Breaking Down the Middles in the Class of 2027 Rank Update

<p>To me, 16s is such a huge year for middles. Their physicality and court awareness tend to increase in huge jumps. Additionally, middles start making seamless connections with their setters and becoming huge parts of the offense that can take over games. A middle at the start of their 16s club can look completely different than the athlete who plays at nationals. Let's take a look at the middles in this class, including the top-ranked middles, stock risers, and new additions!</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top-Ranked</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Addison has been one of the top-ranked athletes in this class since we first published our rank. She continues to prove why she is one of the best. Her physicality and power set her apart, but her high volleyball IQ is what makes her shine on the court. Addison can take over matches with her offense and defense. Every aspect of her game is aggressive, and she only continues to elevate her play. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Allison is an athlete who is bursting with potential. She has solid court awareness and is very engaged on the court. Rarely does she miss an opportunity to put up a block or make a big offensive play. Allison puts a lot of pressure on opposing teams with her offense. She can consistently execute on a slide and out-paces a lot of opposing blocks with her explosive slide approach. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ivy is an all-around talented athlete. She is a dynamic athlete who can play across the net. No matter if Ivy is in the middle or on the pin, she will impact the game offensively. She has a high contact and good placement of the ball. She is a highly competitive player with a keen eye for open spots. Her balance of decision-making and power make her a lethal option for her setters on every play. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Brooke is a middle with huge potential. She is disciplined in her movement, always engaged on the court and making big moves. Her ability to hold the block can open up shots for her teammates. Brooke makes smart adjustments to different sets and mixes up her shots. She has all the makings of a really good middle and will be an athlete to keep an eye on as she continues to play competitively. </p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Stock Risers</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Erin jumped from #60 to #38 in the rankings. Her athleticism and physicality at the net alone make her stand out as a middle. Add in her court awareness and volleyball IQ, and she is one of the top middles in the class. Her positive impact can be felt in nearly every aspect of the game. Erin works to set her team up for success on defense with her explosive movement across to seal the net on the block. She is also very active and efficient on offense. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Addison made a big jump in the rankings from #103 to #74. She is an athletic and explosive athlete who we might only continue to see rising in rank as she continues to play at a high level. Addison has a quick arm swing and fast approach, giving her many one-on-one opportunities in the middle. She has good court awareness and a keen eye for open spots on the floor. Addison is highly efficient and powerful. This is a middle to watch!</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New to the Rank</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">What sets Adelyn apart is that she doesn't take the easy shot. She has a lethal, sharp left cut that is nearly impossible to defend. She isn't afraid to explode across the entire net to put up a block. Her determination and grit out of the middle earn her points on offense and defense. Adelyn makes momentum-changing plays, and one or two big plays from her can change the energy of the game. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Addy never misses a beat on the court. She is disciplined and engaged on every point. Addy is the kind of play who you can give the ball to on game point, and she will execute for the win. She is competitive and savvy, with great form and confidence in her abilities, a dangerous combination. Addy has all the pieces of a great middle and could be an athlete who continues to rise in the rankings over the next two years. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Piper has exploded onto my radar this year. From Piper's MVP performance at Saint Louis President's Day to her stand-out play at other tournaments, including when I saw her play at the Champions Cup, she has taken this season by storm and not slowed down. Piper utilizes every set she gets and is very efficient on offense. She never backs down throughout matches and has great endurance. She is a well-rounded middle with a lot of potential!</p>

To me, 16s is such a huge year for middles. Their physicality and court awareness tend to increase in huge jumps. Additionally, middles start making seamless connections with their setters and becoming huge parts of the offense that can take over games. A middle at the start of their 16s club can look completely different than the athlete who plays at nationals. Let's take a look at the middles in this class, including the top-ranked middles, stock risers, and new additions!