Speaking of middle blockers playing up a year, Rink is another can’t-miss 2028 who has made her mark on the 17s scene. VCNebraska 17 Elite was one of our earliest entries on the Nebraska Bid Tracker after January’s podium climb at NLQ. Rink was not satisfied with one bid and followed that with a “double qualification” in Philadelphia. This Lincoln Southwest gem has expanded her shot range and is one of the most explosive slide hitters in the VCNebraska gym. That alone will keep her near the top of our rankings.

I don’t get a chance to watch a lot of Nebraska teams unless it is at a national qualifier so a lot of these athletes were relatively new to me.  I wrote “22 – fast arm, quick jumper, whoa” which is code for Emma Rink of VCN 17 Elite terminating out of the middle where she brings a lot of physicality to that position. She approaches like she is going to get set every time (which might not be the case for all middles). When you have Mckinley Moser as your setter you best be ready with how she can thread the needle.  Rink will be one to keep tabs on this season where she can find a way to score points and connects well with a quick ball. 

VCNebraska 17 Elite’s journey to an Open berth would not have been possible without 2028s like Rink. The Lincoln Southwest middle blocker can execute any of the routes and crossing patterns that 17 Elite often wields in first-ball situations. Rink is equally comfortable in front of the setter and behind, even when 17 Elite is in a three-hitter rotation. Sparring with some of the nation’s best 2027s did not stop VCNebraska ‘s 2028s from thriving at NLQ, and the same storyline will likely play out this summer. On to Indianapolis.

Rink is one of several VCNebraska 2028s who excelled while playing up a year this spring. This Lincoln Southwest sophomore brought all the skills and range we’d expect from a standout middle blocker in the VCN gym. She teed off on ‘gap’ sets throughout the club season and developed a wicked slide behind the setter. Rink is carrying on a family tradition with the Silver Hawks and could break into a veteran-laden lineup as an underclassman. Another postseason push is looming.

Why not stay in the middle? The Rink name is surely recognizable to those who have followed the Lincoln prep scene for a while. This latest iteration locks down the middle blocker spot for VCNebraska 16 Elite and is the kind of athlete you want in the ‘M1’ position. Rink explodes off the floor and has one of the quickest arm swings in Nebraska’s Class of 2028. This translates to some indefensible heat along the net, whether it’s in front of the setter or on the slide. The family tradition of exceptional volleyball continues.