PD MN SpikeFest: 14/15U Outsides Showing Up and Showing Out

These young outsides already understand what it takes to own the court. Not only are they showing up with dominant swings, but defensively, they are unstoppable with their fast feet and their IQ.      As a six-rotation player, Thompson brings teamwork, energy, positivity, and dedication to the court. In the front row, she is ready to block the opponents and uses her agile footwork to get in front of the hitter quickly. Defense always comes first, as she transitions quickly off the net, ready to defend the court before taking a swing. Thompson successfully swings from anywhere on the court and works hard to give the opponents an aggressive attack. She congratulates and encourages all teammates during and after rallies.     Middendorp is ready to cover her teammates and is determined not to let the ball drop. Her self-coverage continues to play and allows her team to try and score another way. When approaching, she uses the block to help guide the location of her next swing. Middendorp has a fast approach and swing that easily bypasses the opponent's blockers. Defensively, Middendorp never stops moving. She does not hesitate to run down a ball and make a diving play. She has strong communication with her teammates to help them stay on the same page. At the end line, she has a strong jump-float serve that adds many aces to the stats sheet as her opponents struggle to track the ball.     Lundell is never ready to let the play end. Her dedication to protecting her side of the net is easily noticed right as she steps on the court. She anticipates where the ball is going to be placed and puts in her best effort to get there first. In the front row, she is always transitioning and ready to pass first before going back to hit. Her swing is fast, and she uses her whole body to put power into the ball. Lundell has several shots up her sleeve and reads the defense when deciding which one to use. In the back row, she demonstrates her defensive skills with her strong platform control and passing accuracy.     Larsen has a big, strong block that takes away play space for her opponents. Using her footwork to get in front of the hitter, she gets up there with time to adjust if needed. By watching the hitter, she times her blocks beautifully, getting multiple touches and stops. Offensively, Larsen has a fast, high swing, getting around and through the blockers in front of her. Her killer line shot creates a lot of havoc for her opponents and usually ends the rally. Larsen is always ready to pass and help her team make a strong play. She has fast footwork and solid platform control, willing the ball to her setter every time.     Dummett approaches to the ball tall and fast, making sure to stay behind it and watching the defense in front of her. She utilizes her sharp swing to hit open areas of the court with ease. Performing multiple shots without giving it away early, she makes finding the open court look easy. The opposing defense struggles to read where her swing will go. Dummett works hard to transition quickly off the net to be ready defensively before getting in position to swing. Her positive energy and communication propel her team forward throughout the game.

These young outsides already understand what it takes to own the court. Not only are they showing up with dominant swings, but defensively, they are unstoppable with their fast feet and their IQ.