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BYU's Emma Barbero is introduced before the start of a women's college volleyball match against Northern Colorado at the Smith Fieldhouse on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

Aaron Cornia, BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero (10) and Suli Davis celebrate a point during a women's college volleyball match against High Point at the Smith Fieldhouse on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025.

Rebecca Fuentes, BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero celebrates a point during a women's college volleyball match against Farleigh Dickinson at the Smith Fieldhouse on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

Abby Shelton, BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero (10) celebrates a point during a women's college volleyball match against Northern Colorado at the Smith Fieldhouse on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025.

Aaron Cornia, BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero serves against Wichita State in a women's college volleyball match at the Smith Fieldhouse on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero prepares to receive a serve during a women's college volleyball match against Wichita State at the Smith Fieldhouse on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero, right, celebrates a point with her teammates during a women's college volleyball match at the Smith Fieldhouse on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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BYU's Emma Barbero (10) celebrates a point during a women's college volleyball match against Wichita State at the Smith Fieldhouse on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025.

Courtesy BYU Photo

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Anyone who follows volleyball knows a libero has to possess one of sports most difficult skills: Accurately passing a hard-driven swing or serve.

A libero must also have inextinguishable fire and energy.

The next libero you meet that is shy and reserved will be your first.

Emma Barbero, who transferred from Washington State in May, is BYU’s bright bundle of spirit and excitement propelling their 6-0 start in 2025.

“Emma is like a little vitamin C pill,” BYU head coach Heather Olmstead said. “She’s got such great energy and she’s sunshine.”

The 5-foot-7 junior from Asti, Italy, has been doing her job well on the court, leading the Cougars with 63 digs (2.86 per set) along with six service aces. She also provides that invaluable energy. In a recent match against Wichita State, Barbero laid out flat on the floor to save a ball with the back of her hand (a “pancake” in volleyball terms) that led to a kill for teammate Sophia Callahan. Later in the match, Barbero went horizontal again for a one-handed save as she sprawled out of bounds, which set up a kill for freshman sensation Suli Davis.

“Those moments are just super cool,” Barbero said. “There’s so much energy and you feel so powerful. I just love having fun on the court. That’s why I smile a lot, because I’m having fun. I’m doing what I love and it’s just so amazing.”

Barbero had a decorated career in her home country as a youth before spending two seasons at Washington State, where she led the red Cougars in digs and was a West Coast Conference All-Academic selection in 2024.

After the season, Barbero entered the transfer portal.

“I was just trying to improve my game,” she said. “I was looking for a good coaching staff and a good team, just a good program that wanted to build something important. I thought BYU was the right choice because they have everything here. They had a good program and a good coaching staff and I’m here to win.”

Barbero connected on social media with former BYU men’s volleyball All-American Davide Gardini, who is also from Italy.

“I called him after I got the call from Heather, and he told me a lot of good stuff about BYU,” Barbero said. “I was just so happy to talk to him and thought, ‘OK, perfect, this is going to be my place.’ I just needed to find out what was going on at BYU. Something cool is happening and I want to be part of this, part of the program. And it was the best choice ever. I’m enjoying every single moment here.”

After arriving in Provo, Barbero immediately impressed the coaching staff with her game.

“Emma has a good feel for the ball,” Olmstead said. “It was her experience in Italy, playing at such a young age. And I think her experience in college is good. So we’re just excited to have her on the court. Her energy is great. I think she’s going to keep getting better. She’s not getting a lot of balls served at her for some reason. So she’s not getting a lot of opportunities to pass, but when she does, she’s doing a good job, and she’s got a great serve. She’s happy to be in Provo she’s great for our team.”

Communication is key for a libero and Barbero’s English is very good.

“I’ve been taking English classes since elementary school,” she said. “So growing up, I was studying English. The main thing is I’ve been talking every single day here with people, so I would say my English is much better since I came here.

“As a libero we need to help control the back row, with passing and digging. We love to talk to our outsides and passers. We love to give energy to our team.”

Barbero is a microbiology major at BYU.

“My dad (Massimo) is a doctor,” she said. “I love the field of medicine, the scientific field. I’m just kind of following that part. I don’t think I’m going to be a doctor. I like more of the microbiology and research stuff.”

Barbero has earned the starting libero spot for the Cougars, integrating herself seamlessly with her teammates and the culture in Provo.

“I was super comfortable from the first day,” she said “It’s just crazy because I already love the community here, because all the people are so nice. And it’s not a common thing. I am so glad I felt very welcome from everyone. I’m just loving it.”