Vote: Who is the top libero in Michigan high school volleyball?

These 19 standouts are among the best in the state this season

Let’s take a close look at some of the top liberos in Michigan high school volleyball for the 2023 season.

Plenty of worthy names are on this list, so be sure to read through the nominees and vote in our poll.

Voting will close on October 13 at 11:59 p.m.

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other player who may not be mentioned in our poll.

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Top liberos in Michigan high school volleyball

Riley Lockhart, Detroit Country Day

Senior

Lockhart was an all-state third team player last season as well as all-region first teamer. She’s a team captain and PrepDig has her ranked state-wide.

“Riley is a leader,” coach Kimberly Lockhart said. “She is the backbone of our defense. Her ability to read quickly and pick up balls is impressive. Riley has also helped shape this team, and continues to. She is a versatile player that can also be used as an outside hitter if need be.”

Lockhart holds the school record for most digs in a season with 473. 

Taylor Smaka, Grand Haven

Senior

As a junior in 2022, Smaka was named to the Division I all-state third team.

The 5-foot-4 libero will look to help Grand Haven turn things around in 2023 after back-to-back seasons that featured seventh place finishes in league play. 

Gianna Bender, Hudsonville

Senior

A four-year varsity player and member of a back-to-back conference and district champ team, Bender was an all-state second team player last season.

“Gigi is a solid, sound, reliable player,” coach Stephanie Chenlo said. “She is a rock in the backcourt. Her consistent communication, presence, and leadership leads our court defensively as well helps instill confidence in her teammates. She is one of the quietest, hardest workers I've ever coached.”

Bender will continue her career at San Diego State University next season.

Carley Piercefield, Lakewood

Senior

Piercefield was a member of the Division 2 all-state first team last season after an outstanding outing with the Vikings.

The libero helped lead Lakewood to a winning record last season. The Vikings are once again off to a fast start here in 2023. 

Meredith Martin, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Sophomore

Martin plays both outside hitter and libero for coach Molly Campbell. She was an all-catholic player last season as a freshman and was named a PrepDig 2023 Division II Player of the Year Finalist.

“Meredith’s volleyball IQ allows her to be dominant at the net, on the service line, and on defense,” Campbell said. “Meredith makes everything look effortless while working hard to be the dominant player she is. Meredith makes others around her better and her competitive drive keeps her working hard on her game. Having Meredith on our team has been a blessing. She has helped put our team on the map in a big way.”

Miriam Czarnik, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Junior

Czarnik was a full-time libero for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s last season, earning all-league honors.

“Miriam is one of the best liberos I have seen in Michigan,” coach Molly Campbell said. “Her ability to read hitters and defend any ball hit to her is amazing.”

Campbell added that Czarnik’s maturity on-court stands out and makes her the “heart” of the defense.

Hailey Green, North Branch

Senior

Green was one of multiple Broncos players named to the Division II all-state first team. Green helped lead them to a 53-7 record last season. She has 2,083 career digs, 2,116 serve receptions and 184 assists. 

Taygan Corstange, Richland Gull Lake

Junior

Costrange was a Division I all-state honorable mention last season as a sophomore libero. She was a key facet of a defense that helped push the Blue Devils to a 41-8 record in 2022. 

Jessica Fick, Walled Lake Central

Junior

Fick has started off the 2023 season — her first season as a starter — well, recording 107 successful receptions, 63 digs and 32 points scored through nine games. Fick is also a key player for the school’s softball program. 

Jillian Miedema, Covenant Christian

Junior

Miedema is one of the hardest workers on the Covenant Christian program, according to coach Carli Engelsma.

“She is a solid server and great middle back defender,” Engelsma said. “If Jillian is in the game, I know we are going to get the passes up to where they need to be. She's always thinking about others before herself, constantly working to improve her game, and encouraging her teammates.”

McKenna Payne, St. Mary Catholic Central

Junior

Payne was named to the Division III all-state first team for her efforts at the libero position last season as a sophomore.

The Falcons made the third round of the playoffs last season before losing to Pewamo-Westphalia.

Mackenzie Stamps, Bloomingdale

Senior

Stamps was Bloomingdale’s MVP two seasons ago and continues to be one of the top players on the team. A 2023 team captain, Stamps is also a standout softball player for the school. 

Ashlynn Giannunzio, Marshall

Senior

Giannunzio, a 5-foot-6 libero, led the Redhawks to the playoffs in 2022. For her efforts, she was rewarded with a Division II all-state second team nod. 

Ava Wilcox, Lansing Catholic

Senior

Wilcox was also a Division 2 all-state honorable mention as a junior last year. Wilcox led the defense for a 43-4-6 Cougars squad which made the third round of the playoffs. 

Brealyn Lasky, Bronson

Senior

Lasky made the Division 3 all-state second team at setter in 2022 and could be in store for an even bigger 2023. Lasky is also a basketball player for Bronson. 

Olivia Behen, Saline

Senior

Behen is committed to play volleyball at Grand Valley State University. She was named one of PrepDig's top defenders, and she's helped the Hornets to a 12-9-2 record so far this season.

Kiley Gallagher, Clarkston

Senior

Gallagher has been an integral part of Clarkston's 15-2 season. The Wolves are currently No. 3 in Division 1. Gallagher is committed to Oakland. She had 17 digs in a game against Lakeland earlier this season. 

Greta McKee, Northville

Senior

McKee will continue her volleyball career at Wright State University. 

“It’s a tough, gritty position, but that’s why I love it,” McKee told Social House News. “You have to be OK with doing the tough stuff a lot of times. It’s easy to get down on yourself, but being surrounded by great teammates helps me stay positive.”

Jadyn Samson, Mendon

Sophomore

Samson was named as one of PrepDigs top defenders. The sophomore is part of an 18-6-3 season so far for Mendon.

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