Five Middles From The Class Of ’26 You Need To See
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The unsung heroes, the thankless warriors—herein is the life of a middle. Always transitioning, not getting the ball as much as pin hitters, but still ready to attack. Here are five middles from the class of 2026 that are worth…
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Continue ReadingThe unsung heroes, the thankless warriors—herein is the life of a middle. Always transitioning, not getting the ball as much as pin hitters, but still ready to attack. Here are five middles from the class of 2026 that are worth the price of admission.
Reese Resmer Reese Resmer 6'0" | MB Noblesville | 2026 State IN , 6-0, Noblesville, Boiler Juniors
The #1 recruit for the class of ’26 in Indiana, Reese already has a national championship and an AAU Nationals MVP to show for her efforts in her young career. She’s fast, athletic, and always ready to hit. At the next level, she could be either an M1 or an M2, and she can put balls away from anywhere. Defensively, her length is emphasized by her long arms and long strides she takes going from pin to pin.
Elli Strecker, 6-3, Zionsville, Team Indiana
Elli’s size stands out immediately. She has a very high attack point, uses her length to her advantage on offense and defense and never takes a play off. Most of the time, this age group has awkward big kids. Elli is far from awkward, and if anything, has the athletic acuity to look smooth in her movements.
Addi Shippy Addi Shippy 5'10" | MB Carroll | 2026 State IN , 5-10, Carroll, Team Pineapple
The smallest of the group in this list, Addi is a fast-twitch athlete that can adjust to any setter she’s with. Offensively, the tools and the talent are there for her future to make her an M2 at the next level. Middles are getting faster in college, as opposed to the big, lumbering types of ten years ago. Addi fits that mold completely, and will be tested in high school by a bunch of bigs in the Fort Wayne area.
Karen Dutro Karen Dutro 6'1" | MB Columbus North | 2026 State IN , 6-1, Columbus North, Rev
Springy and light on her feet, Karen could play either middle position at the next level. She’s always ready to attack, reads attackers well when she’s blocking and is seemingly always making the right decision with the ball. Probably not as well known because of her school and her club, she’s known now, and her athleticism and volleyball IQ have helped tremendously.
Samantha Adams Samantha Adams 6'1" | MB Carmel | 2026 State IN , 6-1, Carmel, Academy
Probably the strongest upper body on this list, Samantha takes up space on the block, attacks at a high point, and looks the part of an M1 at the next level. She can run any tempo behind the setter, and makes smart decisions when in front of the setter. On defense, her broad shoulders and long reach get her from pin to pin with ease, and I look forward to what she can do this coming year after a successful season at Academy.