Rising Sophomore Attackers Making Every Opportunity Count

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Join Prep Dig using code “AVG30” for a discount on your initial membership.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sophomore attackers across Minnesota have been making the most of their opportunities on the varsity court this season. Some saw limited playing time, others stepped into three rotation roles, and a few became six rotation players who rarely left the floor. Regardless of how much time they spent on the court, these young hitters took advantage of their opportunities to compete, gain experience, and show what they can bring to their teams. From powerful swings and smart shot selection to improved court awareness and growing confidence, there is plenty to be excited about with this group. With two more years of high school volleyball ahead of them, these are some of the sophomore attackers we'll continue to follow as they develop their skills, expand their roles, and take their games to the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember to follow me on Instagram @Prepdigamy and Facebook @PrepDig Amy for live event coverage, behind the scenes stories, player highlights, and the latest updates. If you want to get on my radar or feel like I may have missed you, please reach out to me on email at <a href="mailto:vanguilderamy@gmail.com">vanguilderamy@gmail.com</a>. I always love hearing from players, especially Minnesota athletes and I'm always looking for new players to watch and follow!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["523213"],"_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-6ae2a821cea58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I had the chance to watch Schmidt in action during the playoffs and was impressed with the sophomore's power, athleticism, and ability to attack from the pin. She gets up well and can unleash a hard cross court shot or turn her body and drive the ball down the line, making her a tough attacker to defend. Beyond her offensive abilities, Schmidt is also solid in serve receive and plays dependable defense, showing she can contribute in all aspects of the game. With another year of experience under her belt and a full club season ahead of her, Schmidt has plenty of room to continue developing her game. She is expected to step into a bigger leadership role next season at Zumbrota and I can't to see her shine again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1057735"],"_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-6ae2ae40b5731"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hutton has all the makings of a standout middle hitter. She is tall, quick, athletic, and has an impressive vertical that allows her to be a real threat at the net. She tracks the ball well, times her approach, and has little trouble getting up and over the block to put balls away. Her combination of height, quickness, and athleticism makes her a tough matchup for opposing defenses. She has the physical tools to become a dominant presence in the middle, and as she continues to develop her game, I expect her to become an even bigger weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1007504"],"_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-6ae2b15534fb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've always been a fan of lefties, so when I stumbled upon Zerr and saw her quick, powerful arm swing, I was instantly a fan. She has the ability to generate a ton of power and brings a different look to the offense with her left handed attack. What makes her even more intriguing is that she is also a setter. With her team running a 6-2 offense, we don't get to see her attack at the net, but I have no doubt she has the ability to be a weapon there as well. Her combination of setting skills, athleticism, and attacking power makes her a versatile player with plenty of potential, and I'm excited to see how her game continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1057748"],"_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-6ae2b15534feb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Springfield's [player_tooltip player_id='1057748' first='Harlow' last='Moody'] is a new middle who has jumped onto my radar in recent weeks, and the sophomore has all the tools needed to become a highly effective player at the net. She is athletic, competitive, and has a quick arm swing that allows her to generate plenty of power. What stands out to me is her ability to move and react quickly, making herself available even when the ball isn't perfectly placed. She goes after just about anything sent her way and does a great job adjusting to make a play. Her quickness, determination, and willingness to compete on every ball make her an exciting young middle to watch. With two more years of high school volleyball ahead of her, Moody has plenty of potential to become a real force at the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1057769"],"_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-6ae2c36caa4dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kuhlmann is making the most of her court time as a sophomore outside hitter and defender, showing plenty of promise on both sides of the ball. She brings a nice combination of power and finesse to her attack, knowing when to take a big swing and when to mix in a tip to find the open court. Defensively, she is stellar, with a relentless pursuit of the ball and a determination to keep plays alive. She covers the court well, goes after everything within reach, and isn't afraid to put in the extra effort to make a play. With her combination of offensive versatility and defensive tenacity, Kuhlmann is a well-rounded young player who will be exciting to watch as her game continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->