Area boys volleyball coaches were asked at the conclusion of the 2007 season if a libero could warrant player of the year consideration. The overwhelming response was no.

“They can’t score points,” many answered.

“They are limited in how they can contribute,” others responded.

Well, according to Penn State-Behrend women’s volleyball coach Phil Pisano, the libero is one of the two most important positions in volleyball.

And if that player just so happens to be the best player then “that is what matters,” he said. “I don’t see any reason why a libero should be disqualified from being considered or winning (player of the year honors) based on her position.”

Several area girls volleyball coaches agreed. Of course, few could argue that the best player in the Meadville Tribune coverage area this year was in fact a libero. So without further ado, this year’s Meadville Tribune Girls Volleyball Player of the Year is Cochranton senior libero Katy Sheehan.

“What an honor,” Cochranton head coach Marci Malliard said. “She’s definitely deserving. Very deserving.”

Sheehan was the glue that held everything together for the Cardinals this season as they captured their fifth region title in as many years. Not only did Sheehan showcase outstanding skills at her position, she also stepped into the role of a leader following the graduation of seven seniors.

But it’s her play on the court that earns her the most praise. Few can put a ball past Sheehan regardless of whether they are pounding away at her or trying to avoid her with a tip at the net.

She always seems to find herself in the right place at the right time.

“She is all over the place,” Saegertown coach Amanda Scott said. “She reads the hitter and is in the right place 99 percent of the time. And she doesn’t just get to it and make a play, she passes the ball on the money almost every time.”

That allows the Cardinals to run their offense at will. After all, a good pass leads to a good set, which leads to a good attack.

It can be quite frustrating for the opposition.

“You try to tip the ball away from her, but she always seemed to be there,” Scott said. “How is that possible?

“Without her … Wow.”