Next Up at the Net: Middle Blockers to Watch

Middle blockers are the anchors of the net. At the SoCal UpNext Showcase, this group of athletes brought height, presence, and energy, showing flashes of timing, discipline, and court awareness that make them players to watch. Each middle came in with their own goals, stories, and personality, and together they gave coaches a glimpse of what the future holds at the net.    [player_tooltip player_id='847626' first='Kassidy' last='Reynolds'] - May be new to the sport, but her progress has been remarkable. Since starting volleyball in September 2024, she has been focused on improving her all-around game, with special attention on her defensive passing. “My goal is to become a middle who can rotate to the back row and effectively stay in play,” Reynolds said. That versatility is already becoming part of her identity as a player.   At the SoCal UpNext Showcase, she showed strong court awareness and a steady presence, while also displaying the kindness and teamwork she hopes coaches will remember about her. She has set ambitious goals for the season, including earning a spot on the 13-1s Rockstar team with her club and reaching a 10-foot vertical after already touching 9'4” during her 12's year. With her rapid improvement and determination, Kassidy is a young middle to watch. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='788660' first='Setarosa' last='Tuitasi-Ledoux'] - At 6'3, Setarosa immediately stands out, but it is her play at the net that truly commands attention. Coordinated and smooth in her movements, she combines strong footwork with a powerful swing that makes her a constant offensive threat. Her mechanics are sound, and her lightning-fast arm drives the ball with authority, producing kill after kill. Beyond her physical tools, Setarosa brings energy and personality to the court, competing with intensity while clearly enjoying the game. She is already a standout presence and an exciting young middle to follow as her game continues to rise. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='541863' first='Holli' last='Gordon'] – At 5'9, Holli makes her presence known at the net, but it is how she uses her height that sets her apart. She is eager to compete and always looks for opportunities to make an impact, whether it is getting her hands on the block or finding ways to score. Holli moves well in transition and works to stay connected with her setter, creating consistent offensive opportunities. After speaking with her following the event, it was clear that her passion for the game runs deep. She is a young athlete to watch as she continues to grow and refine her skills. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='763846' first='Kendall' last='Kim'] – Brings focus and composure to the court. She uses a long, fluid approach and makes strong contact with the ball, finishing her swing with impressive speed. Her wrist control allows her to snap the ball with precision, creating challenges for opposing defenses. Kendall's hand–eye coordination and awareness at the net are advanced for her age, giving her the ability to read the play and make smart adjustments. She is a developing middle who shows signs of becoming a reliable presence both offensively and defensively. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='878316' first='Ella' last='Tauanu'u'] – Brings a focused and athletic presence every time she steps on the court. She plays with natural fluidity, moving with purpose and coordination that allow her to stay engaged in the action. At the net, she is dialed in, using a quick snap on the ball to finish plays and applying steady pressure as a blocker. Ella makes an impact on both offense and defense, creating opportunities for her team and showing the kind of balance that makes her stand out. With her skill set and awareness, she is a young player to keep on the radar as she continues to grow. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, please help us keep the momentum going!</h3>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/09/image_cf4e03.png" alt="" class="wp-image-885470" style="width:125px;height:auto" /></figure>   ✨ Help a player get discovered — share this article using the share buttons and tag us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigca/?hl=en">PrepDigCa</a>!       <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>   🚀 <a href="https://prepdig.com/my-account/subscriptions/">Upgrade to a PrepDig+ Subscription</a> — exclusive rankings, in-depth analysis, and access to the full <a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/">prospect index</a>.     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   In October, the stakes only grow higher. High school teams are pushing through their final regular-season matches, sharpening every detail before league playoffs begin. For athletes, this is the time to compete with urgency, prove their growth, and leave no doubt heading into postseason play.   It's also the perfect month to experience volleyball at the next level. On October 29th, the USC Women's Volleyball team hosts the UCLA Bruins in a rivalry clash packed with the same fire and intensity athletes are chasing in their own seasons. Don't miss the chance to watch, learn, and be inspired as the game plays out on one of its biggest stages.   🔥 Players — Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to go further? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. Build connections, not just stats.   📣 Club Coaches & Directors — Share this with your teams. If your athletes are highlighted, celebrate them loudly. Post it, tag us, and help their stories reach the right eyes. Visibility is everything.   🎯 College Coaches — Tag these athletes in your University Athlete app and evaluate them as potential fits for your program. We're tracking their performance, growth, and impact through Recruitable Credentials — earned indicators college coaches recognize. Follow their journey with us and connect with athletes built for the next level.   🙏 Parents & Supporters — Thank you for being the backbone of this movement. Your subscriptions, shares, and belief in your athletes make this possible.   Thank you for making today's wins matter — one article, one player, one memory at a time.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Middle blockers are the anchors of the net. At the SoCal UpNext Showcase, this group of athletes brought height, presence, and energy, showing flashes of timing, discipline, and court awareness that make them players to watch. Each middle came in with their own goals, stories, and personality, and together they gave coaches a glimpse of what the future holds at the net.