Defensive Managers: Libero Edition

All eyes go to the hitters who score the points and make the flashy plays, but people forget that it's the libero that the play was built upon. Their job runs a bit deeper than simply saying, "they dig and pass balls." They are the organizers on the court and in some ways the quarterback. Their first contact off of the serve and attack dictates how efficiently the setter can run the next play. It is their job to be the energy-givers, the anchors in serve receive, and the backbone of defensive systems. A libero who is confident, mentally tough, and relentless is the spark that ignites momentum.    [player_tooltip player_id='894193' first='Torri' last='Hildebrandt'] is a steady, level libero from beginning to end. Her platform is quiet in serve receive and tracks the ball with efficient footwork to create strong angles. She showcases versatility with her ability to play all positions in the backrow while maintaining the same high level of play whether she's in the libero jersey or substituting as a DS. Hildebrandt has a strong first step to get under off-speed shots, good ball control to take care of down balls and hard driven hits, and sets up her hitters with confidence when she's taking the second ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='809035' first='Maya' last='Grant'] brings hustle, energy, and control to the court. She remains unafraid to chase down a ball or step up into a seam to take the hard driven shot. She remains poised and in control of her movements in serve receive by creating quiet and quick angles to keep her setter in system. Grant puts up a good second ball to both pins whether it's with hands or her platform.     [player_tooltip player_id='892952' first='Paige' last='Wakumoto'] will get a touch on an almost every ball that comes her way. She plays with high-energy and a loud presence that her teammates thrive off of. She has good range to touch balls whether it's with hands or digging low to the floor. Wakumoto is able to track the ball in serve receive and maintain a good angle to create a good pass. It does not matter who is on the side of the net, she remains fearless and ready for the challenge.     [player_tooltip player_id='793934' first='Estelle' last='Laney'] plays very collected in every phase of the game. She can identify where the ball is going in serve receive quickly and is technically accurate on contact with platform angles. She retains good range defensively to pick up off-speed shots over the block or a tip to the middle of the court. She reads her hitters, anticipates, and makes a strong first step in the right direction to play the ball back up to her setter.     All gas and no brakes. [player_tooltip player_id='809208' first='Scarlett' last='Page'] is the textbook definition of grit. She anticipates early, sets herself up in a better position to play defense, and is not afraid to chase down a ball or layout when the time calls for it.   She maintains control and dig accuracy when she's put off balance. Page utilizes her eye work to help identify where the ball is going early and creates solid angles to keep her setter in system. Her energy keeps her team's confidence ignited.     Fast and energetic. [player_tooltip player_id='892968' first='Luhanna' last='Panta'] makes difficult plays look too easy that frustrate other defenders. From a one handed dig to save a tooled ball off the block to stepping into a hole and taking away a bounce -- her defensive impact is impressive. She already has solid range, but the potential to continue expanding that range is clear.   Unlike many defenders who rely on getting their platform under the ball, Panta doesn't shy away from using her arms independently to get under the ball faster with control. She actively covers her hitters, communicates effectively, and maintains high energy throughout the entire match.

All eyes go to the hitters who score the points and make the flashy plays, but people forget that it's the libero that the play was built upon. Their job runs a bit deeper than simply saying, "they dig and pass balls." They are the organizers on the court and in some ways the quarterback. Their first contact off of the serve and attack dictates how efficiently the setter can run the next play. It is their job to be the energy-givers, the anchors in serve receive, and the backbone of defensive systems. A libero who is confident, mentally tough, and relentless is the spark that ignites momentum.