There was a time when many of the better setters and defensive specialists were less than six feet tall. In other words, the shorter players were often the best ball handlers and played in those positions. That is not necessarily the case anymore, especially in Division I volleyball, where many of the top players have exceptional skills in multiple areas.
Consider Samantha Bricio, the outside hitter from the University of Southern California. She and her fellow Lady Trojans recently swept the CU Lady Buffs 3-0.
In that match Bricio led her team with 20 kills. She also had 8 digs, only one less than the libero.
On the season so far, Bricio has about 30% of the team’s total kills and 19% of the team’s digs. This compares to the libero, who has 29% of the team’s total digs.
At the national level, Bricio’s statistics are equally as impressive. Through the games played on November 9th, her rankings follow:
• 2nd in aces per set ( 0.77).
• 2nd in total number of aces (68).
• 24th in points per set (5.22)
• 40th in kills per set (4.17).
• 69th in total kills (367).
Bricio is one of several taller players who have exceptional skills in multiple areas. That group includes such players as Mary-Kate Marshall of Oregon State University and Karsta Lowe of UCLA. 
While these three women play “shock and awe” volleyball, the lesson that should be learned from watching them play is that they are well-rounded athletes who have exceptional skills in multiple areas.
Volleyball is a sport that rewards athletes who are strong in multiple areas. Junior players should take notice. If they will learn to pass, set, serve, hit, block, and communicate they will be welcome to play on almost every team.