The Force at the Net: Middles to Watch

Middle blockers are often the difference-makers, controlling momentum with a timely block or quick attack. At the PrepDig Showcase, several athletes proved why this position is the anchor of every lineup. They showed speed in transition, versatility in their attack, and an unwavering competitive edge that stood out to college coaches. Beyond their physical presence, each athlete also revealed the mindset and drive that push them to keep improving and impacting the game in new ways.    [player_tooltip player_id='558823' first='Avery' last='Medvin'] prides herself on being adaptable, able to adjust to any setter and attack through a wide variety of options. She runs quicks, 3s, slides, and back 1s with confidence, making her a versatile offensive presence who can keep a defense guessing. Recently, Avery has dedicated herself to improving her blocking, knowing that skill defines the impact of a middle at higher levels. She explained, “Middles don't get set as often and have to be strong blockers to compete with high level teams.” Her teammates describe her as a strong leader, determined competitor, and friendly presence who is always open to helping the team in whatever way is needed, even switching positions, if asked. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Calm and collected under pressure, Ashlynn McVay brings steadiness to her team and uplifts her teammates after every point. That combination of composure and encouragement defines her game, and she believes those traits will translate well to the college level. Offensively, she has been focusing on becoming more aggressive and confident as a hitter, determined to make her presence felt at the net. Ashlynn describes herself as hardworking and committed to putting in the time it takes to improve. Her teammates echo that sentiment, calling her a welcoming player who adds positive energy to the group. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     For [player_tooltip player_id='576741' first='Emily' last='Barr'], determination is a driving force. She is motivated by success, embraces challenges, and leans on her adaptability to find solutions on the court. Recently, her attention has been on blocking, which she sees as the cornerstone of her position. By aiming to be both successful and consistent as a blocker, Emily is preparing herself to compete with high-level opponents. Coaches and teammates recognize her as coachable, competitive, and disciplined, qualities that make her a reliable presence. Beyond her work ethic, Emily values the bonds she builds with her teammates. “I love to have fun with my team because they are like my second family,” she said, emphasizing the importance of team chemistry in her development. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Hardworking and coachable, [player_tooltip player_id='694914' first='Ariana' last='Villamar'] is the type of player who invests in every rep. She goes to the gym daily, looks for extra opportunities to improve, and pushes herself to become stronger at the net. Returning from injury, she has focused on regaining speed in her blocking and reaction time while also reminding herself to stay loose and enjoy the game. “I tend to forget that sometimes I need to have fun and not play so worried,” she reflected. Coaches and teammates appreciate her competitive spirit and resilience, noting how she bounces back quickly from mistakes. Off the court, Ariana admits one lighthearted detail, she is terrified of parrots and any talking birds, a fun fact that reveals her personality beyond volleyball. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Intensity and work ethic are the trademarks of [player_tooltip player_id='786921' first='Caitlin' last='Kiemele']'s game. She dedicates herself to improvement with early morning lessons, weight training before practice, and a focus on steady growth. She has been working on her blocking, recognizing the importance of adjusting to faster, smarter hitters at higher levels. Teammates describe her as a competitor who expects a lot of herself but also as a supportive teammate who raises the energy on the court. Caitlin explained, “In the end, volleyball is about having fun, but I'm a firm believer in staying focused and having a purpose behind everything I do.” What makes her development even more impressive is that she has only played two years of club volleyball, and she has already made significant strides. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Quickness and agility define [player_tooltip player_id='747304' first='Lyla' last='Guillory']'s play as a middle. She reads the court effectively and uses her speed to cover ground at the net. To prepare for the college level, she has been emphasizing consistency, particularly in blocking and hitting, understanding that reliability can set the tone for an entire match. She shared, “A consistent middle blocker can impact the court immensely and set the tone for the entire game.” Coaches and teammates describe her as passionate, coachable, and uplifting, always bringing positive energy. Before volleyball, she played competitive soccer, which sharpened her footwork and translated seamlessly to her movement as a middle. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     Fast, focused, and analytical, [player_tooltip player_id='701218' first='Mirei' last='Sanchez'] stands out for her ability to read setters and anticipate plays. She thrives on closing blocks and is developing her offensive versatility by expanding her hitting range. Improving her transition footwork has been a priority, as she knows a quick move from blocking to attacking can make an offense unpredictable. Mirei summarized, “A middle who can transition quickly and hit various sets makes the offense more unpredictable and hard to defend.” Known by her teammates as a serious and locked-in player, Mirei approaches every point with concentration. She also brings athletic versatility, having pitched for years as a competitive softball player before making volleyball her focus. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='760616' first='Lily' last='Morge'] combines intelligence with adaptability, using her court IQ to make sound decisions under pressure. Over the past year, she has played middle, outside, and even setter, giving her valuable versatility. She has been refining her blocking footwork and speed, aiming to be a reliable and fast presence at the net. Coaches describe her as a consistent competitor and team leader who thrives in high-pressure moments. Lillian explained, “My flexibility as a player can help me stand out and play at the college level wherever a coach needs me.” Off the court, she brings perspective shaped by family life as the middle child of five siblings, a role that has taught her patience and adaptability. ~ 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. 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Middle blockers are often the difference-makers, controlling momentum with a timely block or quick attack. At the PrepDig Showcase, several athletes proved why this position is the anchor of every lineup. They showed speed in transition, versatility in their attack, and an unwavering competitive edge that stood out to college coaches. Beyond their physical presence, each athlete also revealed the mindset and drive that push them to keep improving and impacting the game in new ways.