The libero position, which will become mandatory next year, is a defensive player that can be substituted into the game at any time. She is not allowed to serve or play on the front line.
The libero player is noticeable by the different color jersey that she wears. Coach Patty Dominguez said the libero helps mainly because of the free substitution.
"We can only substitute 18 times in a game," Dominguez said. "Because the libero can sub in at any time, it doesn't count against our 18 subs."
This 'at will' substitution patter allows the coach to rest a tired player or help a player gain her composure without wasting one of the substitutions.
"If someone is getting tired or riled up or isn't performing well, I can put the libero in and cool off the player without having to waste a substitution," Dominguez said.
The libero cannot hit a ball above net height. A one-point penalty is assessed if she attacks and hits the ball instead of bumping it.
"The disadvantage is that the position doesn't allow a player to show her hitting and serving skills," Dominguez said. "It does, however, showcase the skills of a defensive specialist."
Many colleges are now giving out one scholarship specifically for libero players, which allow girls to make college teams who might not have had the opportunity before.