Top Middles in 2027 You Need To Know

The middle blocker position is one of the most impactful roles on the court, and the Class of 2027 is loaded with talent at the net. From disciplined blocking and quick offensive tempo to court awareness and physical presence, these athletes consistently change the flow of the match on both sides of the ball. During school season, they made waves. Now that club season is here, we've seen them step up even more. Whether they're shutting down pins, terminating in system, or elevating the play of those around them, this group has proven they're ready to make a statement.   Here are the Top Middles in the Class of 2027 you need to know, both committed and uncommitted—and why each one is firmly on our radar as they continue their development toward the next level.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Committed Top Middles:</h2>    Committed To: TCU   We're excited to continue watching [player_tooltip player_id='781999' first='Kristen' last='Sheehy'] this season, as she's proven she's not only here to stay, but firmly established herself among the top players in her class. Coming off another strong year at Sandra Day O'Connor High School, Kristen closed out the season with an impressive .337 hitting percentage, showcasing her efficiency and consistency as an offensive weapon, despite having an injury towards the end of the season.   What truly separates Kristen is her ability to elevate an offense through tempo and reliability. She consistently presents a strong option on quicks and slides, forcing opposing defenses to stay honest and commit early. With a high contact point and an aggressive, confident swing, she terminates with purpose and capitalizes on scoring opportunities in system.   Currently competing with a talented Revolution 17 Premier roster that remains undefeated in Open and recently captured the MLK Fiesta Classic 17s/18s Open Division title, Kristen continues to be a major presence at the net. With her impact on both tempo and scoring, this group is well positioned to keep building momentum throughout the season.     Committed To: Pepperdine   Watching [player_tooltip player_id='784641' first='Sadie' last='Wahlin'] during the 3A State Championship only reinforced why she continues to stand out as one of the top players in the state. She finished the season at the top of Arizona in hitting percentage, posting an eye-popping .556, while also ranking 5th overall in kills with 356 on the year. Defensively, she was just as impactful, closing the season 2nd in the state in blocks with 159, showcasing her dominance on both sides of the ball.   Sadie is a polished offensive presence who thrives in fast-tempo systems and stays consistently available in transition. She attacks with confidence and control, adjusts seamlessly to imperfect sets, and finds smart ways to score using her impressive vertical and powerful arm swing. Her ability to terminate efficiently while remaining disciplined makes her a tough matchup for opposing defenses.   As she heads into club season with Storm 17 Thunder, Sadie enters as a true difference-maker at the net. We're excited to watch her continue to raise the level and make an impact throughout the season.     Committed To: Northern Arizona University   [player_tooltip player_id='881804' first='Addison' last='Bartnik'] proved to be a major difference maker for Basha High School this season, playing a key role in helping lead the program to a 6A State Playoffs appearance for the first time since 2019. Primarily competing on the right side, she finished the season with an impressive 73 blocks while adding just under 200 kills, showcasing her physicality and ability to impact the match on both sides of the ball.   As she transitions into the middle, Addison brings the same high-level presence to the front row. She is a constant offensive threat, consistently terminating in system with speed and precision. Her quick first step and explosive approach allow her to beat the block cleanly, while her timing with the setter creates quality scoring opportunities. She also showed strong awareness attacking off one foot and remained effective even when plays broke down.   Addison's determination, grit, and dynamic skill set continue to separate her as one of the top players in her class. While she spent much of the high school season on the right, we're excited to watch her continue to elevate her game in the middle with AZ Sky 17 Gold, where she's sure to make an immediate impact throughout the club season.     Committed To: Washington State   [player_tooltip player_id='828437' first='Bailey' last='Lambert'] put together an impressive season at Canyon View High School, helping lead her team through multiple statement wins and impressive upsets along the way. She finished the year with just under 100 blocks while tallying 310 kills and posting an outstanding .370 hitting percentage, putting her at 11th in the state overall.   A disciplined and technically sound blocker, Bailey reads hitters exceptionally well and closes seams with urgency. Her lateral movement pin-to-pin consistently stands out, allowing her to form a strong block and create meaningful touches that slow opposing offenses and extend rallies. She plays with patience at the net and brings a high volleyball IQ to every matchup.   