Dream Team Review: '28 Liberos

Dream Team Review: 2028 Liberos

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Cala Haffner- Indiana

Haffner is in that rare air when it comes to athletic play. Her physical size and incredible reaction skills give her a skill set that simply hasn’t been seen at the position at this level before. I labeled her “In the GOAT conversation” because of that combo, but also with the quiet confidence that she plays the position. It was fun to watch some of the competitive drills vs. the OH and Opps. If you don’t think the big guns on the other side knew when Haffner was in, you are crazy, and they took their best swings at the Indiana libero, and Haffner stood in and took shot after shot after shot. The market will be as high for Haffner as it could be for any of the top position players and possibly higher. She is a program changer and a Day 1 libero who could be the best in college volleyball the day she steps on the court.

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Averi Bridges- Nebraska

Bridges, who plays at VCN and has had quite the year herself, attending NTDP for the first time and participating in some big select camps of her own, this was her second trip to the Dream Team.  In a packed field, Bridges found her way later on Day 1 and began rolling once competitions and 6v6 play began.  She was solid on day 1 and felt like she was getting her legs under her a little bit.  Day 2 was the Averi I was used to seeing: confident, moving freely, after every loose ball, taking charge of seams, and making crisp, pinpoint passes against some of the toughest serving in the country.  She plays loose and much quicker, which has made her one of the top prospects in the Midwest, as well as the top 7 in the country for 2028.  She doesn't waste steps on the court and also doesn't fall down for effect.  She maximizes steps.  She played very well on Sunday and showed why she's a top player in Nebraska, earning an invitation to the Dream Team.

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Isabella Osborn- Texas

Osborn was one of the “little” littles at Dream Team, but full of energy. Constantly chatting on and off the court, and an energy bringer to her team and group. Now I’d be lying if I didn’t say she literally got lost in the chaos with some of the lineups at the camp, but she always shuffled her way out and back to her spot with head on a swivel and feet alive. She and Haffner play very different games, almost out of necessity. Haffner is stoic and takes no extra steps until absolutely necessary. Osborn is constantly alert and ready to spring into action, firing at a moment's notice. One thing she is really good at is the term the Husker Staff kept preaching over and over, which is pushing balls forward! She overcomes the size disadvantage with the reaction time and sprawling everywhere to keep balls alive, no matter what. Just great energy and high fundamental technique, the kid is fun to watch play.

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