Libero

A volleyball defender’s greatest asset can be balance: the ability to position oneself in an active state of neutrality, ready to pounce in either direction according to the whims of a well-place spike or, just as often, an unanticipated deflection off a blocker or a fellow passer. For UC Irvine senior libero Devon Sutherland, however, the balancing act often extends to the consistent challenge of finding even footing between the chip on one shoulder and the perceived weight of the world on the other.

Barry Faulkner In the growing vastness of the volleyball universe, Delaware might still sit somewhere just beyond telescopic range. So, it is not surprising that for all of her digging, diving and defensive dominance, not even the libero's opposite-colored jersey has helped Taylor Govaars stand out to the bleacher-bound neophytes who watch the Blue Hens battle the rest of the Colonial Athletic Association. "There's not much recognition," the 5-foot-10 senior said of her inconspicuously consistent contributions to a program she has helped become a postseason contender since her arrival from Newport Harbor High.

Max Richley has tried to play outside hitter at Newport Harbor High. His boys' volleyball coaches just won't let him. When you're 5-foot-8 like Richley, you play libero. The position fits the senior. He provides the energy, keeps the team focused, and carries the right attitude when the Sailors play. "Never let any ball hit the floor," Richley said. "Make sure the rest of the team has the same mentality. Just try to be perfect. " Richley aims for perfection on the court.

It took Michael Brinkley all of 16 months to achieve the most lofty team and individual goals to which a college men's volleyball player can aspire. Luckily for the UC Irvine sophomore libero, there is still this pesky perfection to pursue. "I wanted to win a national championship and I wanted to be first-team All-American," said the mop-topped 5-foot-10 floor leader whose value to the 23-7 Anteaters goes well beyond his defensive dominance. Brinkley crossed off the first of his gargantuan goals last season, when he helped UCI claim its third NCAA title in six seasons.

Newport Harbor High senior setter Torey Thompson and senior libero Hunter Jennings each made first-team All-Sunset League after the girls' volleyball team placed third in league. Thompson and Jennings helped Newport Harbor (20-11, 6-4 in league) beat Marlborough of Los Angeles in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1-AA playoffs. Thompson amassed 984 assists, to go with 75 digs, 61 kills and 25 service aces. Jennings finished with 257 digs and 17 aces. On the second team for Newport Harbor were junior middle blocker Carolyn Bockrath and junior defensive specialist Nicky Fitzsimons.

Some might view a libero's role on the volleyball court as unsung. They are, by rule, forbidden from attacking at the net, where the business end of most plays is transacted. And while occasionally heralded for making a spectacular dig, the libero's pass is typically forgotten as quickly as it is subsequently distributed by the setter, then pounded by a high-flying teammate for a kill. But when it comes right down to it, the best liberos are basically the ultimate ball hogs. And any coach interested in winning consistently is eager to offer their whole-hearted endorsement.

NEWPORT BEACH - In the sweat box that housed the annual boys' volleyball Battle of the Bay, it figured that one team's ability to turn down the heat proved to be a crucial element in the victory. Corona del Mar High Coach Steve Conti instructed his players to shelve their jump serves in favor of float serves, in order to better locate after dropping the first game to host Newport Harbor. The resulting accuracy helped the Sea Kings rally for a 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 nonleague triumph to cap the regular season Friday.

NEWPORT BEACH — Much to Dan Glenn’s relief, Newport Harbor High somehow withstood a wardrobe malfunction Wednesday night to win against one of the Sailors’ top Orange County opponents. Er, make that wardrobe absence. A missing jersey forced the Sailors’ coach to make unexpected lineup changes. The Sailors (12-3) had to play without a libero through four games of a five-game contest against Laguna Beach, the No. 3-ranked team in the CIF Southern Section Division II coaches’ poll.

Sean Grubbs could probably catch flies between his forearms, which three years ago, was more of a party trick than an athletic skill. But with the evolution of the libero position in college and high school volleyball, the 5-foot-10, 170-pounder’s penchant for converting 110-mph spikes and jump serves into passes toward the precise location of his team’s setter, has become a coveted commodity. Just four seasons ago, Grubbs, then a junior at Newport Harbor High, was a part-time setter and back-row specialist playing his first varsity season for the Sailors.

This boys’ volleyball season, Mattias Russo-Larsson has shown his versatility for Sage Hill School’s team. Once a rock-solid libero, he’s now the Lightning’s go-to outside hitter. But adapting and excelling in new situations isn’t anything new to Russo-Larsson. He’s prolific. On the court, he runs that way, slides this way, sacrifices his body for a dig or hits a set with all his might. Off the court, he could be described as a renaissance man. He’s not just a lover of the arts, he’s an artist.

