Joplin’s seasoned libero: Lydia Barwick anchors the Eagles’ defense
At 5‑foot‑4, senior Lydia Barwick may not tower over opponents, but she plays a huge role for the Joplin High School volleyball program. Head coach Emily Killion calls Barwick a “seasoned player with a high volleyball IQ.” Barwick enters the 2025 season as one of only two returning seniors alongside middle hitter Aubrey Strickland, and the Eagles will lean heavily on her steady serve‑receive and leadership in a rebuilding year.
Rising through the ranks
Barwick’s varsity journey began as a sophomore defensive specialist during the 2023 season. By 2024 she had grown into a key back‑row contributor. In Joplin’s fall preview, Killion noted that juniors Barwick, Strickland and Sophie Krumsick would “all play prominent roles for the Eagles.” She also emphasised that team success would depend on outworking and out‑strategizing opponents, with back‑row players providing the foundation for hitters. Barwick embraced that challenge—her junior campaign ended with 138 digs, 172 serve receptions and a team‑leading 43 service aces. On a team that finished 7‑25‑1, her tough serving (0.5 aces per set) and accurate passing ranked among the best in the program. She also contributed 32 kills across 88 sets, showing an ability to attack from the back row.
The serving weapon
Killion believes Barwick’s serve is game‑changing. In the 2025 fall preview, she described her libero as “our toughest server” who “gets teams out of system often.” Barwick’s 43 aces last season placed her second on the team and tied for first in aces per set, according to MaxPreps statistics. She pairs a jump float with deceptive placement, forcing opponents into poor first touches and allowing Joplin’s setters to run free ball plays. Her ability to string together scoring runs will be vital for a young roster that includes sophomore hitters Payton Cunningham and Leighton Pena.
Defensive anchor and communicator
As a libero/defensive specialist, Barwick’s primary job is to keep rallies alive. She finished 2024 with 172 serve receptions, ranking third on the team, and added 145 digs over 105 career varsity sets. Her quick reflexes and reading of hitters help Joplin extend points, and her accurate passes set up setters like Lillianna Pryor for quality sets. During a 2025 match against Neosho, Barwick’s pass ignited a sequence that led to an Aubrey Strickland kill—a small moment that illustrates her impact.
Beyond statistics, Barwick is a vocal leader. Killion praises her “high volleyball IQ” and ability to guide younger players. She often directs the Eagles’ serve‑receive formations and helps sophomore libero Lola McClure and defensive specialist Brealynn Strickland adjust positioning. Her mentorship aligns with Killion’s goal of creating a culture where communication and support fuel success.
Looking ahead
With the Eagles coming off back‑to‑back rebuilding seasons, Barwick sees opportunity. Killion wants her team to “get 1 percent better every day” and refuses to let the program become comfortable with losing. Joplin will begin its 2025 campaign with a jamboree at Carthage on Aug. 26 and open the regular season at home on Sept. 2 against Nevada. Barwick will lead a defense‑heavy lineup where diggers and passers compete for roles. Her seasoned presence, tough serving and unselfish approach give the Eagles a foundation as they attempt to make Joplin a “well‑known name in the volleyball world.”
Barwick also plays soccer for Joplin in the spring, displaying athletic versatility. But on the volleyball court she is defined by her grit and high volleyball IQ. As one of two seniors on a youthful roster, she embraces the responsibility of setting the standard. If Joplin’s young hitters can grow around her, Barwick’s legacy could be a turnaround season that inspires future Eagles.
