Class of 2029: Developing the Middle Attack

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>This article was shared with 150+ college coaches.</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Join PrepDig with 30% off using code:&nbsp;<em><strong>digdakotas30</strong></em></strong></a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Class of 2029, this summer is going to be a big jump, especially for the middle blockers. It's not about being the tallest player on the court. Middles need to be quick, establish strong timing at the net, and learn how to close blocks effectively. It's about transitioning to the outside pins to set the block, then quickly transitioning off the net to establish the middle attack. This summer, we'll see these girls continue to elevate their game. They will develop strong habits and learn from veterans, bringing relentless work and energy to the net. By the time the season arrives, don't be surprised if these middles look even more confident and are ready to take on bigger roles within their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["901620"],"_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-6a2a1f053fcbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='901620' first='Berklee' last='Anderson'] has the IQ and understanding of the game. Berklee is a special player because when she isn't at the middle attacking, she is setting. So understanding the game has come naturally to her. I believe this summer is going to be huge for her as she continues to develop her timing as a blocker and transitions more quickly from defense to offense. I am excited to see her excel in a quicker tempo. Expect her to have an impactful upcoming season. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914126"],"_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-6a2a1f053fd33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='914126' first='Brooklyn' last='Alesch'] is all for the physical demands that come with playing in the middle. Brooklyn is already working hard and doing all the right things. This summer, we're watching to see her take her blocking and transition-to-attack game to a whole new level. As she continues refining her footwork, improving her speed, and strengthening her connection in the middle attack, she has the potential to be a force at the net. Because she wants to compete and be better every time she steps on the court, don't be surprised if she earns herself a bigger role this fall. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746173"],"_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-6a2a1f053fd89"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746173' first='Amelia' last='Schluender'] is already standing out for her age. Amelia brings a level of maturity both on and off the court. When she steps onto the court, she understands just how much of an impact a middle blocker can have on the game. You'll see Amelia create opportunities for her teammates through block touches, opening up space offensively, and communicating consistently at the net. She already has a strong foundation when it comes to tracking hitters and getting to the block more efficiently. I believe that with more time in the gym and additional reps this summer, Amelia will gain even more confidence and strengthen her decision-making, helping take her game to an even more competitive level. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["757172"],"_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-6a2a1f053fdef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='763927' first='Ava' last='Anderson'] is continuing to embrace everything that comes with playing the middle position. Ava already has the competitiveness you need from a middle, always working to get to the pin to establish the block and seal off attacking angles. What is equally impressive is how she transitions off the net and stays involved in the rally. She is learning that you can win points in more ways than just recording kills. I'm excited to see her continue developing these skills and gain more high-level reps this summer. She has the potential to be an important scoring piece for her team. It's always about mastering the little things, and Ava is on the right path. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["905018"],"_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-6a2a1f053fe3f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='905018' first='Lilla' last='Dedon'] is a middle blocker who is very consistent and understands why that is so important. Lilla has a strong foundation with her footwork, timing, and commitment to blocking in every rally. She consistently embraces her responsibilities at the net as a middle. Over the summer, I expect to see her elevate her game even more through quicker transitions, stronger communication at the net, and increased confidence. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <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> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br>This journey is created by the village, athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>In Case You Missed It</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:image {"id":987083,"linkDestination":"custom"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://prepdig.com/dakotas/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/05/image_5b1fa1.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-987083" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->