USAV GJNC Showcase Session 1 Preview: Middles You Can't Ignore

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">This article was shared with 150+ college coaches. Join PrepDig with 30% off using code: digdakotas30</a>   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   The wait is nearly over. We are only a day away from the USAV GJNC Showcase Session 1, and now is the time to take a closer look at some of the middle blockers that have had great seasons and have made their way onto the radar.   The middle blocker is one of the hardest jobs on the court. They are asked to close out blocks, take away angles, transition quickly, and remain available offensively. It's a job that involves constant motion with very little time off. When a middle does it right, they can completely change the game.   A lot of these athletes have been working towards this all season, so I'm excited for this group. Some of them I've seen raise their level in the last few months. Others have consistently appeared in my notes because of the impact they have at the net. Now they have a chance to showcase their products on one of the summer's biggest stages.   If you are a college coach looking for size, physicality, blocking presence, and athletes willing to do the hard work in the middle, these are not players you will want to miss.    Standing 6'0", Anayah Schirmer comes into the showcase after a solid season in the middle. It's a tough job, and Anayah has proven she can stay active rally after rally. Whether it's closing out blocks, moving off the net or being available on the offensive end, she continues to stay involved in the game. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   What I am looking forward to seeing is how she performs in the showcase environment's speed. Middles are looking for information quickly, and Anayah has the tools to make an impact on both sides of the ball. I'll be paying close attention to her blocking presence and how effectively she turns defensive stops into offensive opportunities.     Standing at 6'0”, [player_tooltip player_id='983007' first='Chloe' last='Harris'] has an immediate physical presence on the court that is noticeable. She has shown throughout the season the ability to challenge attackers at the net and go back and forth with a point-by-point battle. The best middles can impact a game even when they're not getting a lot of swings. Chloe has shown flashes of doing just that. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   I will be watching how she uses her size and athleticism against strong competition at the showcase. Her ability to take away angles, press over the net, and stay available in transition could make her a player that attracts attention.     Bahar Graham is one of those middles who stand at 6'1” and immediately grab your attention at the net. It's not just size that makes a successful middle blocker, but Bahar has continued to show the timing, footwork, and net presence to make an impact. Her ability to get established in the net makes her a tough matchup, and she's been that way all season. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   I'm excited to see how she continues to use that length and presence to impact matches at the showcase. A strong middle not only gets blocks but also forces hitters into uncomfortable decisions, and that's something I'll be watching.     [player_tooltip player_id='991026' first='Lyric' last='Smith'], 6'1” – Lyric's had a season that makes her a middle to follow into the showcase that's interesting. To play in the middle, you have to be on the move all the time, and Lyric has proven she can handle the workload. She stays engaged, she works to be available on the offensive end, and she continues to battle at the net. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   One thing I'll be watching closely is her transition game. That's where the speed to go from blocker to attacker can make a real difference for middles at events like this. Lyric has proved she can impact games in a variety of ways, and this showcase will be another opportunity to do just that.     6'1 Gabrielle Scott has many of the physical tools college coaches look for in a middle blocker walking into the showcase. Her size is a bonus, but it's how she uses it that interests me most. She has continued to make her presence known at the net all season long and has displayed the ability to challenge opposing hitters. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   At the showcase, I'll be watching how she reads the game and adjusts throughout matches. The best middle blockers make hitters think twice about what they are going to do, and Gabrielle has the chance to be one of those.     Standing 6'0", [player_tooltip player_id='942755' first='Lauren' last='Walker'] asserts herself at the net and in the middle with her work and her willingness to accept the rigors of the middle position. Middle blockers do a lot of work that doesn't always show up on the stat sheet, and Lauren has been consistent with that role. She remains active, works hard in transition, and continues to make herself available offensively. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas   As the showcase gets closer, I'll be watching how she closes seams and how she impacts attacking lanes. Middles that can make hitters adjust are always valuable, and Lauren has a chance to show that part of her game on a bigger stage.    <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>   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!   This journey is created by the village, athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</h4>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</h3>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">In Case You Missed It</h2>   <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>

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