We're excited to watch Bailey continue her success as part of the MLK Champions, Revolution 17 Premier roster, one of the top 17s teams in the region. A true difference maker on the court, she's positioned to make a significant impact and build even more momentum throughout the club season.     Committed To: Abilene Christian   Kiera Caldwell (Kc) made the move to powerhouse Liberty High School this past season after transferring from Mountain Ridge High School. While the depth of the roster meant she was patient and waiting for her moment, those who know her game understand exactly the kind of impact she brings—and what's still ahead.   KC stands out as one of the most reliable defensive threats at the net. She combines physicality with control, making her a tough matchup for opposing attackers. Whether she's terminating quicks offensively or sealing the block defensively, she plays with purpose and consistency. Her discipline, timing, and ability to impact both sides of the ball continue to prove her value as a true two-way middle.   She now adds another layer of firepower to an already loaded Revolution 17 Premier roster. With her presence in the middle, this group is well positioned to make noise, and we're excited to watch KC and Revolution 17 Premier shine on the national stage this season.    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Uncommitted Top Middles:</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='881808' first='Mckinley' last='Jolley'] enters club season coming off a powerful school campaign with Perry High School, where she established herself as one of the most impactful front-row presences in the state. She finished the season ranked 13th overall in blocks with 113, consistently altering game plans and forcing opponents to find ways around her at the net.   One of the most disruptive blockers on the floor, McKinley presses aggressively over the tape and creates constant frustration for attackers. Even when she's not recording a stuff block, her hands are active and disciplined, producing meaningful touches that lead to soft swings, errors, and extended rallies. Her defensive presence alone shifts momentum and elevates her team's net defense. Offensively, she is just as impressive. McKinley attacks with a high snap and explosive contact, taking the ball early and cleanly on tempo sets. Her ability to score efficiently while maintaining discipline makes her a true two-way threat and a difficult matchup on both sides of the ball.   We're excited to watch McKinley continue her ascent with Aspire 17 Alpha this season. With her physicality, timing, and competitive edge, this group is poised to surprise plenty of opponents—and McKinley will be a major reason why.     Kaitlin James has been an impressive and reliable presence for Perry High School, anchoring the front row with consistency and control throughout the season. She closed the year ranked 12th in the state in blocks with 119 total, while also contributing offensively with a strong .302 hitting percentage, proving her value as a true two-way middle.   Defensively, Kaitlin makes her presence felt every time she's at the net. She forms a disciplined, well-timed block and consistently takes away high-percentage swings. Her patience and ability to read hitters allow her to close late and effectively, turning powerful attacks into controlled touches and momentum-shifting stops for her team.   As she gears up for another strong club season with Storm 17 Thunder, Kaitlin is poised to continue elevating her game. With her steady blocking, offensive efficiency, and high volleyball IQ, she continues to prove why she's one of the top middles in her class.     Aniah Brown made a clear statement this season as a dominant middle presence for Verrado High School, showcasing her ability to impact the match on both sides of the ball. She closed the year with 83 total blocks, ranking among the state's best, while also finishing 12th overall in hitting percentage at an impressive .356. Offensively, she added 304 kills on the season, highlighting her consistency, efficiency, and reliability as a primary option in the middle.   A high-IQ middle, Aniah understands the game at an advanced level and plays with purpose on every rally. Offensively, she makes smart, disciplined decisions, staying composed and effective even in transition. Defensively, she anchors the block with strong timing and positioning, reading hitters well and closing seams in crucial moments. Her communication and court awareness elevate those around her, helping keep her team organized and confident at the net.   As she heads into club season with AZ Outlaws 17, we're excited to watch Aniah continue to build on her momentum. With her two-way impact, volleyball IQ, and competitive edge, she's poised to remain a difference maker throughout the season and continue proving why she's one of the top middles in her class.     Emma Caldwell was a true stronghold for the Arizona College Prep Knights this school season, consistently impacting the match across multiple phases of the game. She finished the year with 85 blocks, just under 200 kills, and added 40 aces from the service line, highlighting her ability to influence points both at the net and from the back row.   