June 15th Countdown: Ten 2026 Middles!

June 15th is a significant recruiting date for 2026 prospects. Rising juniors have their first chance for official contact from Division I and Division II programs, be that text, phone call, or email. Before this date, the generic questionnaire or camp email is all that is officially allowed. Could a college coach have previously mentioned that they like a particular player to a club coach? Definitely. Indeed, they may even say, "She would be an excellent fit for our program, and we are recruiting her position for 2026." All above board- of course!   These Division I and Division II coaches are only a part of the college volleyball recruiting landscape; Division III, NAIA, and the different junior college divisions are not on the same recruiting restrictions. Nearly anyone who wants to keep playing volleyball in college with a baseline skill and physical ability will have an opportunity. It's the fit, the degree or field you choose to pursue, and a question of wanting to attend the schools available to you as a player. I would have loved to play quarterback for UCLA or first base for Arizona State- those were not an option at my skill level and physical ability!   What we have experienced watching the journeys of volleyball prospects in the PNW is similar across the nation. June 15th is just the next step in a process that has already started—college coaches have spent the spring and early summer sharpening their lists, determining needs, and looking for players who fit their culture. They may have seen players at camps or in person or taken note late in the prior club season. Specific positions will be prioritized, and not everyone gets a rush of communication right away. Liberos- hang in there!   Prospects need to do the heavy lifting to get information to coaches- send the emails, include updated videos, and have a comprehensive target list of schools. A trusted club coach, club director, or recruiting coordinator is needed for a truthful discussion about your potential level of play. We are not all built to be the quarterback at UCLA or the starting OH for Nebraska. If you want to play, you will find a spot. The Pacific Northwest has a 32-team Junior College league, the NWC in Division III (Whitworth, Linfield, PLU, etc.), the GNAC in Division II (Western, Central, etc.), and several mid and high-major Division I programs.   It's never too late to start the recruiting process if you want to keep playing. Don't worry if June 15th is not full of phone calls and text messages from coaches. That experience is common, and Krista Vansant, University of Illinois Assistant Women's Coach, had this to say regarding June 15th in an AVCA article: "(You) have more time than you think. There is an opportunity for everyone to play after high school, and there are some phenomenal places and programs at all levels. Patience!"   Let's check in on ten 2026 middles who will be eligible for that first in-person communication on June 15th. These are middles from up and down the rankings; all have had outstanding club seasons.            <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/Eox5_W96R1w?si=JCpqbWm8hs2xaNjP </div></figure>     <a href="https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/shaylee_stephen?video=3957888">https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/shaylee_stephen?video=39578</a><a href="https://sportsrecruits.com/athlete/shaylee_stephen?video=3957888" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">88</a>    Gutke is every bit of her listed 6'3" height and creates easy opportunities for her defense when opposing hitters tip and roll over and around her block. She scored at a high percentage at Emerald City and has a toss to the back corner she uses as an off-speed shot. Her fiery play against WVBA 18 Adidas was a terrific glimpse into her ability to be a difference-maker as a blocker.         Jones is just scratching the surface of her ability and potential as a middle. She is bouncy, long, and has a solid arm swing when she cuts it loose. Her CRU 17 Max team feeds her sets in transition, where her quick feet and fast arm terminate at a high clip. The Wenatchee sophomore will be critical as the Panthers defend their state 4A title and has a chance to make a big impression at USAV Nationals this July.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/XzJUb3NUfEk?si=fl9ld3HDaaG3zMHe </div></figure>    Pedersen is the rare middle who can set and has stepped into that role in a pinch this season. Her strong hands are evident in her blocking at the net, and she has excellent size at 6'2". She is challenging to stop when attacking from the right side and has the height, hands, and vision you love to see in that position. Camas will have the luxury of playing her in several different roles if needed- Pedersen is terrific as a server and plays great defense in the back row.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/qkOgHcV-3zk?si=aB1M6kRpK_8v61IY </div></figure>    The Gig Harbor prospect has had a terrific season teeing off from the right side for Dakine 16 Surf. Many of her best swings are out of system on second-ball contacts from the libero. These are complicated sets, crossing over her body before she can contact the ball. Artman has more than made it work, delivering solid strikes and keeping the ball in play. She can be moved around to the middle or OH for swings and is an excellent offensive player.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/vXPL47POkkg?si=dCx8_M1A3_mQKg8h </div></figure>       Slavik was a blocking force at Emerald City, using her 6'3" length and strong hands to cancel out opposing middles. Her press is impressive, and she works hard in transition and moving pin to pin on defense. Slavik has a good upside for a college program to work with and develop.       Players, Coaches, and Club Directors: Please claim (or encourage players to) the free prospect profile. Add the photo and highlights you want on the site, change information (clubs, heights, etc), and more. ALL FREE.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-prep-dig wp-block-embed-prep-dig"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://prepdig.com/prospect-index </div></figure>     NEW FEATURE: BOOST PROFILE   The Boost Profile feature allows players and families to maximize their exposure on the site. It's found in every article with eval blocks and all Player Profiles. It's a terrific way to share your coverage on the site across social media easily; the graphics with full write-ups are only accessible to subscribers (i.e., users who have access to the content).   Here is a look at the Boost Profile graphic:   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/downloaded-image.png?w=946" alt="" class="wp-image-541548" style="width:338px;height:auto" /></figure>

June 15th is a significant recruiting date for 2026 prospects. Rising juniors have their first chance for official contact from Division I and Division II programs, be that text, phone call, or email. Before this date, the generic questionnaire or camp email is all that is officially allowed. Could a college coach have previously mentioned that they like a particular player to a club coach? Definitely. Indeed, they may even say, "She would be an excellent fit for our program, and we are recruiting her position for 2026." All above board- of course!