USAV GJNC Preview: 2026 Top Middles

The USAV Girls Junior National Championships are fast approaching, which will take place from July 3rd through the 11th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Top teams from across the country are currently preparing to compete in hopes of representing their club and region well. Many teams from the CEVA Region were awarded bids and are eager to show the country what volleyball from the Pacific Northwest looks like!     Leading up to the tournament, PrepDig Oregon will highlight players to watch from each of the CEVA teams that received bids.    Up now, the top middles from the class of 2026 in attendance!    Orlowski is one of the middles for Aspire NW 16-1 Empire, and she will likely take on that role as her team competes in the 16 Freedom division at USAV Nationals. Orlowski has a high reach on the ball and does a nice job of tagging the baseline when she attacks. She adjusts well to the set and, on overpasses, gets up high quickly to put the ball away.     Bitzer has been a crucial piece of the Rise 17 Flagship lineup and will be a force for her team as they compete in the 17 Freedom division at USAV Nationals. Bitzer showcases a fast approach and an incredibly heavy and quick arm, frequently beating the block and pounding the ball straight down. Bitzer is also a dominant and disciplined blocker, pressing over the net well.     Klos is one of the talented middles on COVC 16-1 National, and she will be a major player as her team competes in the 16 Patriot division at USAV Nationals. Klos is quick on transition and she has a solid attacking range, able to easily put the ball away to either corner of the court. Klos is also a good blocker, using productive lateral movements to get out to the pins.     Haury is a steady force from the middle for NPJ Salem 15-1 National and will be key from that position when her team plays in the 15 American division at USAV Nationals. Combining a quick approach, a hammer of an arm, and a solid connection with her setters, Haury is a strong and effective attacker. She also showcases an impressive vertical to get up on the block and attack.     Schaaf is a major player for Athena 16-1 Gold and will be crucial for the team's success as they compete in the 16 American division at USAV Nationals. Standing at 6'3”, Schaaf is a huge and dominating presence at the net. She puts up a massive block and reads attackers very well. Schaaf also soars above opposing blockers when attacking, and with great court vision, she is able to put the ball into open court consistently.     Starr is a rostered middle for Excel NW 16-1 Lux, a role that she will take on as her team competes in the 16 Patriot division at USAV Nationals. Starr is big in the front row, using her height and athleticism well to move along the net and transition to attack. Starr also attacks consistently well off a quick set and a slide, using a fast arm to put the ball away.     Ennes is a solid contributor from the middle for Athena 16-1 Gold and she will be an important part of the team's lineup as they play in the 16 American division at USAV Nationals. Ennes is a stellar blocker, using good lateral movements to get to the pins and pressing over the net well to stop opposing attackers. She is quick to transition and attacks effectively, often tagging the sidelines and baseline.     Meshalkin is a versatile player for Aspire NW 15-1 Empire and will be a solid part of the lineup as the team competes in the 15 Liberty division at USAV Nationals. Meshalkin has successfully played out of the middle and from the right side for her team. She does a good job of reading the attacker and the ball when going up to block. Meshalkin also attacks well to the corners.     Pedersen has been a critical part of the NPJ Salem 16-1 National team's success this season, and will be key as the team battles in the 16 National division at USAV Nationals. Pedersen is a dynamic attacker, showcasing a heavy arm, great court vision, and a quick transition and approach when hitting the ball. Standing at 6'2”, Pedersen is also dominant when blocking. And from the baseline, Pedersen has a tough jump serve.     Seymer is a rostered middle on Aspire NW 16-1 Empire, and she will be a big force at the net as the team plays in the 16 Freedom division at USAV Nationals. Seymer puts up a large block, using her height at 6'1” well to press over the net and stop opposing attackers. She reacts quickly to the ball, making well-controlled digs in the front row to keep the ball in play.     Stephen is a major offensive weapon for NPJ Salem 16-1 National and her dominance in the front row will be crucial as the team competes in the 16 National division at USAV Nationals. Stephen is an impressive blocker, making it hard for opponents to get much past her. She connects well with [player_tooltip player_id='267157' first='Lily' last='Mae Buerkle'] and takes big, aggressive swings to score. Stephen is very fast in transition, often beating opposing blockers when she attacks.    <h5 class="wp-block-heading">—</h5>   We can support these amazing athletes by sharing articles with family, friends, fans, and coaches. To do this, subscribe to our site and share across your social media platforms.    Stay informed by following Prep Dig on its various social media platforms. Follow Prep Dig PNW on Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdig_pnw/">@prepdigpnw</a>) for updates on Oregon and Washington athletes.   Sometimes, unintentional errors happen. For corrections, please email prepdigpnw@gmail.com with“PrepDig Correction” in the subject line.

The USAV Girls Junior National Championships are fast approaching, which will take place from July 3rd through the 11th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Top teams from across the country are currently preparing to compete in hopes of representing their club and region well. Many teams from the CEVA Region were awarded bids and are eager to show the country what volleyball from the Pacific Northwest looks like!