HIGH POTENTIAL: 5 Class of 2029 Middles to Know and Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 has some serious potential in the middle!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle position takes a unique combination of athleticism, timing, reach, and confidence. These five athletes are already showing us plenty of those qualities, while continuing to develop their games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some are physical at the net. Others bring a crafty approach or make plays well beyond the attack line. However, they all have one thing in common: there is a lot of potential here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1039185' first='Nkemjikau' last='Udokwu']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1039185"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aac7ab320be7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Udokwu is a 5'11" middle who is already showing why she is a name to know. She has a natural feel for the game and impressive reach at the net. Her blocking ability stands out, and she continues to work on sharpening her timing in the middle. When that timing is right, Udokwu can contact the ball high and send it straight down or find the open corner. As she continues putting those pieces together, her upside becomes even more exciting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1015225' first='Norah' last='Feik']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1015225"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aac7ab320c28"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Feik is one of the most athletic middles in the Class of 2029. Her competitive spirit is impossible to miss, and she is the type of hitter you want to get the ball to when the offense needs a big play. Additionally, Feik does a great job working back to her setter and getting herself into position. That habit is important, especially for a young middle learning how to create better connections. Her athleticism and competitiveness make Feik a very exciting player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1000693' first='Sydney' last='Hagans']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1000693"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aac7ab320c4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hagans is quick in transition and always seems ready for her next opportunity to swing. She isn't afraid to challenge a big block because she understands how to use the court around her. Instead of simply trying to hit through defenders, Hagans can recognize open space and find ways to put the ball where nobody can make a play. Furthermore, she brings that same energy into the back row. She stays ready to defend after serving and loves finding ways to keep rallies alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1038041' first='Izabella' last='Lane']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1038041"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aac7ab320c6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Having watched Lane during club season, it has been exciting to see how much she continues to learn every time she steps on the court. She brings plenty of length to the middle and knows how to use it to create an advantage. Lane also helps keep the offense flowing by running plays that spread the defense and open opportunities for her teammates. Additionally, she can make an impact from the service line. Her versatility continues to stand out, making Lane another Class of 2029 name to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1019765' first='Sydney' last='Deal']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1019765"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aac7ab320c87"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Deal is one of the craftier middles in this group. She stays ready and has a knack for making whatever set comes her way work. When she gets the opportunity to swing, Deal brings a heavy arm and isn't afraid to power through the block. However, her game extends beyond attacking. She stays engaged as a server and defender while continuing to build strong all-around fundamentals. Deal is putting together the pieces of a well-rounded middle, and she is another player whose development will be fun to follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">High Potential</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group gives us five very different looks at the middle position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Udokwu brings reach and natural blocking ability. Feik brings athleticism and competitive fire. Hagans brings transition speed and court awareness. Lane brings length and versatility. Deal brings craftiness and well-rounded fundamentals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 is still developing, but these five are already giving us plenty of reasons to keep watching. There is a lot of volleyball ahead, and this group has plenty of potential to keep making noise!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, rankings, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->