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Middle Blockers with Game-Changing Presence

Middle Blockers with Game-Changing Presence
Michelle Bamford
Michelle Bamford July 14, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
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In this article:

Colbie Baker
Colbie Baker 6'2" | MB | 2028
CA
Dylan Kupiec
Dylan Kupiec 6'3" | MB | 2028
CA
Kate De Jong
Kate De Jong 6'1" | 2027
CA
Caira Tasi
Caira Tasi 6'2" | MB/OH | 2028
NV
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle blockers don't just fill space...they shape the game. At GJNC, these four middles made their presence known with quick reads, explosive transitions, and disruptive net play that altered opposing offenses. Whether putting up a dominant block or flying in for a quick tempo kill, each athlete showed they have the timing, physicality, and volleyball IQ to compete at the next level. These are the middles who owned the net and earned the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764837"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685f6907bb30f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='764837' first='Colbie' last='Baker'] continues to elevate her presence in the middle, turning high‑impact reads into game‑shifting moments. Her ability to anticipate the setter allows her to time blocks with precision. She doesn't just press over; she forces hitters to second‑guess their options. Even when balls thread close to the tape, she transforms chaotic plays into aggressive opportunities, never settling for routine outs. At Nationals, he's sharpened both her mental and physical timing, giving her that polished, commanding presence. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505606"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685f6907bba7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='505606' first='Caira' last='Tasi'] brings next-level power to the middle. She sells the block well, stays composed on her approach, and consistently attacks sharp angles both to the left and right. Her ability to find space and score without forcing the ball shows a high level of control and awareness. She does everything right when given the chance, the only thing slowing her down is not getting set more often. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["759009"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685f6907bbc05"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='759009' first='Dylan' last='Kupiec'] brings one of the sharper swings from the right side. She hits cross-body with pace and precision, consistently catching defenders off balance. She follows it up with a strong presence at the net, pressing over and landing key blocks that shift momentum. With each rep, her confidence builds, and it's clear she's stepping into a bigger role with poise and power. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["569615"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685f6907bc03a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='569615' first='Kate' last='De Jong'] works hard to stay an option in on every play. She doesn't drift or reach, she tracks the ball with discipline and makes the next right move without hesitation. Her timing, footwork, and focus reflect a player who understands her role and executes it with purpose. It's a quiet, steady consistency that keeps the team grounded and connected throughout long rallies. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":770392,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_b3bd7c.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770392" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>✨ <strong>Help a player get discovered </strong>— share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en"><strong>PrepDigCa</strong></a>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"lightbox":{"enabled":false},"id":770394,"width":"98px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"custom","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/04/image_ff10cb.png" alt="" class="wp-image-770394" style="width:98px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>🚀 <strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a></strong> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><strong>prospect index</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>July marks a key transition: club tryouts are here, and high school season is just around the corner. It's the perfect time to read more articles, build confidence, and support prospects by sharing this article. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>To our incredible subscribers</strong> — thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. Together, we're growing the game, one rep, one article, and one athlete at a time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>This movement is powered by the village</strong> — athletes, coaches, families, and the community that believes in what's possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thank you for making today's wins matter</strong> <strong>— one article, one player, one memory at a time.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"className":""} --> <p>~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Middle blockers don't just fill space...they shape the game. At GJNC, these four middles made their presence known with quick reads, explosive transitions, and disruptive net play that altered opposing offenses. Whether putting up a dominant block or flying in for a quick tempo kill, each athlete showed they have the timing, physicality, and volleyball IQ to compete at the next level. These are the middles who owned the net and earned the spotlight.

Colbie Baker

Colbie Baker

CA
MB
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS MB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Colbie
Baker MB
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
HS
Marin Catholic
|
CA
Middle Blockers with Game-Changing Presence
Colbie Baker continues to elevate her presence in the middle, turning high‑impact reads into game‑shifting moments. Her ability...
Written by Michelle Bamford
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Colbie Baker

Instagram
State: California
School: Marin Catholic
Club: Absolute Volleyball Club
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Caira Tasi

Caira Tasi

HEIGHT 6'2"
POS MB/OH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Caira
Tasi MB/OH
Class
2028
Height
6'2"
HS
Bishop Gorman
|
NV
Middle Blockers with Game-Changing Presence
Caira Tasi brings next-level power to the middle. She sells the block well, stays composed on her approach,...
Written by Michelle Bamford
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Caira Tasi

Instagram
State: Nevada
School: Bishop Gorman
Club: Vegas Aces
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Dylan Kupiec

Dylan Kupiec

CA
MB
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS MB
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Dylan
Kupiec MB
Class
2028
Height
6'3"
HS
Torrey Pines
|
CA
Middle Blockers with Game-Changing Presence
Dylan Kupiec brings one of the sharper swings from the right side. She hits cross-body with pace and...
Written by Michelle Bamford
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Dylan Kupiec

Instagram
State: California
School: Torrey Pines
Club: Wave Volleyball Club
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kate De Jong

Kate De Jong

HEIGHT 6'1"
POS N/A
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Kate
De Jong
Class
2027
Height
6'1"
HS
Edison
|
CA
Middle Blockers with Game-Changing Presence
Kate De Jong works hard to stay an option in on every play. She doesn’t drift or reach,...
Written by Michelle Bamford
Read more at PrepDig.com
Prep Dig

Kate De Jong

Instagram
State: California
School: Edison
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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