2026 Middles Still Up for Grabs… But Not for Long

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   As athletes get back in the gym and ramp up for the high school season, a few middle blockers are standing out—and they're still uncommitted. These aren't just tall bodies at the net; they're fast, physical, and constantly working. Whether it's timing up a quick, closing the block on a slide, or racking up terminal touches in transition, these 2026 middles are doing the dirty work that wins matches.   They lead their teams in blocks, anchor the net defensively, and bring energy with every touch. Fast off the floor and quick laterally, they're reading setters, sealing seams, and executing fast-paced offenses with precision. Some may still be flying a bit under the radar—but not for long.   So who are the 2026 middles you need to know heading into this recruiting cycle? Let's take a look.    At 5'7”, [player_tooltip player_id='726034' first='Aspyn' last='Prien'] may not have the prototypical height for a middle—but she plays well above the tape. Her vertical is elite, allowing her to elevate early and attack with serious pace from well inside the 10-foot line. She runs a fast approach and hits with range, power, and confidence—consistently beating the block and terminating balls most defenders can't touch.   Defensively, she's just as disruptive. Aspyn times her block with precision, presses over with discipline, and closes space quickly. She's a high-motor, high-IQ player who brings relentless energy and a fearless presence at the net.   She's still uncommitted—but any program looking for a dynamic, undersized middle with elite bounce and competitive grit should be watching Aspyn closely. She's the real deal.   — Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='725012' first='Carly' last='Hulstein'] is a 2026 middle who brings serious impact at the net. She runs a variety of quicks, gaps, and slides with ease, keeping opposing blockers off-balance and forcing defenses to adjust. Her explosive approach and clean connection with setters make her a constant threat in system.   Defensively, Carly's timing is sharp—she reads setters early, closes seams, and puts up a disciplined block that consistently disrupts hitters. With her blend of physicality, court awareness, and ability to execute under pressure, Carly is a middle every college coach should be tracking.   — @prepdigdakotas     As she gears up for the high school season, [player_tooltip player_id='748619' first='Nicci' last='Zeis'] is showing she's ready to make a major impact. She's a physical presence at the net—quick to close, disciplined with her hands, and consistently reading hitters to shut down attacks.   Offensively, she runs a fast tempo and swings with confidence. Whether it's a one, slide, or second-tempo ball, Nicci elevates quickly and finds the open floor with strong, controlled attacks.   Her footwork, timing, and competitive edge make her a high-upside middle that college coaches should be watching closely.   — Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Harper is a dynamic middle who brings both power and polish to the front row. She combines elite court awareness with advanced volleyball IQ, consistently reading opposing offenses and adjusting to shut down hitters with well-timed, disciplined blocks. Offensively, her quick first-step and explosive approach allow her to beat the block and terminate with one of the most powerful arm swings in her class. She runs a quick tempo offense with ease—executing ones, gaps, and front slides with control and confidence.   Harper is the kind of middle who thrives in high-pressure situations. She identifies seams, attacks with range, and stays aggressive in transition. Defensively, she closes space quickly and takes away angles with smart positioning and strong hands. For college coaches seeking a middle who can anchor the net and swing for points at a high clip, Harper should be a top target in the 2026 class.   — Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Elle brings a commanding presence to the middle—physical, instinctive, and always in rhythm with the flow of play. Her ability to read the setter and anticipate the attacker allows her to close blocks with precision and take away key angles. She's quick laterally and disciplined with her hands, consistently putting up a tough wall against opposing hitters.   Offensively, Elle brings heat. She gets on top of the ball quickly, attacks with a strong vertical, and terminates efficiently in front of or behind the setter. Whether she's running a quick tempo or adjusting in transition, her connection with her setters allows her to stay aggressive and effective.   With her high motor, feel for the game, and ability to impact both sides of the ball, Elle is the type of middle every coach wants in their system.   — Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='740324' first='Brooklynn' last='Roedocker'] is a high-level competitor at the net with the skill set and mentality of a true impact middle. She reads the attacker early and adjusts with speed, consistently closing seams and pressing over to form a disciplined, effective block. Offensively, she runs a quick first step and brings a fast, aggressive approach that generates explosive momentum through the ball. Whether it's a one, a gap, or a slide, she times her routes with precision and attacks with purpose.   Defensively, Brooklynn is a problem for even the most physical hitters—her lateral quickness and hand discipline allow her to control the net and create point-scoring blocks. Combine that with her volleyball IQ, fast decision-making, and relentless motor, and you've got a middle who can impact every phase of the game. College coaches looking for a middle with both presence and upside should have Brooklynn firmly on their radar.   — Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @prepdigdakotas</h4>

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