Liberos Make Instant Impression at #PDMidwestLive | Prep Dig (2024)

I get to start with a Nebraska entry, right? Hofer made the trek from Fremont to Des Moines, where she became one of the best lockdown passers of the Midwest Live Showcase. I’ve had a firsthand look at Hofer’s passing strength around the Nebraska prep circuit, and now she has shared it with an Iowa audience. What a big-time addition to the entry list.

A pair of North Scott High School 2026s participated in Friday’s showcase, and Haedt carried the banner for the libero position. Haedt is building upon a productive club season with Iowa Select and meshed well with her many different teammates at our event. That adaptability is always a good sign when scouting the libero position.

Lydia Cox

Lydia Cox

Dowling Catholic stars were all over the gym this weekend. Cox adds to the team’s loaded backcourt unit and is also excelling with Roots on the club side. When team drills got rolling at the end of Friday’s event, Cox began to heat up. Her fearless crosscourt defense kept rallies alive and offered a major edge in six-on-six action.

Bollier made one of the most eye-catching saves of the event when she tracked down a second contact in three-on-three drills. The Six Pack standout brought this mentality to any team she was on and easily guarded any backcourt zone. Iowa’s Class of 2027 is quickly taking shape after the Midwest Live Showcase, and Bollier is one to follow in the Iowa City area.

Let’s get some Omaha-Council Bluffs talent in the mix. Zaloudek competes on the Iowa prep scene and the Nebraska club circuit–a common path for Lewis Central athletes. Her quickness and defensive instincts helped in individual drills and were even more effective during competitive reps. As a Nebraska writer, I’m excited to cover Zaloudek’s future with River City Jrs.

Iowa Rockets knows how to lean on its libero talent, and Miller ought to keep that theme alive. She anchored the 15R backcourt this year and was similarly productive in a showcase environment. Dropping dimes in the passing pattern became a regular occurrence for Miller. That allowed the offense to operate on her side of the net, so team drills were a focal point of Miller’s showcase success.

Campbell Hoeft

Campbell Hoeft

Nebraska is back at it again! It’s not too early to start thinking about our Nebraska 2028 watch list, and Hoeft has effectively secured her spot after an outstanding performance in Des Moines. She brought relentless pursuit to every drill and was a vocal leader among the 2028s. The libero position has been among the strongest spots for Club Legacy, and we have another good one ready to rise the Nebraska ranks.

Ruddy is another up-and-coming Class of 2028 athlete who brings a unique skill set to the back row. Her active defense was on full display at Friday’s showcase, but that’s only part of Ruddy’s volleyball repertoire. She also has a wicked lefty swing that scored on the pipe several times during team drills. These showcases are a perfect environment to find unique talent combinations.

McDonald was a constant source of energy and highlight moments at the Midwest Live Showcase. She made difficult touches look easy while also providing passing stability in any zone. This worked in tandem with McDonald’s upbeat on-court attitude–exactly what you want on your side of the net at a showcase.