We’re starting with our binding force at the setter position. Backemeyer has built a long-standing reputation as a setter who can do a little of everything. She has been a steady distributor in the Nebraska Juniors gym and found great regional success this year with Nebraska Juniors 16 Black. But Backemeyer gives us more than the smooth hands needed to run the show. Her willingness to get physical and aggressive at the net stood out at Saturday’s showcase. It’s a continuation of what we’ve seen from Backemeyer at Elmwood-Murdock, where she has carried roles as a setter and an attacker. She is ready-made for a 5-1 offense.

Backemeyer captured our attention when she led the charge for last year’s Nebraska Juniors 15 Black team. The Elmwood-Murdock sophomore can play around the dial as a 5-1 setter, or she can shoulder attacking duties along the net if needed. Her distribution skills took precedence with the Knights last fall, culminating in 7.7 assists per set for Elmwood-Murdock’s underclassman signal-caller. Backemeyer’s wide-ranging roles will keep evolving through another year in the Nebraska Juniors gym.

The Backemeyer name has been synonymous with volleyball success at Elmwood-Murdock. The latest upholder of the family tradition has generated 7.3 assists per set while guiding a new-look cast of Knights terminators. Backemeyer’s leadership with Nebraska Juniors 15 Black on the club side was the perfect prelude to a breakout with Elmwood-Murdock.

The Backemeyer name will loom large at Elmwood-Murdock for years to come. We’ve watched this spectacular freshman flourish as a setter-opposite hybrid for Nebraska Juniors 15 Black. Backemeyer has the rare ability to distribute an offense and be a takeover attacker in the front row. It’s hard to miss that versatility.

Backemeyer carries the setter-opposite niche that has worked wonders on many other Nebraska Juniors squads. The Elmwood-Murdock freshman exhibits great hands as a backcourt setter, but teams also have to deal with Backemeyer’s quick right arm as a front-row opposite. This long list of responsibilities might be daunting at the 15s level, but Backemeyer can handle it all.