7 Middles to Watch this Weekend!
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This weekend, the 2025 and 2026 middles take center stage across Washington. The MLK weekend is traditionally a big jumping-off point for clubs throughout the country, and the Pacific Northwest is no exception. Eugene, Oregon will host the Matt Hartner…
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Continue ReadingThis weekend, the 2025 and 2026 middles take center stage across Washington. The MLK weekend is traditionally a big jumping-off point for clubs throughout the country, and the Pacific Northwest is no exception. Eugene, Oregon will host the Matt Hartner Memorial Classic on the University of Oregon campus with 264 teams from U15-U18. The 20th Annual Under Armour MLK Weekend Tournament features over 100 teams spanning U12-U18, NW Juniors hosts in multiple locations. Other tournaments are taking place in Auburn, Lynnwood, Grandview, and Liberty Lake among others. Here is a look at 7 middles that should shine this season.
The 2025 middle is playing for a talented RVC 16 Kari squad this season. The team will be playing in the combined 15/16 division at the MHM Classic and should push for a high, first-division result. Eckelsen has excellent timing at the net, using solid eye work and a big press to stuff block attackers. In the regular season at Central Valley, she showed a tough, dropping float serve and the ability to take a big swing from the outside. On the first weekend of the Northwest Power League, Eckelsen showed great timing on the quick and the three with both RVC setters, Arleigh Arnold and Kendall Focht.
Highlights
McFadden has an impressive reach and at 6’3 a hard-to-block contact point. She anchors the middle spot for the NPJ Seattle National 16 team, who will be in Eugene for the MHMC. Coach Madison Cambpell leads an impressive group of athletes including Manaia Alefaio, Aly Skagen, and Alani Tailoa among others. McFadden has good footwork for a young, tall middle, she makes herself available in transition consistently.
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Stephen is a 6’2 middle who can also take swings from the pin. Excel 16 Lux has several 2026 players with high ceilings, Stephen included. As part of a strong Camas High School program, Stephen has had excellent coaching in both high school and club ball and will be looking to have a breakout club season. Excel NW is sending six squads to Eugene, including four top Lux teams at the 14, 16, 17 and 18 level.
Highlights
Berglund plays for College Prep Academy out of the Spokane area. She and will be part of a strong CPA 16 Drew middle rotation at the MHMC. She teams with Mackenzie Ray and will move the ball around smartly when attacking. She has good strength and works extremely hard to put up a solid block pin-to-pin. The CPA squad includes skilled pin attackers in Jane Holley, Emma Sandberg, and Romy Tyler. Berglund will be working hard in transition to keep opposing defenses honest when trying to key on certain CPA attackers.
Highlights
Gutke was an honorable mention all-league as a freshman, and the 2026 middle has the length and athletic ability to dominate at the net. Her Sudden Impact 15 Typhoon team looks loaded and ready for the MHMC, featuring a roster of excellent 2026 and 2027 prospects. Keep an eye on 2027 Sophia Gao, Lauryn Coleman, and Ja’elle Jenkins– these players are ready for a big season!
Malone is an under-the-radar middle with loads of athleticism. Her River View high school team out of Kennewick competes in 2B, but don’t underestimate the impact Malone can have on a match. She can get up and over the net with her hands on defense, and she should make dramatic strides playing with a strong Shockwave program, particularly at the 16 and 17 ages. Her Shockwave 16 squad posted a 5-0 start to the season at the Spokane Power League qualifier last weekend.
Highlights
Alefaio has great toughness at the net, with strong hands and a determination to win every joust. She racked up terrific numbers for Lakes as a freshman, posting some of the highest block totals for a 2026 prospect in the state. Puyallup Juniors 16 National will have her taking care of the middle in Eugene, she will be surrounded by some excellent players including Faith Ah Sue, Addison Stone, and, Lola Togia.