Above the Tape: Colorado Class of 2027 Middles

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>The middle of the net is in good hands.</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle hitters do a little bit of everything. They close blocks, run quick tempos, create openings for their pins, and finish plays before defenses can react. The best middles stay available every rally and make blockers account for them, even when they never receive the set.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week, we're highlighting five Class of 2027 middles who continue to make their presence felt above the tape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["519217"],"_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-6a3f1e2881a5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adalaide Griest plays with quick feet and a fast first step, allowing her to get off the floor in a hurry. She reaches high, attacks at a strong contact point, and stays available throughout the rally. Whether she's running in front of or behind the setter, she keeps blockers honest. As she continues to develop, her offensive presence keeps becoming more noticeable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["828301"],"_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-6a3f1e2881b03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucy Worrell brings great tempo to the middle. She attacks every set with intent and works hard to stay involved, even when the pass isn't perfect. Additionally, she does a nice job running behind her setter, creating another option for the offense. When Worrell gets on top of the ball, she finishes with confidence and makes life difficult for opposing blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734463"],"_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-6a3f1e2881b7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allison Bailey continues to show why her ceiling is so exciting. She has the size, athleticism, and physical tools coaches love to see in a middle. More importantly, her confidence continues to grow with every match. Bailey stays available in transition, competes above the net, and looks more comfortable taking on a bigger offensive role. She is continuing to put the pieces together, and this is a player worth keeping an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734498"],"_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-6a3f1e2881bf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Michaela Coleman brings great purpose to every movement she makes at the net. She transitions quickly, stays balanced through her footwork, and arrives ready to attack. Furthermore, she closes blocks well and does a nice job taking away space defensively. Coleman plays with a high motor, and her ability to impact both sides of the ball makes her an exciting middle to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Closing Thoughts</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle position keeps evolving, and so does this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These athletes continue to develop their tempo, movement, and presence at the net. That combination makes them exciting to follow as club and high school volleyball continue to raise the level across Colorado.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Don't forget to follow along on Instagram <em>@prepdigcolorado</em> !</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->