Five 2022 Middles Who Are Turning Heads Now

<p>Every college program is different when it comes to recruiting needs and philosophies.  Players are playing to get seen.  As far as my next list goes, some of their teammates already have verbal offers to universities, but expect these next young ladies to be on many coaches’ short lists also.  I have already spoken to some of my college coaching friends and they are keeping an eye out for them once the season gets back underway. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="87480" first="Alexis" last="Roberson"] [2022] 6-3 Middle (HS: Ridge Point/Club: Houston Juniors)</p> <p>As an absolute force in the middle for her very talented Houston Juniors squad, College coaches should definitely take notice of this young lady.  She reaches very well to score on quick attacks.  Driving her legs into every attack, she unloads a very healthy swing that scores at a great clip.  Her club coach Tara Cross-Battle runs her on a variety of sets that include a very potent slide.  Her size alone is something to marvel at, but don’t let it fool you.  She is exceptionally quick on her feet and this helps her close out on the pin blocks very well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="87494" first="Nicole" last="Sherfield"] [2022] 6-2 Middle (HS: Clear Falls/Club: Absolute Volleyball Academy)</p> <p>This very talented middle from AVA and the south east Houston area has been given a very gifted right arm that helps her club team’s offense stay very efficient.  She loves to run slides but excels in front of her setter.  She cuts both ways very well around a block, which makes it hard for opposing middles to shut her down.  Just when you think you have her blocked on the left side she turns and cuts it back to the setter to score. When the pass is slightly away from her setter, she still manages to move her feet and stay in front of her setter to get a good chance to score.  Her long arms allow her to get a very good press over the net to shut opponents down. College coaches should have their eye on her as she progresses throughout her career. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="87495" first="Sadie" last="Swift"] [2022] 6-1 Middle (HS: Austin/ Club: Roots)</p> <p>A member of the 10 foot club already as a sophomore has a great career ahead of her.  Playing for the Roots program, formerly Texas Eclipse Volleyball, she has been playing against the cream of the crop in Texas this past season in the famed Tour of Texas series of tournaments.  She is still growing into her frame, but when it all comes together, watch out!  She possesses extremely quick footwork to help her close out on both pins while blocking. The length in her arms make it hard for opponents to get through.  She is one to watch moving forward.  College coaches should definitely give this one a hard look.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="87479" first="Mia" last="Moore"] [2022] 6-0 Middle/RS (HS: Heritage/Club: Madfrog)</p> <p>High flying Left handed player from the Dallas area is a beast at the net.  She hits both in front of her setter and behind.  Madfrog uses her very well to keep the opponents off balance.  Since she was 14 she has been a problem for defenses.  Now that she’s a sophomore, She is even more productive.  As a freshman she burst onto the scene for Heritage high and had 260 kills.  In only one season since then, she almost doubled that amount for a total of 461 kills. Now in her club season, she is still dominating at the net for her Madfrog club who is one of the best in the state.  If any coaches want a very athletic and high flying lefty, give this young lady a good look.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="87490" first="Oluwalademi" last="Ogunlana"] 6-0 Middle (HS: Elkins/Club: Houston Juniors)</p> <p>This swing blocking middle from Houston plays opposite of [player_tooltip player_id="87480" first="Alexis" last="Roberson"] mentioned above and together they wreak havoc on opponents.  She has great timing against attackers and showcases her vertical well when penetrating the net.  She truly engages her core when attacking on a quick in front of her setter.  You can tell that she has been trained well.  She uses her long arms to seal the net and just when outside hitters think they have a window to hit into, she closes at the last second.  I look forward to watching this young lady grow and get even more dynamic.</p>