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Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos

Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos
Photo: Evelyn McCullough, 2030 Libero
Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Kantessa Bryant-Miller January 26, 2026 @ 12:20 PM
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In this article:

Natalia Artiga
Natalia Artiga 4'11" | DS/L | 2029
NV
Sara Pham
Sara Pham 5'1" | DS/L/S | 2029
NV
Emmalynn Rainford
Emmalynn Rainford 5'4" | DS/L | 2029
NV
Dakota Perkins
Dakota Perkins 5'1" | DS/L | 2029
NV
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2029 and 2030 classes are quickly emerging as strong groups of back-row defenders, showcasing high-level serve receive, defensive discipline, and competitive toughness. Here are <strong>seven</strong> liberos making an early impact and laying the foundation for long-term development.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Evelyn McCullough ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mater Academy East","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Sin City Broncos","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69717a91d4c4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCullough is a 2030 libero with a 3.3 GPA who plays with a clean platform and fluid movement across the court. She positions well outside the block and is excelling in a middle-back libero role, handling deep shots with confidence and control. More than just a defender, she's capable of attacking from the back row and contributes additional pressure with a reliable serve.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":937892,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/IMG_0591-crop-1170x769-1769127419.jpeg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-937892" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='937785' first='Natalia' last='Artiga']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mojave ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Hornets","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6971763d4706c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 4.0 GPA student-athlete, Artiga plays with poise and intentionality on the defensive end. She consistently creates clean angles, uses the tomahawk effectively when needed, and delivers controlled, high balls to her setter. A relentless hustler, she covers significant ground to keep balls off the floor and anchors serve receive with confidence and composure. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Maysie Wald","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Henderson Maniacs","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69717a91d4afb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wald brings high-level anticipation and nonstop movement to the libero position, pairing her on-court instincts with a 4.25 GPA. She shows strong serve-receive skills, reads plays early, and expects the ball to come her way, rarely caught off guard. She consistently covers hitters, handles short serves well, and currently plays behind both middles for her club team. Her float serve adds another steady weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["752148"],"_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-69717a91d4b5f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rainford is committed to her long-term development, putting in consistent work in both the weight room and the gym with some of the best trainers in the sport. Her dedication is translating to growth as a libero, paired with a left-handed deep float serve that applies pressure from the end line. Her work ethic and continued reps are clearly paying dividends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zara Assahouri","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='636812' first='Vegas' last='United'] 15 Black","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69717a91d4bb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Assahouri stands out with a strong, seam-finding serve and one of my favorite pre-serve routines so far this season. She controls one-hand passes when necessary, stays steady in her movement during serve receive, and covers hitters with reliability. Her ability to manage pace and stay composed makes her a dependable presence in the libero jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["769112"],"_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-69717a91d4c08"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pham may be a freshman, but she plays like a seasoned libero. She has very clean serve receive and excellent ball control. She delivers high, hittable balls to the setter and isn't afraid to lay out to extend rallies. Quick on her feet and disciplined in coverage, she consistently supports her hitters and serves tough enough to push opponents out of system. Her steady growth continues to show each weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748099"],"_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-69717a91d4c4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perkins is a dependable libero who brings positive energy and effort every time she steps on the court, pairing her play with a 4.0 GPA. A varsity contributor as a freshman, she chases down balls and provides reliable serve receive. Her upbeat presence and consistency make her a stabilizing force in the back row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>—Kantessa Bryant-Miller @prepdignv</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for supporting Prep Dig Nevada. We are grateful for our readers and subscribers as we cover high school athletes and incoming freshmen from across the entire state. Our team scouts matches consistently and provides exposure through in-depth articles and social media features.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow, tag, and collaborate with us on Instagram&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdignv">@prepdignv</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gain major exposure by creating a&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">Free Player Profile</a>&nbsp;or tagging us in your game schedules on social media.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Already a subscriber? Share the love and support the sport by using code <strong>Bryant30</strong> for 30% off subscription</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

The 2029 and 2030 classes are quickly emerging as strong groups of back-row defenders, showcasing high-level serve receive, defensive discipline, and competitive toughness. Here are seven liberos making an early impact and laying the foundation for long-term development.

Evelyn McCullough

Evelyn McCullough

POS DS/L
CLASS 2030

Evelyn McCullough

School: Mater Academy East
Club: Sin City Broncos
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
<span class="pn-tooltip pn-player-link">
        <span class="name-pointer">Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos</span>
        <span class="info-box not-prose" style="background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(23,90,170, 0.95) 0%,rgba(23,90,170, 1) 100%)">
            <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/01/next-up-in-the-back-row-2029-and-2030-liberos/" class="link-wrap">
                                    <span class="player-img"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/01/IMG_0591-crop-1170x769-1769127419.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos"></span>
                
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                    <span class="last-name">Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos</span>
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                                    <span class="state-abbr"></span>
                            </a>

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    </span>

Natalia Artiga Natalia Artiga Natalia Artiga 4'11" | DS/L Mojave | 2029 NV

POS DS/L
CLASS 2029

Natalia Artiga Natalia Artiga Natalia Artiga 4'11" | DS/L Mojave | 2029 NV

School: Mojave
Club: Hornets
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Maysie Wald

Maysie Wald

POS DS/L
CLASS 2029

Maysie Wald

Club: Henderson Maniacs
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Emmalynn Rainford

Emmalynn Rainford

NV
DS/L
HEIGHT 5'4"
POS DS/L
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Emmalynn
Rainford DS/L
Class
2029
Height
5'4"
HS
Arbor View
|
NV
Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos
Rainford is committed to her long-term development, putting in consistent work in both the weight room and the...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Emmalynn Rainford

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Arbor View
Club: Bbc Las Vegas
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Zara Assahouri

Zara Assahouri

POS DS/L
CLASS 2029

Zara Assahouri

Club: Vegas United 15 Black
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Sara Pham

Sara Pham

NV
DS/L/S
HEIGHT 5'1"
POS DS/L/S
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Sara
Pham DS/L/S
Class
2029
Height
5'1"
HS
Shadow Ridge
|
NV
Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos
Pham may be a freshman, but she plays like a seasoned libero. She has very clean serve receive...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Sara Pham

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Shadow Ridge
Club: Dig This
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Dakota Perkins

Dakota Perkins

NV
DS/L
HEIGHT 5'1"
POS DS/L
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Dakota
Perkins DS/L
Class
2029
Height
5'1"
HS
Founders Classical Academy
|
NV
Next Up in the Back Row: 2029 and 2030 Liberos
Perkins is a dependable libero who brings positive energy and effort every time she steps on the court,...
Written by Kantessa Bryant-Miller
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Dakota Perkins

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Founders Classical Academy
Club: Lv Impact
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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