Rankings Update: Middles College Coaches Should Be Tracking

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The middle blocker remains one of the most impactful positions on the court—and these sophomores are already proving why. Great middles don't just score; they control the net, dictate blocking schemes, and force offenses to adjust. This group has separated itself by doing exactly that. We've tracked their movement, timing, and presence across events, and what stands out isn't just size—it's how they use it. They close faster, run tempo with confidence, and influence matches on both sides of the ball. If you're building your board, these sophomore middles are the players you should be circling and prioritizing this season.    [player_tooltip player_id='753852' first='Jayla' last='Overman'] | Class of 2028 | No. 2 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='753852' first='Jayla' last='Overman'] already plays the middle like a system anchor. Her lateral speed and block timing allow her to close seams before hitters even recognize the window is gone. She doesn't drift—she presses, taking space away with purpose. Offensively, Jayla runs true first-tempo routes with confidence, staying connected to the setter and finishing clean at a high contact point. What separates her is how quickly she transitions from block to attack—she's immediately available, immediately dangerous. This is a middle who dictates matchups and forces offenses to adjust. College coaches will see a player who can step into a blocking scheme and elevate it. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='827475' first='Nahla' last='Fjeldheim'] | Class of 2028 | No. 3 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='827475' first='Nahla' last='Fjeldheim'] brings rhythm and command to the net. She reads the setter early, takes efficient routes, and arrives on time with balance and intent. Her blocking is controlled and technical—hands high, eyes tracking, angles sealed. Offensively, she's a true tempo middle who stays patient and finishes in rhythm without forcing swings. Nahla doesn't just participate in the offense—she organizes it. Her presence stabilizes the front row, and her ability to score efficiently makes her a middle who raises a team's floor and ceiling. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='745911' first='Jersey' last='Peterson'] | Class of 2028 | No. 4 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='745911' first='Jersey' last='Peterson'] plays the position with physical authority. She closes with aggression, challenges hitters at the peak, and makes attackers rethink their angles. Her block isn't passive—it's disruptive. Offensively, Jersey attacks with intent, staying explosive on quick routes and finishing through contact. She plays with edge, and that competitive fire shows in every rally. Jersey doesn't blend into the front row—she commands it. This is the type of middle who changes the emotional tone of a match. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='923331' first='Kamry' last='Padden'] | Class of 2028 | No. 5 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='923331' first='Kamry' last='Padden'] is a technician with impact. Her footwork is clean, her shoulders stay square, and her movements are economical—nothing wasted, nothing rushed. Defensively, she presents a disciplined, pressing block that takes space away instead of reacting late. Offensively, she runs quick tempo with precision and consistency, giving setters a target they can trust in every rotation. Kamry's strength is reliability at speed. She's the kind of middle who allows a system to function at full tempo without breaking down. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='826231' first='Francesca' last='Barnett'] | Class of 2028 | No. 6 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='826231' first='Francesca' last='Barnett'] is a transition weapon. She never disengages from the play—block, release, re-present, attack. Her movement patterns keep her involved in every phase, and she punishes teams that relax after the first contact. Defensively, she closes with urgency and reads well across the net. Offensively, she runs tempo with confidence and finishes under pressure. Francesca's value is her ability to stay dangerous beyond the first swing. She's a middle who thrives in chaos and turns broken plays into points. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='522787' first='Chloe' last='Christensen'] | Class of 2028 | No. 7 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='522787' first='Chloe' last='Christensen'] brings composure and polish to the position. She positions early, closes with discipline, and uses her hands to take away space rather than chase swings. Her blocking is calculated and efficient. Offensively, Chloe is patient in her approach, finishing first-tempo routes with control and purpose. She doesn't force the game—she reads it. Chloe plays like a middle who already understands structure, making her a seamless fit for college systems that value efficiency and execution. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='822786' first='Breklyn' last='Hermanson'] | Class of 2028 | No. 8 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='822786' first='Breklyn' last='Hermanson'] plays fast and plays loud. Her motor never drops—she sprints along the net, commits to every block move, and re-engages immediately in transition. That pace creates pressure. Offensively, she continues to grow as a quick threat, showing improved timing and confidence at contact. Defensively, her urgency closes windows before they fully open. Breklyn's impact is felt in the tempo of the match. She raises intensity, forces action, and keeps rallies alive at the net. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='728817' first='Evlynn' last='Carney'] | Class of 2028 | No. 11 Middle   [player_tooltip player_id='728817' first='Evlynn' last='Carney'] brings instinct and anticipation to the middle. She tracks offenses well, reads setter tendencies, and positions herself ahead of the play. Her block arrives early, not late. Offensively, she runs first-tempo routes with comfort and finishes in rhythm. What stands out is her feel for the game—she's thinking one touch ahead. Evlynn is a middle whose growth curve is steep, and whose understanding of space and timing projects cleanly to the next level. ~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>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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