Emma plays with a fearless mindset at the net. She's quick on her feet as both a blocker and attacker, runs dynamic plays when given the opportunity, and does an excellent job adjusting her approach based on her opponents. Whether she's sealing the block or attacking with intent, she plays aggressively and with a clear passion to win. Her versatility has also stood out, as she's shown the ability to shine in both the middle and on the right side, bringing the same level of intensity and effectiveness regardless of her role. Beyond the stats, Emma's energy is impossible to miss. She celebrates big moments with confidence, lifts her teammates, and brings an infectious competitive edge that elevates the entire group.   As she heads into club season with Aspire 17 Alpha, we're excited to watch Emma continue to build on her momentum. With her versatility, motor, and competitive fire, she's set up for another impactful season and continued growth at the next level.     One thing that stands out immediately about [player_tooltip player_id='881962' first='Leiiani' last='Jones'] is that she never backs down from a challenge. Competing for Basha High School in one of the toughest regions in the state, she consistently held her own against elite competition. She closed the season with just under 100 blocks, ranking 18th overall in Arizona, while also adding 166 kills, highlighting her ability to impact the match on both sides of the ball.   Leilani is an offensive threat from anywhere on the court. She transitions seamlessly to score from the outside, runs a quick and effective slide, and can terminate from the right, forcing opposing defenses to constantly adjust. Her versatility and range keep blockers guessing and make her a difficult matchup regardless of where she's lined up.   She's carried that momentum into club season with Omni 17N1, where she's already made an immediate impact. With her confidence, versatility, and competitive edge, we're excited to see what Leilani and this group are capable of as the season continues.     [player_tooltip player_id='892194' first='Macy' last='Schmidt'] is a name we'll continue to track closely as club season unfolds. She put together a strong school season at Mountain View High School, and all signs point to her carrying that momentum into her role with Aspire 16 Alpha.   Macy understands how to impact the game. She does an excellent job pulling the block and staying aggressive regardless of where the set is delivered, approaching every play with the same attacking mindset. Offensively, she's smart and intentional—mixing power with placement and showing great awareness when attacking into Zone 1 to put pressure on the setter and disrupt the opposing offense. Defensively, Macy is just as reliable. She presents a strong, disciplined block along the net and competes with consistency from pin to pin. Her ability to stay engaged in every phase of the game makes her a valuable presence and a tough matchup for opponents.   This upcoming club season feels like a major growth opportunity for Macy, and we're excited to watch her continue to elevate her game with Aspire 16 Alpha. With her volleyball IQ, competitiveness, and all-around impact, she's absolutely going to have a standout year.     [player_tooltip player_id='882697' first='Kate' last='Harrigan'] was a key contributor on a strong 1A Cicero Prep roster this season, playing a major role in the team's overall success and a State Championship. She finished the year ranked 6th in conference for kills with 234, while also making her presence felt at the net and from the service line with 79 digs and 42 aces. Her ability to impact the match in multiple phases made her a consistent problem for opposing teams.   What truly separates Kate is her motor and discipline. She stays fully engaged every rally, transitions with urgency, and plays with a relentless pace that raises the level of those around her. She finds ways to influence the game even when she's not the primary option—whether it's tricking a block or stepping in to defend in the back row when needed. Her versatility and competitiveness make her the type of athlete opponents remember long after the match ends.   As she heads into club season with Club One 18 Platinum, we're excited to watch her continue to build on her momentum. With her high-energy play, all-around impact, and ability to contribute in every phase of the game, she's poised for another standout season and remains a true difference maker on the court.    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   We can't wait to see what the rest of the 2026 club season will bring!   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The middle blocker position is one of the most impactful roles on the court, and the Class of 2027 is loaded with talent at the net. From disciplined blocking and quick offensive tempo to court awareness and physical presence, these athletes consistently change the flow of the match on both sides of the ball. During school season, they made waves. Now that club season is here, we've seen them step up even more. Whether they're shutting down pins, terminating in system, or elevating the play of those around them, this group has proven they're ready to make a statement.