Our run of defensive specialists continues. Bridges has cemented herself as one of the state’s elite, regardless of position. She has oscillated between DS roles and the libero jersey for VCNebraska 17 Elite, becoming an indispensable asset while playing up a year. 17 Elite was one of our earliest entries on the Nebraska Bid Tracker after earning a bid at the first Northern Lights Qualifier in January. However, Bridges and 17 Elite pounced again to “double qualify” at NEQ, in addition to a podium finish at Triple Crown NIT. Bridges has been in the middle of it all.

If you’re one of the top liberos in the state of Nebraska, the coaches will come to you.  That can be anticipated for Averi Bridges who is the libero for VCN 17 Elite who is coming off the Northern Lights Qualifier where they qualified for 17 Open with a third place finish.  Bridges brings a lot of athleticism to the position and her range is remarkable.  There is always going to be a touch when it’s on her half (or ¾) of the court.  This VCN squad has a few 2028s on the radar who will be fun to see start their recruiting journey. 

If you’re looking for the next wave of defensive stars in the Cornhusker State, Class C1 might be your venue. Bridges has garnered praise through her contributions with one of VCNebraska ‘s best lineups, but her fall influence with Ashland-Greenwood is just as great. Expect a host of sprawling backcourt efforts as the Bluejays make the short hop to Lincoln.

Ashland-Greenwood gave us an excellent introduction to our top-ranked libero during last year’s high school season. This elite defender racked up over 400 total digs last fall and transformed the Bluejay backcourt in her debut campaign. We were already familiar with Bridges’ game before her freshman season, as she plays up a year with VCNebraska on the club side. She adapted to any role for this year’s VCN 16 Elite squad and helped the team climb to 16 Open’s final Gold bracket at GJNC. That was the final triumph leading to Bridges’ high standing in the 2028 rankings.

Yes, we’re sneaking in a Class of 2028 prospect for this one. Bridges has helped VCN 16 Elite unlock its full potential by delivering perfect passes and pinpointing her transition digs. The Ashland-Greenwood prep athlete uses a quick first step to get ahead of off-speed shots and take care of anything heading toward the “campfire.” Bridges competes with a stacked group of defensive specialists in the VCN gym and still finds ways to stand out.

Bridges remains one of Nebraska’s most dynamic defenders in the 2028 class. The Ashland-Greenwood star plays up with VCNebraska 16 Elite and has provided no shortage of highlight-worthy digs. Her sprawling saves keep rallies alive while also allowing 16 Elite to run its quick offense. Bridges is the kind of libero who will not hesitate to cover the “campfire” and make easy work of off-speed shots. She leapt up Nebraska’s dig chart last fall and will likely do the same as a sophomore.

Bridges announced her presence on the club scene last spring after becoming an impactful defensive player for VCNebraska 15 Elite. Her quick reads allowed Bridges to make her mark as the libero or a defensive substitute across the back row. So, we weren’t surprised to see this extraordinary freshman make an immediate impact with Ashland-Greenwood in the fall season. Bridges averaged over four digs per set to finish near the top of the freshman leaderboards, and she’ll be playing up an age group with VCN again in 2025.