SoCal Expo Spotlight: Libero, DS Standouts Still on the Board

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The SoCal Exposure Tour wasn't just about terminating swings and highlight-reel kills — it was the back row that controlled the rhythm, extended rallies, and dictated defensive tempo. These uncommitted defensive specialists showcased elite court IQ, relentless pursuit, and fearless serve receive under pressure. From reading hitters early to carving out perfect platform angles, these athletes proved they are true back row bosses — the kind of players who stabilize a lineup and transform chaos into controlled transition offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether it was dropping dimes in serve receive, absorbing pace from heavy pins, or chasing down shanked balls with full-extension layouts, these defenders brought grit, discipline, and a next-level motor. Still uncommitted, but undeniably impactful, these athletes reminded everyone that championships are built from the floor up — and these floor generals are just getting started. 🏐🔥</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["786815"],"_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-69264eae43c08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='786815' first='Kaylee' last='Olson'] | Defensive Specialist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olson was a stabilizing force in the back row, consistently controlling serve receive with a calm, disciplined platform and elite first-ball contact. What stood out most was her ability to read the server's body language and adjust her base positioning before contact — a subtle skill that separated her from the pack. She handled pace with confidence, absorbed heat without drifting, and turned tough serves into clean offensive opportunities. Expect Olson to continue evolving into a true floor general this club season, anchoring rotations with steady serve-pass efficiency and expanding her range as a relentless transition defender. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["892666"],"_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-69264eae43c63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='892666' first='Selene' last='Lanza'] | Libero / Defensive Specialist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lanza brought a relentless motor and sharp defensive instincts, flashing high-level court awareness during long rally sequences. Her ability to recognize hitters early and angle her platform to neutralize hard-driven swings was a major standout. She wasn't just reacting — she was anticipating. Lanza also demonstrated strong pursuit speed, tracking down seams and extending rallies with clean emergency touches. This club season, expect her to thrive as a momentum shifter, tightening defensive coverage and serving as a vocal organizer who elevates the entire defensive system. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["545345"],"_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-69264eae43cae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='545345' first='Daniella' last='Marrero'] | Defensive Specialist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marrero impressed with her explosive lateral movement and fearless line defense, repeatedly shutting down high-velocity attacks with composure. What separated her was her ability to keep her shoulders square through contact, allowing for controlled digs that consistently stayed in system. She played with urgency and physicality, showing zero hesitation when covering tips or rolling into pursuit plays. Heading into club season, Marrero projects as a high-impact defender capable of disrupting opposing attackers and igniting fast transition scoring. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["492317"],"_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-69264eae43cf5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKennah Lamaleava | Defensive Specialist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lamaleava's grit and grind mentality was impossible to overlook. She showcased elite reaction timing and exceptional floor coverage, especially in broken plays where she extended rallies that should've ended. Her standout moment came from her willingness to sacrifice her body for second and third touches, delivering hustle-driven saves that shifted momentum. Expect her club season to highlight even more defensive range, improved serve receive consistency, and a commanding presence in high-pressure sequences. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["881160"],"_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-69264eae43d3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maddisyn Stoddard | Libero / Defensive Specialist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stoddard displayed polished defensive technique with advanced touch control and impressive ball placement off hard-driven swings. What truly stood out was her ability to reset tempo after tough plays, staying composed and immediately re-centering the back court. Her serve receive was smooth and balanced, allowing the offense to stay in rhythm. Going into club season, look for Stoddard to continue refining her timing and become a go-to defensive anchor who consistently keeps rallies alive and offensive options open. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>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.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->