2029 Middle Blockers: Eight Names College Coaches Need To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/"><strong>More than 150 college coaches shared this article.</strong> <strong>Join PrepDig and get 30% off with code "digdakotas30."</strong></a></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram @prepdigdakota.</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Dakota's Class of 2029 has some exciting talent coming through the middle, and I've been paying close attention to this group. Playing middle takes more than height. I'm looking at blocking instincts, footwork, offensive timing, and how quickly these players react to what's happening across the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What I like about this group is that each player brings something different. From physical presence to speed and aggressive play, these eight middles have earned their spots in my rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As club season approaches, college coaches should become familiar with these names. Here's my breakdown of North Dakota's 2029 middle blockers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["783337"],"_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-6add688388f4a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id='783337' first='April' last='Flack'] | Middle Blocker | #1 Middle in ND</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='783337' first='April' last='Flack'] takes our #1 spot among middle blockers, and at 6'2", she's already an exciting prospect to follow. What impresses me most is how advanced her game is for her age. She's competing on one of the top teams in the state and surrounding herself with players who are going to challenge her every day. That's a big part of what sets her apart in this class. This upcoming club season will be important for April, especially as she continues to face stronger, faster offenses. I have no doubt college coaches are already evaluating her skills, and I'm excited to see what she brings to the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Recruiting Take:</strong> Flack has the size, timing, and foundation to be a serious prospect at the next level. At 6'2", with the competition she's facing, she's one of the 2029 middle college coaches should already have on their short list. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922255"],"_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-6add688388fb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2. Elsey Torske | Middle Blocker | #2 Middle in ND</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elsey Torske comes in at #2 among our 2029 middle blockers, and at 6'0", she's someone I think college coaches need to start paying attention to. What interests me about Elsey is her potential to become a strong offensive presence through the middle. At this position, I watch how quickly a player can get off the net, make herself available for the setter, and attack before the opposing block closes. Those skills can separate middles at higher levels of competition. Elsey has the size to be a factor at the net, and I see her as a younger prospect worth bringing in to evaluate. She's earned that #2 ranking, and I want to see how her game continues to translate against stronger competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Recruiting Take:</strong> Torske is a 6'0" middle who should be considered for the 2029 recruiting class. I'd encourage college coaches to see her, especially her offensive tempo, transition work, and how she matches up against physical front rows. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["882490"],"_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-6add68838901f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id='882490' first='Ellery' last='Ames'] | Middle Blocker | #3 Middle in ND</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='882490' first='Ellery' last='Ames'] earns our #3 spot among the 2029 middle blockers, and at 6'0", she's a player I want college coaches to consider. When I evaluate middles, I look beyond how many balls they put away. I want to see how they affect the opposing offense. Can they take away an attacker's favorite angle? Can they get their hands across the net and make hitters change their shots? That's where a middle can really make a difference. Ellery has the size to compete at the net, and I see enough upside in her profile to make her someone worth following closely. I'd want to evaluate her in person, particularly against teams that run a fast offense and force their middles to make quick decisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Recruiting Take:</strong> Ames holds our #3 middle ranking at 6'0". I'd encourage college coaches to watch her blocking range, lateral movement, and ability to read opposing attackers as they evaluate the 2029 class. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922253"],"_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-6add688389069"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id='922253' first='Saylor' last='Greff'] | Middle Blocker | #4 Middle in ND</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922253' first='Saylor' last='Greff'] is #4 among our 2029 middle blockers, and she's one of my favorites to watch. I love the way she plays the game. She's fast, aggressive, and brings a level of intensity to the net you don't always see from players this young. There's no hesitation in how she attacks the ball, and that quick, aggressive mentality is exactly what I want to see from a middle. The position demands split-second decisions, whether you're getting up for an attack or reacting to what's happening on the other side of the net. Saylor has that natural competitive instinct, and I value it a lot when evaluating young players. You can teach footwork and refine technique, but that willingness to compete for every ball is much harder to teach. That's why I have her sitting at #4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Recruiting Take:</strong> Greff brings speed, aggression, and a competitive edge to the middle position. She's the type of player I'd encourage college coaches to watch in person because her energy and instincts at the net deserve attention. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["936075"],"_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-6add6883890af"} --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true,"start":5} --> <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='936075' first='Abigail' last='Posl'] | Middle Blocker | #5 Middle in ND</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='936075' first='Abigail' last='Posl'] rounds out my top 5 middle blockers in the Class of 2029, and I like the foundation she has to work with. When I'm scouting younger middles, I pay attention to the little things that are overlooked, especially their net positioning, how they prepare for the next play, and whether they put themselves in the right spots to be effective. Those details matter because middle requires more than just getting up and swinging. Abigail has a solid starting point, and that's why she's earned a place in my rankings. I'm interested to see how she handles the faster pace as the competition becomes tougher. I want to keep following her because there's room for her to make some noise in this class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Recruiting Take:</strong> Posl earns her #5 ranking with a solid foundation at the middle position. She's worth keeping on the recruiting radar, especially as stronger competition continues to test her blocking technique, offensive timing, and overall court awareness. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["905313"],"_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-6add6883890f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Callie Yate | Middle Blocker | Class of 2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've included Callie Yate in my 2029 middle blocker rankings. When I look at this class, I'm not just looking for the most physically imposing players or the ones putting up the highest numbers. I'm looking for middles who can make an impact as the game gets faster and more physical. Callie has earned a spot in this group, and I'm interested to see how she continues to compete at the net. I want to see more of her during club season because I believe she should be part of the conversation about the 2029 middles in North Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Note:</strong> Yate has earned her place in these rankings and is a middle worth following as college coaches begin evaluating this class. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["905312"],"_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-6add68838913e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='905312' first='Opal' last='Bitz'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='905312' first='Opal' last='Bitz'] is another middle I've included in my 2029 rankings, and she's someone I want to keep watching as this class takes shape. One area I pay close attention to with younger middles is how they work with their setters. A middle who can stay available, adjust to different set locations, and keep the opposing blockers guessing can be a valuable part of an offense. It's not always about getting the perfect quick set. Sometimes it's about making the adjustment and finding a way to keep the play aggressive. That's an area I'll be watching with Opal as she gets more opportunities against stronger competition. She's earned a place in this group, and I'm interested in seeing what she brings during club season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Note:</strong> Bitz is a 2029 middle worth tracking, particularly her connection with the setter, ability to adjust to imperfect sets, and effectiveness on quick attacks. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["922817"],"_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-6add688389183"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='922817' first='Aylexys' last='Walch'] | Middle Blocker | Class of 2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='922817' first='Aylexys' last='Walch'] rounds out my 2029 middle blocker rankings, and she deserves a spot in this group. When evaluating middles, I value what they do without the ball. A middle who stays active in the offense, threatens quick attacks, and forces opposing blockers to respect her approach can open up the entire front row. That ability to create opportunities for teammates matters as much as putting balls away herself. College coaches should pay attention to this area when evaluating this class. Aylexys has earned her place in these rankings, and I want her name in the conversation as coaches start building their 2029 recruiting boards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Scout Note:</strong> Walch earns her place among North Dakota's ranked 2029 middles. Her offensive movement, ability to occupy blockers, and impact away from the ball are key areas to evaluate at the next level. <strong><em>~Theresa@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you, 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 grow this positive platform by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. 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