. Her controlled first contacts allow setters to run tempo in transition, and she has a knack for delivering a perfectly placed ball even when digging out of system. Add in her quick pursuit on tips and cross-court shots, and it's clear she's the type of libero who changes the energy of a match.   Now in her senior year, Mueller brings both experience and leadership to Edina's lineup. Her voice is constant in the back row, calling seams, directing coverage, and giving hitters confidence to swing aggressively knowing she has their back. Expect Mueller to be a difference-maker in pressure moments as Edina leans on her steady presence and relentless defensive firepower this season.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     For [player_tooltip player_id='472548' first='Kate' last='Stenzel'], defense isn't just about stopping the ball—it's about setting the tone. The Minneapolis Washburn senior DS/L thrives on being the spark plug, the player who brings momentum-shifting digs and an infectious energy that raises the entire gym.   Stenzel's defensive range is impressive. She covers ground quickly, sliding into seams and taking away shots that most would consider untouchable. Her ability to read hitters gives her an edge, whether she's tracking a heavy cross-court swing or reacting to a last-second tip. She plays with an attacking mindset from the back row, turning digs into high-quality transition opportunities that fuel Washburn's offense.   Serve-receive is another area where Stenzel excels. Her steady platform and clean footwork help neutralize tough serving runs, and her ability to stay calm under pressure provides confidence to her setters and hitters alike. She's the player you want in serve-receive rotations late in a tight set because she thrives in big moments.   As a senior, Stenzel's leadership is just as impactful as her skill. She's the vocal presence calling out coverages, the teammate who celebrates every hustle play, and the anchor who refuses to let a ball hit the floor without a fight. Expect her to be one of the most reliable and fiery backcourt leaders in the state this season, bringing toughness and consistency every time she steps on the court.     [program_tooltip program_id='430361' first='Cannon' last='Falls'] has a rising defensive anchor in [player_tooltip player_id='522737' first='Katie' last='Tipton'], and as just a junior, she's already proving she can handle the pressure of the DS/L role. Tipton's game is defined by her quick reaction speed and fearless pursuit—she's the player who will dive into the bleachers or stretch full extension to keep a rally alive.   In serve-receive, Tipton shows maturity beyond her age. Her consistent platform and ability to track the ball early help neutralize tough servers, giving her setters the kind of clean first contact that keeps [program_tooltip program_id='430361' first='Cannon' last='Falls']' offense humming. On defense, she reads hitters with precision, sliding into seams and closing down angles before attackers can exploit them.   What makes Tipton stand out is her composure. Even in high-intensity moments, she stays calm, communicates clearly with her teammates, and takes ownership of the back row. That kind of confidence is rare in a younger player, and it's part of what makes her such an asset for [program_tooltip program_id='430361' first='Cannon' last='Falls'] moving forward.   With two years of high school volleyball still ahead of her, Tipton is on track to become one of the most dependable backcourt leaders in the region. Expect her to continue growing into a defensive powerhouse while playing with the grit and determination that defines elite DS/L play.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     When the ball hits the floor, it rarely does so on [player_tooltip player_id='447954' first='Brooklyn' last='Weise']'s watch. The Holy Family Catholic senior has built her game around relentless effort and high-level discipline in the DS/L role, making her one of the toughest backcourt defenders opponents will see this season.   Weise excels at controlling the tempo of a match through her serve-receive and defensive reads. Her platform work is clean and efficient, keeping her team in system and allowing setters to run a balanced offense. She doesn't just react—she anticipates, cutting off sharp cross-court swings, digging out heavy line shots, and adjusting on the fly when attackers try to mix speeds.   What separates Weise is her ability to bring a calming presence in high-pressure moments. She communicates constantly, calling seams, directing defensive rotations, and keeping her team locked in through long rallies. Her leadership, paired with her quickness and grit, makes her the type of libero every program depends on when matches tighten.   As a senior, Weise is more than just the backbone of the back row—she's a tone-setter. Expect her to deliver not only highlight-reel digs but also the steady, mistake-free touches that help Holy Family Catholic compete at a high level all season long.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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