Why We Don’t Rank: The 2028 Libero Elite Orange Cluster

Every class has them.

That group of players who aren’t just good, they’re right there. Close enough that the gap between them isn’t a skill issue, it’s a separation issue. In the 2028 class, that cluster might be strongest at libero.

We currently have seven (possibly eight) Elite Orange liberos who sit in the same evaluation band. Similar platform control. Similar range. Similar competitive motor. All capable of running a serve-receive unit. All capable of defending high-level attackers. The margins between them aren’t wide, they’re thin.

And this is exactly why we don’t do traditional 1-through-___ rankings at vbadrenaline.

Because at this stage, especially at libero, the difference between “#3” and “#7” can be one weekend. One serving run handled cleanly. One 14-14 dig. One event where a player doesn’t just survive pressure,  she controls it.

The jump from Elite Orange to Red isn’t about effort. They all play hard. It’s not about having a solid platform. They all have that. The separation happens in consistency against elite servers, the ability to manage chaos, command communication, and elevate a team when the match tightens.

Triple Crown provides that stage.

Seven (or eight) liberos in the same cluster. Same level. Same opportunity. By Sunday night, that traffic jam at the top might look very different.

Here are the liberos with the opportunity to separate.

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Reagan Futa – Munciana (IN)

One of the more versatile backrow defenders in this group, Futa plays multiple spots at a high level and does it with consistency. She excels at reading early and getting her feet into position before contact, which allows her to stay controlled instead of reactive. A dependable presence in serve receive, she rarely gives away points. Competing in Power Pool D, she’ll have a direct opportunity to separate — especially with Bella DeSensi across the net in the same pool.

Isabella Linden – OTVA (FL)

A long libero/DS who uses her frame well, Linden does a nice job creating clean passing angles and covering ground with efficient footwork. Her length allows her to play slightly outside her base without sacrificing platform quality. The question at Triple Crown will be consistency against elite pace and pressure. She’ll face that test immediately in Power Pool O.

Audrianna Granatelli – Sports Academy (CA)

We highlighted Granatelli in our recent Backcourt Ballers piece for a reason. She has one of our favorite platforms in the class — both in touch and in angle control. Her motor runs high, and she delivers quality out-of-system balls that allow her team to stay offensive. Power Pool R presents a tall task, but that’s exactly the environment where separation can happen.

Bella DeSensi – KiVA (KY)

The epitome of a KiVA-trained defender. DeSensi doesn’t rely on chaos or flash — she relies on fundamentals. Controlled movements, strong reads, efficient footwork. She doesn’t need to play with her hair on fire because she’s almost always in the right spot early. Sharing Power Pool D with Reagan Futa makes that head-to-head evaluation especially interesting.

Violet Lopez – MoCo MAVS (TX)

Tall, long, and athletic — traits that more and more Division I programs are prioritizing at libero. Lopez covers ground well and has the physical tools that can immediately change a team’s defensive ceiling. She’ll need to be a driving force as MoCo battles out of BlueHawk and into the KCCC. A strong showing here could really elevate her stock.

Kyla Hurley – Pineapple HP (IN)

Playing up in the 17s, Hurley has already shown she can handle elevated pace. She excels defensively, especially in controlling her digs and keeping balls playable rather than just popping them up. Extremely reliable in serve receive, she anchors one of the stronger backrows in the gym for Pineapple HP 17U. Competing up an age group gives her one of the clearest opportunities for separation this weekend.

Haedyn Lynnes – Dynasty (KS)

Technically sound and disciplined. Lynnes keeps her hips back, prevents balls from getting into her body, and plays stopped-and-read defense — something too many young defenders skip. That ability to get set before making her move allows her to handle swings outside her frame. She’ll be tested immediately against the A5 16 Gabe juggernaut. A strong showing could significantly boost her PPV and push her toward Red.

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