January Classic 16Open: DS/Liberos who Showed us the Intangibles

<p>Many teams at the January Classic played in big time games that boiled down to defense. A play can't happen without an initial pass. And these DS/Liberos took that job to a whole other level. I have mentioned many strong defensively players this far, and still have some worth mentioning. If you missed the first drop, go check them out, and stick around for the last. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other DS/Liberos:</h2>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/01/january-classic-16open-ds-liberos-that-owned-the-backcourt/">https://prepdig.com/2026/01/january-classic-16open-ds-liberos-that-owned-the-backcourt/</a></li> </ul>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/01/january-classic-16open-ds-liberos-that-owned-the-backcourt-pt-2/">https://prepdig.com/2026/01/january-classic-16open-ds-liberos-that-owned-the-backcourt-pt-2/</a></li> </ul>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DS/Liberos Continued: </h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Coleen McCall is a defensive specialist for Vision EXV Blue who brings a calm and controlled presence to the backcourt. She stays focused and composed during every play, consistently executing the fundamental skills that keep her team in system. Coleen's attention to detail, steady mindset, and reliable defensive play make her a player her teammates can trust to maintain stability and support the team's overall performance.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='579093' first='London' last='McDonald'] is the Libero for Vision EXV Blue who excels at tracking the ball and staying engaged on every play. Whether she's providing coverage for a hitter or layering with another defensive specialist to make a critical dig, London is always in position and ready to support her teammates. Her awareness, quick reactions, and commitment to team defense make her a dependable and impactful presence in the backcourt.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='761993' first='Isabella' last='Osborn'] is the Libero for [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 16N Green who leads the backcourt both vocally and by example. She is constantly on the move, anticipating the play and getting into the right gaps to make smart, effective defensive plays. Isabella's energy, communication, and ability to read the game make her a reliable anchor for her team, giving her setters and hitters confidence to execute on every play.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='534607' first='Kaitlyn' last='Shoumbert'] is a defensive specialist for [program_tooltip program_id='431200' first='Madfrog' last=''] 16N Green who brings confidence and reliability to the backcourt. She isn't afraid to go after tough, hard-hit balls, showing great courage and commitment on every play. Kaitlyn reads the game well and moves efficiently, positioning herself to make smart plays consistently. Her steady presence and trustworthiness in the middle back make her a key defensive anchor for her team.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='580663' first='Emerson' last='Rexinger'] is the Libero for [program_tooltip program_id='431321' first='Texas' last='Image'] 16 Black, and she sets the tone for her team with a serve that fuels her play. Her strong, accurate float serve consistently puts opposing defenses in chaos early in the match, creating scoring opportunities for her team. Emerson pairs her serving impact with high energy, relentless hustle, and smart defensive reads, making her a dynamic presence in the backcourt and a player her teammates can always rely on.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan Edwards is a defensive specialist for NRG 16 AMPD White who makes an immediate impact when she subbed into the backcourt with a beautiful, effective float serve that jumps starts her team's play. Defensively, she moves with agility and communicates clearly with her teammates, ensuring the backcourt is organized and ready for every play. Ryan's combination of serving prowess, defensive awareness, and on-court communication makes her a key contributor to her team's success.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Layla Mercier is the Libero for NRG 16 AMPD White, known for her smart and controlled defensive play. She transitions seamlessly whether handling an out-of-system ball or taking the first pass, consistently placing the ball with intention to give her team the best opportunity to run the offense. Layla's composure, awareness, and precision make her a reliable backbone of the team's defense, helping her setters and hitters stay in rhythm throughout the match.</p>

Many teams at the January Classic played in big time games that boiled down to defense. A play can't happen without an initial pass. And these DS/Liberos took that job to a whole other level. I have mentioned many strong defensively players this far, and still have some worth mentioning. If you missed the first drop, go check them out, and stick around for the last.