Madlen Gloessner is one of the most dominant blocking presences in Colorado volleyball, using her instincts and athleticism to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Committed to Stanford University, Gloessner reads the game exceptionally well and is quick to close blocks out to the pins, making her a force defensively. While she has primarily trained as a middle blocker, Gloessner is equally capable of producing on the pin, combining a diverse shot selection with an exceptionally high contact point that separates her from other middle blockers in her class.

Gloessner has continued to separate herself as one of the nation’s top young talents. She impacts the match on both sides of the net, covers a tremendous amount of space, and continues to grow every time she steps on the court. Additionally, representing Colorado on the USA Volleyball U17 National Team speaks volumes about the work she has put in and the player she has become. Stanford is adding an elite competitor, and Colorado is incredibly proud to call her one of its own. Congratulations, Madlen!

Madlen Gloessner Madlen Gloessner 6'6" | MB/OH Lakewood | 2028 #12 Nation CO is an incredibly athletic middle blocker who played up an age group with NORCO 17 Black during their championship run. The Stanford commit is quick in transition, moves efficiently to the pins, and uses her size and positioning to take up space at the net. Offensively, Gloessner is a major threat especially on the slide attack where she creates matchup problems for defenses. Her ability to impact the game on both sides of the net made her one of the key pieces that helped NORCO 17 Black capture the USAV National title.

Gloessner remains the clear No. 1 because of how much of the match she can control. Her length changes things immediately at the net, and she continues to cover a ton of ground as a blocker. Offensively, she stays dangerous in multiple routes and does a great job attacking seams with speed and timing. When a player can impact the game this heavily on both sides of the ball, it is hard to move her anywhere but the top spot.

I was able to watch Madlen Gloessner for NORCO at the Northern Lights Qualifier in Minneapolis back in January.  So impressive.  She scores in so many different ways and is a problem for opposing attackers because she just finds a way to take up space.  She was a key part of the USA Youth National team.  There’s Colorado and Colorado State, but Northern Colorado might be the program with the most momentum coming off a NCAA Tournament appearance. Just West of Gloessner I’m sure Utah and BYU could be giving her a call on June 15.  And there’s always Nebraska.  Nebraska has had great success with Colorado athletes and could Gloessner be on who is next in the mix? 

Gloessner controls the net with her length and movement. She closes blocks well from pin to pin and consistently gets touches on balls. Her hands stay strong and pressed over the net, which makes life difficult for opposing hitters. Offensively, her slide stays quick and sharp. She attacks seams well and stays on tempo in faster systems.

Gloessner impacts the match across every phase, which makes her a clear No. 1 to start this list. Her length is disruptive at the net, where she covers pin-to-pin and stays pressed long enough to generate consistent touches and blocks. Offensively, her slide is fast and efficient, and she does a great job attacking seams with sharp timing. Her ability to influence both sides of the ball separates her early.

Gloessner is terminal across all phases of the game. Her length makes her a problem at the net, and she does a great job covering pin to pin as a blocker. She stays pressed over the net for as long as possible, creating touches and blocks even as she’s coming down. Offensively, her slide is sharp and quick. She consistently attacks seams and shows impressive reaction timing given the speed of the set.

Such a fun weekend getting a chance to see NORCO 17 Black compete at the Northern Lights Qualifier in 17 Open.  They found themselves in the third round of gold pools just finishing outside of a bid.  One of the big terminators of this group is Madlen Gloessner.  For those in Colorado I’m sure she is a high school volleyball household name, but she need to be one who the country knows about. She’s 6’5 and moves like a deer.  She’s smooth, she glides, and she can definitely leap.  My favorite was seeing her run a slide where it was game over for the other side once she swings.  There are flashes of another Colorado native who is starring at Nebraska – Andi Jackson.  Gloessner spent time on the U17 national team this fall and she will be one of the top priority middles for college coaches from the Class of 2028. 

At 6’6, Gloessner is already a strong presence on the court, and the numbers back it up. She is putting away 3.5 kills per set, with a .519 hitting percentage overall. Add her 2.2 blocks per set (39 total on the season) and you’ve got one of the most dominant middles in the state. Gloessner will be a key part for Lakewood for the next few years.