Five Middles (-ish) From Five Clubs In The Class Of ’25
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Our positional breakdowns are quite specific. not only do we separate each position into its own category and article, but we then highlight what makes each kid in that article unique to the others. Here are five athletes from five…
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Continue ReadingOur positional breakdowns are quite specific. not only do we separate each position into its own category and article, but we then highlight what makes each kid in that article unique to the others. Here are five athletes from five different clubs from the class of ’25 that have been doing damage in their own unique ways.
Lilly Howell Lilly Howell 6'2" | MB Muncie Burris | 2025 State IN , 6-2 MB/Pin, Burris, Munciana
I realize that her position listing above means she can play any of the front row positions at the next level. With a 2A state title trophy in hand AND her roster spot on Munciana’s 18-1 (the Samurai), she’s doing a little of everything to make her recruitment that much easier. She owned the state final, earning First-Team All-State honors last fall. She also got “called up” to the big girl roster to play for coach Lingenfelter for this spring. Her length, strength and high volleyball IQ has her as an effective attacker and defender anywhere along the front row. Obviously, she’s spent a ton more time in the middle than anywhere, but to know that she’s getting real gym and match reps at the open level this spring makes her that much better for the next school she plays for.
Ellen Zapp Ellen Zapp 6'0" | MB Center Grove | 2025 State IN , 6-0 MB/Pin, Center Grove, Circle City
Again, I’m not cheating here, and I’m not wrong. I’ve personally watched Miss Zapp play middle (as an M2) in one set and play right side in the very next set in the same match. Her squad plays an open-level schedule, so it goes without mentioning that she’s getting high-level reps when they matter, and her transition from one position to the other looks seamless. In high school, she’s a primary attacker from the left, all while having the responsibility of playing defense there too. A multi-positional talent with size and volleyball acuity? Works for me.
Ava Gutt Ava Gutt 5'11" | MB Hamilton Southeastern | 2025 State IN , 5-11 MB/RS, Hamilton Southeastern, Boiler Juniors
Already a member of the top high school program in the country this past fall, Ava looks to solidify her ability to hit right side full time after the work she’s put in during the first half of the club season. Playing all the way around, she can attack from the middle, yes, but might be best suited as a right side who can stay in and pass when needed. She attacks out of the right back just as well as she does in the front row, and is one of the very few “bigs” in this class that can do so.
Harper Holden Harper Holden 6'0" | MB Greenfield Central | 2025 State IN , 6-0 MB, Greenfield-Central, Academy
A big, strong and physical M2, Harper has smart shots in her arsenal to go along with her heavy-hitting arm. She can hit all of the angles with her attack touch, knows when and where to place the ball in any situation, and can defend from pin to pin with some of the best of them. A true middle, Harper would be best paired with a right side of her similar stature and strength.
Cienna Lapsley Cienna Lapsley 6'1" | MB Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran | 2025 State IN , 6-1 MB, Concordia Lutheran, Team Pineapple
Already in one of the top ten blue-blood high school programs in the state, Cienna is a springy and athletic middle that gets up and swings faster than most defending middles can react. Her long reach allows her to go over blocks, while her quick transition and even quicker jump makes her always available to her setters, regardless of where the ball is set. Another true M2, Cienna has her length cover from pin to pin with ease, and her two-footed approach beats a lot of blocks regularly.