Nebraska Elite 15 Apex still lingers in our minds after the team’s trip to the Prep Dig Iowa Clash. Defensive effort was paramount to 15 Apex’s Des Moines success, and Tate sets the standard in this phase. The Elkhorn South libero already stood tall among her 2029 peers after compiling six digs per set for the Storm last fall. Her experience at the Class A level has translated to immediate influence in the Nebraska Elite gym. 15 Apex played up an age group at the ASICS Presidents’ Day Classic, allowing Tate to showcase her defensive prowess against hard-hitting offenses. Her development is ahead of schedule.

We shouldn’t be surprised to see Tate anchoring the end line for Nebraska Elite 15-1. She was one of Class A’s most influential freshmen during the 2025 season and aided Elkhorn South’s postseason return. Tate logged nearly 250 digs in just 41 sets, cementing her status as a late-season stock riser. And, like Meister, Tate’s skills translated well to our showcase circuit, too. Above all, Tate is eager to put in the work needed to help her teammates excel. That’s the value of an elite libero.

We’re bringing out one more emerging freshman from the Class A bracket. Tate lit up the scoreboard with a team-high dig total during Elkhorn South’s quarterfinal contest against Millard South. That’s nothing new for the libero who made five digs per set look like an ordinary feat this fall. Tate’s instincts were quickly apparent at the showcase, and her development is just getting started.

Elkhorn South has a rich history of libero talent, so swiping the contrasting jersey as a freshman is an incredible accomplishment. Tate made that jump for this year’s Storm squad and racked up 20 digs in Elkhorn South’s three-set quarterfinal bout with Millard South. These are astonishing numbers, but Tate also maintained a six-dig-per-set clip through the entire regular season. As you look beyond the box score, you’ll see all the pinpoint passes and crisp secondary sets that distinguished Tate among her fellow 2029s. She’ll likely stand out again in a showcase environment.