Rookies on the Radar in Salt Lake

There's nowhere to hide when you're a middle at a showcase. It's a position that tests your timing, toughness, and impact. It's a test of character, and more often than not, it doesn't always play out the way athletes' expect. At this age, middles are usually thrown into the position because they're the tallest on the team, but that wasn't the case in Salt Lake City.   These middles showed up with confidence, regardless of height. From 5'6" to 6'2", they each brought something different to the table, quick feet, strong reads, relentless effort, and a presence that demanded attention. These rising rookies didn't just blend in, they put themselves on the map.   It'll be a while before they can have meaningful conversations with college coaches, but their performance last night spoke volumes about their potential.   Here are the middles who stood out, showed up, and made sure they were remembered.      At 6'2", [player_tooltip player_id='697336' first='Johanna' last='Lawler']'s athletic build immediately commands attention across the net, but it's her sharp hand-eye coordination and lightning-quick arm snap that elevate her game. She consistently found ways to connect on quick sets, showcasing the ability to beat blockers both over and around the block. Lawler's timing and spatial awareness allowed her to make smart adjustments mid-play, giving her a strong presence on both sides of the ball.   Equally impressive was her coachability. After receiving one minor correction to her slide timing, Lawler immediately applied the feedback, an encouraging sign for college coaches evaluating long-term growth potential. With her physical tools, work ethic, and willingness to learn, [player_tooltip player_id='697336' first='Johanna' last='Lawler'] is a 2029 prospect to keep on the radar for programs in search of a dynamic and reliable middle. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='765057' first='Kassidee' last='Smith'] carries a commanding presence the moment she steps on the court. With a strong, athletic build and quiet intensity, she moves with purpose and control. At the net, she's a true wall, timed, physical, and aggressive, but what sets her apart is her willingness to hit the floor and go after defensive balls, showing grit and all-around awareness.   Her footwork on the slide is confident and refined, allowing her to stay in rhythm and find the ball on a variety of sets. Whether in transition or off a broken play, Smith maintains composure and finds ways to stay involved. With her physical tools, court awareness, and readiness to compete, [player_tooltip player_id='765057' first='Kassidee' last='Smith'] is a 2029 middle who looks every bit the part of a future impact player. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Faith Flannery brings a lean, athletic frame to the court, paired with standout physical ability and a competitive edge that shows in every play. With disciplined footwork and long arms, she consistently got hands on the ball, using strong press technique to disrupt opposing hitters and anchor the block.   What stood out most was her offensive awareness and coachability. Flannery brings a nasty snap on the ball, giving her swing both sharpness and range. She's confident in setters, vocal in transition, and actively calls for a variety of sets, demonstrating trust, leadership, and an understanding of tempo. When challenged to adjust her kill zone of line, she went cross-court with ease and precision. A 2029 middle with a high ceiling and the mindset to match, Faith Flannery is absolutely one to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='726470' first='Brianna' last='Chao'] plays with sharp instincts and smart decision-making. She consistently found open space with her attacks, displaying a mature sense of court awareness and the ability to read defenses in real time. Her mid-air adjustments and clean redirection of the ball made her a reliable and versatile scoring option throughout the showcase.   At the net, Chao moved efficiently along the tape, staying light on her feet and closing blocks with strong press and solid timing. Her combination of mobility, vision, and technical execution gives her an edge. A promising 2029 middle, Chao continues to elevate her game and is positioning herself as a name to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ava Fox | MB | 5'10" | Avalanche Athletics | Boulder Creek, AZ</h2>   Ava Fox stepped onto the showcase court with unmistakable confidence and control. Her coordination stood out from the start, allowing her to move fluidly and consistently get her body behind the ball. With a clean, reliable platform, rare for a 2029 middle, Fox proved to be a steady contributor in serve receive and defensive situations, giving her added versatility on the court.   Offensively, Fox was just as composed. She showed a full command of her approach, with sharp timing and excellent hand-eye coordination that allowed her to make smart, well-placed plays at the net. A fun player to watch and a natural competitor, Fox is a 2029 middle with five years of club experience and the kind of presence that makes her one to keep an eye on as she continues to develop. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCA</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coachable247/?hl=en">Coachable247</a>, for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   Together, we're building a positive platform to celebrate players, empower families, and connect with the volleyball community. Thank you to all of our subscribers for being an essential part of this journey. Let's keep growing the game and creating unforgettable memories.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Michelle Bamford @<a href="https://www.coachable247.com/">Coachable247</a>

There's nowhere to hide when you're a middle at a showcase. It's a position that tests your timing, toughness, and impact. It's a test of character, and more often than not, it doesn't always play out the way athletes' expect. At this age, middles are usually thrown into the position because they're the tallest on the team, but that wasn't the case in Salt Lake City.