I finally received an opportunity to watch PowerPlex 16 Nelson during the 2026 ASICS Show Me National Qualifier during mid-April in Kansas City. It’s a roster filled with talented players, and Molden certainly ranks highly among that group. The Johnston sophomore impacts matches as a two-way performer in the middle of the net. Beyond her height, Molden benefits from having long arms and recognizable explosiveness in her game. She started all 32 of the Dragons’ matches last fall, generating 150 kills and 39.0 blocks on a rebuilding roster. That she came up with 91 digs speaks to her agility for a taller girl. Molden is a smart volleyball player that sees the court well and learns from opponent tendencies. When you watch her play, there’s communication and sharing of information with her teammates on a regular basis. It helps them stay connected and rowing in the same direction. Molden looks like a player that’s steadily rising as a prospect, one that could really break out in school ball this coming campaign.

Molden’s skillset is ready-made for the M1 position. The Johnston sophomore has a rare combination of lateral agility and attacking range in two-hitter rotations. We also watched 16U Nelson wield Molden as a serving asset in Rotation 6–a rare strategy at the club level. This is a middle blocker you want on the court as much as possible.

This year’s winter showcase had a rare combination of quantity and quality at the middle blocker position. We’ve already highlighted plenty of dominant middles from our Exposure Tour, but the discussion isn’t complete without Molden. The Johnston sophomore piled up over 150 kills for the Dragons this year and was a valuable anchor to the team’s formidable block. Molden’s one-on-one roofs turned heads during Sunday’s scrimmages, injecting some instant energy into her team’s huddle. She’ll keep training in the Horizon Events Center ahead of another big season with Iowa PowerPlex.

I was fortunate to scout Molden in person on multiple occasions during the last club season. It allowed for an appreciation of the skills she brings to the court. Molden’s versatility is a strength. She’s effective in the middle and on the outside already, and it would not be surprising to see her find success at the opposite pin. Having said that, Molden’s potential in the middle might be the highest among those positions. She is a good athlete, that jumps well and is developing power. Molden shows a good feel for the attack, where to put it down by identifying openings and advantages. She’s improving at throwing up the block, timing her leap and reading the opponent’s swing. Molden could really take a step forward this upcoming club season.

Molden helped PowerPlex to a championship at the 2025 Northern Lights Qualifier and a runner-up finish at the Iowa Regional Qualifier a week later. Her height and long arms make her a prototypical middle. Molden is light on her feet and moves well laterally. She shows a good vertical leap and a reliable swing. Molden should continue improving as she develops more strength and sharpens her volleyball skills.

We’re starting with one of the most physical 2028 middle blockers from last weekend’s event. Molden locked down the net with her combination of length and outstanding technique. She could get hip-to-hip with her wing blocker and showed a knack for reading opposing setters. Showcases put middle blockers in some fascinating scenarios, and Molden responded well to all of them.