It took Michael Brinkley all of 16 months to achieve the most lofty team and individual goals to which a college men's volleyball player can aspire. Luckily for the UC Irvine sophomore libero, there is still this pesky perfection to pursue. "I wanted to win a national championship and I wanted to be first-team All-American," said the mop-topped 5-foot-10 floor leader whose value to the 23-7 Anteaters goes well beyond his defensive dominance. Brinkley crossed off the first of his gargantuan goals last season, when he helped UCI claim its third NCAA title in six seasons.

Newport Harbor High senior setter Torey Thompson and senior libero Hunter Jennings each made first-team All-Sunset League after the girls' volleyball team placed third in league. Thompson and Jennings helped Newport Harbor (20-11, 6-4 in league) beat Marlborough of Los Angeles in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 1-AA playoffs. Thompson amassed 984 assists, to go with 75 digs, 61 kills and 25 service aces. Jennings finished with 257 digs and 17 aces. On the second team for Newport Harbor were junior middle blocker Carolyn Bockrath and junior defensive specialist Nicky Fitzsimons.

Some might view a libero's role on the volleyball court as unsung. They are, by rule, forbidden from attacking at the net, where the business end of most plays is transacted. And while occasionally heralded for making a spectacular dig, the libero's pass is typically forgotten as quickly as it is subsequently distributed by the setter, then pounded by a high-flying teammate for a kill. But when it comes right down to it, the best liberos are basically the ultimate ball hogs. And any coach interested in winning consistently is eager to offer their whole-hearted endorsement.

NEWPORT BEACH - In the sweat box that housed the annual boys' volleyball Battle of the Bay, it figured that one team's ability to turn down the heat proved to be a crucial element in the victory. Corona del Mar High Coach Steve Conti instructed his players to shelve their jump serves in favor of float serves, in order to better locate after dropping the first game to host Newport Harbor. The resulting accuracy helped the Sea Kings rally for a 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 nonleague triumph to cap the regular season Friday.

The 13th annual Daily Pilot Cup is quickly approaching. Elementary school soccer teams, comprised of third- through sixth-graders, are practicing and preparing for the weeklong tournament that begins May 29. At some schools, teams are still forming. Registration forms are available at the local elementary schools and at our website: http://www.dailypilot.com/sports/pilotcup. The tournament is such a fun time for the community. However, there is one new rule to keep in mind this year.

Max Richley has tried to play outside hitter at Newport Harbor High. His boys' volleyball coaches just won't let him. When you're 5-foot-8 like Richley, you play libero. The position fits the senior. He provides the energy, keeps the team focused, and carries the right attitude when the Sailors play. "Never let any ball hit the floor," Richley said. "Make sure the rest of the team has the same mentality. Just try to be perfect. " Richley aims for perfection on the court.

Everything you need to know about Tatum Norton can be found in the recent decision she made for college. Alabama had offered the Newport Harbor High senior a scholarship to play volleyball for the Crimson Tide. She said it was a three-year scholarship, something rare when it comes to the position Norton plays. Norton is a libero, a defender who must also provide accurate passing. An NCAA Division I scholarship for a libero? It almost seemed too good to be true. Apparently it seemed to be too easy for Norton.

As the high school basketball season winds down and moves to the CIF playoffs, the boys' volleyball season is about to start. The college season is in its second month and going strong. Many of our former local players are making an impact at the collegiate level. In the east at Penn State, Connor Curry, out of Newport Harbor, has started every match as the libero. The Nittany Lions recently beat Stanford to establish themselves as one of the top teams. Curry, a redshirt freshman, has burst unto the scene as a top libero.

Last week, I detailed the recruiting scene when it comes local girls' volleyball players. This week, it's all about the boys. The boys are also going through the recruiting process. With many less colleges playing Division I men's volleyball, their choices are a little more confined but not easier than the women. Corona del Mar High's Spencer Haly, who has played varsity football, basketball and volleyball at CdM, has signed a letter of intent to play for Stanford. A middle blocker with a "four point forever" grade-point average, Spencer had taken trips to Princeton, USC and Stanford.

This boys’ volleyball season, Mattias Russo-Larsson has shown his versatility for Sage Hill School’s team. Once a rock-solid libero, he’s now the Lightning’s go-to outside hitter. But adapting and excelling in new situations isn’t anything new to Russo-Larsson. He’s prolific. On the court, he runs that way, slides this way, sacrifices his body for a dig or hits a set with all his might. Off the court, he could be described as a renaissance man. He’s not just a lover of the arts, he’s an artist.