Ozark’s Macy Humble is thriving as a first-year libero, while having the benefit of a mentor to turn to in teammate Reagan Baade.
Baade is a six-rotation player and standout outside hitter for the Lady Tigers, but is a libero during club ball and will also play there at Missouri State.
Humble was converted into a libero this season, after previously being a setter, a defensive specialist and a six-rotation player on the jayvee level.
She’s taken advantage of being able to learn from an experienced libero the likes of Baade.
“Sometimes, it's a hard role to step into,” Humble said of moving to libero. “It's good to be able to relate to someone who is also in that position. I've also had great coaches who have helped me learn the position and get to where I am now.”
“I'm so incredibly proud of her,” Baade said. “Macy has stepped up and fulfilled her role better than anyone could have asked. It’s nice to pass with her. There’s a comfort and a lot of trust between the two of us.”
Humble leads Ozark with 225 digs, or an average of 10.2 digs a match.
“Macy played club ball this year under (former Olympic player Lori Endicott) and was their libero,” Brewer said. “She got a lot of experience at that position. She came into our pre-season this year and won that spot with her effort, hustle and how fast she is to the ball.
“Macy’s first step to the ball is so quick that she cannot be in position, but still run the ball down,” she added. “She is springy.”
Humble has shown no inhibitions while stepping in front of a powerful kill attempt by a towering opposing hitter.
“I've gotten hit in the face before,” she said. “You've got to get up and play some more.”
Humble had 11 digs while shining last week against Nixa hitters Ava Owens and Chloe Judd, who, like Baade, are both committed to MSU.
“It probably wasn't my best game serve-receive wise. But I feel like whenever we needed a pass, I made a pass,” Humble said. “Even when my serve-receive game isn't on, I feel my defense can make up for that.
“Our block set up a nice funnel to where I could drop back and make a good read on their hits,” she added. “If you're not making a good read, you're probably not going to be in the right spot to make a good dig. Sometimes, you've just got to stick up your (arms) and hope the ball hits you.”
