2018 Freshman Radar: Libero/Defensive Specialists

  0 Jil Price Igara | August 23rd, 2018 | Big Ten, College - Women's Indoor, News

The 2018 NCAA women’s volleyball season is right around the corner, and there will be lots of new faces adorning the courts. This week, VolleyMob’s Jil Price Igara will take a look at the top 5 nationally at each position in a primer on the future of NCAA volleyball.

1. CC McGraw – Minnesota

CC McGraw made Minnesota head coach Hugh McCutcheon a happy man when she continued her family’s tradition by becoming, a Golden Gopher. The three-time all-state honoree and first team All-American graduated Prior Lake High School early and began training with her collegiate squad in the spring. McGraw is projected to fill the hole left following the graduation of Dalianliz Rosado, who closed her career with 1,870 digs (good for third in Gopher history).

2. Brooke Nuneviller – Oregon

Brooke Nuneviller was impressive, to say the least, in Oregon’s annual alumni match, leading Ducks with 22 digs and three service aces. Head coach Matt Ulmer complimented her saying she was impressive and solid all night in the tune-up. Despite playing outside hitter at Corona del Sol High School and for Aspire VBC, she played libero for USA Youth National Team in each of the last two summers. Her versatility and volleyball IQ will allow her to make a strong transition to the collegiate game.

3. Jenna Hampton – Penn State

Another star on the youthful Penn State roster is Jenna Hampton. She played outside hitter for Berkeley Prep High School, where she led her squad to a state championship, but suited up as a libero for her club team Orlando Tampa Volleyball Academy and is expected to do the same at the collegiate level along with Nittany Lion returning second team All-American Kendall White.

4. Marissa Hornung – Purdue

Marissa Hornung, who guided Providence High School to back-to-back state titles in three state appearances, joins the Boilermakers at a prime time to work her way into the lineup. Purdue head coach Dave Shondell expects ‘Moe’ to grab the attention of Boiler Nation at first glance and sees her knowledge of the game and desire to win as strengths coming into her first collegiate season.

5. Megan Miller – Nebraska

Megan Miller is another high school outside hitter, who led Alexandria-Monroe to back-to-back sectional titles, who will play libero collegiately. She played club volleyball for Munciana Samurai, guiding the squad to a 2017 AAU 18U national championship and top club team ranking. She appeared in three sets of the sold-out Red/White Scrimmage, registering two digs, one kill and one service ace for defending national champion Nebraska.

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