Colorado Class of 2028: Middles to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle hitters play a major role in both phases of the game. They set the tone defensively at the net, while also helping spread the offense with quick attacks and transition swings. A strong middle presence can completely change the flow of a match. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a few 2028 middles in Colorado worth keeping on your radar. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Middles to Watch</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["750205"],"_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-69a90469096fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gloessner is terminal across all phases of the game. Her length makes her a problem at the net, and she does a great job covering pin to pin as a blocker. She stays pressed over the net for as long as possible, creating touches and blocks even as she's coming down. Offensively, her slide is sharp and quick. She consistently attacks seams and shows impressive reaction timing given the speed of the set. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["532762"],"_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-69a9046909761"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones brings a big wind-up and a heavy arm when she gets on top of the ball. When the connection is there, she can terminate quickly in the middle. She reads opposing setters well and moves pin to pin efficiently, allowing her to impact blocking matchups. With her reach, she can swing over the block or tool hands to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["827124"],"_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-69a90469097ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Donaldson shows smooth and consistent transition work. She has a high reach and an explosive jump that can pull opposing blockers toward the middle, helping create offensive spacing. When she is set on a 3 or a slide and gets a clean look, she terminates. Donaldson stays active on her toes defensively and does a nice job taking up space at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["821757"],"_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-69a90469097fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King is a steady and reliable presence in the middle. She stays available in transition and does a great job staying ready during extended rallies. King sees the court well and makes smart decisions with ball placement. A high-IQ middle who understands when to stay aggressive and when to manage the play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2028 continues to develop across Colorado, and these middles are already showing the tools to impact the game at the net. As club season progresses, expect to see their roles continue to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->