Rankings Update: Top 10 Middles Every College Coach Should Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The middle blocker position remains one of the most critical—and most evaluated—roles on the court. It demands quick reads, disciplined footwork, and the ability to control the net on both sides of the ball. The players highlighted here have separated themselves by doing exactly that. These are middles who influence matches through blocking presence, transition efficiency, and an understanding of timing that translates beyond the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stands out with this group is how early they've learned the nuances of the position. They close blocks with purpose, move laterally with speed, and continue to develop as offensive options in transition. For college coaches, this is the type of positional group worth tracking closely—players who project well into collegiate systems and bring tools that can be refined and scaled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you're building depth, looking for long-term development, or identifying future net controllers, these are names you need to know.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727621"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb5224"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='727621' first='Katelyn' last='Deringer'] – No. 1 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='727621' first='Katelyn' last='Deringer'] sets the standard for the Class of 2028 middles in North Dakota. She already plays the position with a college-level understanding of net control, closing blocks with discipline and pressing her hands over the plane with purpose. She reads setter cues early, takes away attacking lanes, and consistently influences rallies even when she doesn't record the block. Offensively, she's efficient and timely, staying available in transition and finishing quicks with confidence. College coaches looking for a middle who can anchor the net should prioritize seeing Deringer live. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["770735"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb52c7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='770735' first='Brenna' last='De Vries'] – No. 2 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='770735' first='Brenna' last='De Vries'] brings a physical edge and scoring upside that translates well to the next level. She's aggressive in transition, runs the slide with intent, and challenges blocks with pace. Defensively, her lateral movement continues to improve, allowing her to close space against fast pin attackers. Brenna's ability to impact the match offensively while developing as a blocking presence makes her a middle coaches should track closely as her game accelerates. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["727994"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb5356"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='828392' first='Rylee' last='Seavert'] – No. 3 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='828392' first='Rylee' last='Seavert'] stands out for her quickness and efficiency at the net. She moves well laterally, establishes position early, and closes blocks cleanly against both outsides and right sides. Her first-tempo connection continues to tighten, and she finishes with consistency when given the opportunity. Rylee's ability to play fast without losing control makes her an ideal fit for collegiate systems that value tempo and discipline. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883393"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb53c9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883393' first='Taya' last='Feist'] – No. 4 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='883393' first='Taya' last='Feist'] brings athletic range and relentless effort to the middle position. She covers ground quickly, stays engaged in transition, and works hard to be a factor on every play. Her competitiveness shows in long rallies, and her blocking continues to improve as her reads sharpen. Offensively, she's developing into a reliable option in both quicks and broken plays. Taya's motor and growth trajectory make her a middle coaches should see in person. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883395"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb543a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883395' first='Andrea' last='Grijalva Delgado'] – No. 5 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='883395' first='Andrea' last='Grijalva Delgado'] is a technically sound, dependable middle who consistently does the small things right. She shows strong blocking fundamentals—disciplined hands, patience, and balance—and positions herself well against varied offenses. Offensively, she plays efficiently and finishes at a high rate in system. Andrea's consistency and composure project well to college programs seeking reliability in the middle. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["879515"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb54a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='879515' first='Annaclaire' last='Bugbee'] – No. 6 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='879515' first='Annaclaire' last='Bugbee'] brings a natural scoring instinct as a middle attacker. She creates separation on quick attacks and continues to show confidence finishing against set blocks. Defensively, she's making strides in her reads and closing speed, which allows her blocking impact to grow throughout matches. Annaclaire's offensive upside makes her a middle with real next-level potential worth tracking closely. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["736810"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb551d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='736810' first='Eleanore' last='Christianson'] – No. 7 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='736810' first='Eleanore' last='Christianson']'s length and reach immediately stand out at the net. She presses well over the block, disrupts attack angles, and has the physical tools college coaches look for in a developmental middle. As her lateral speed and transition timing continue to improve, her blocking presence becomes increasingly impactful. Eleanore's physical profile alone makes her a player coaches should get eyes on. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746537"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb558b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746537' first='Emilie' last='Zinke'] – No. 8 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='746537' first='Emilie' last='Zinke'] plays the middle position with energy and intent. She works hard to establish position, closes blocks with urgency, and continues to refine her reads against faster offenses. Offensively, she's becoming more confident as a quick option and shows improvement finishing in rhythm. Emilie's competitive mindset and upward trend make her a middle to monitor this season. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["883397"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb55ff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='883397' first='Marisa' last='Eggermont'] – No. 9 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='883397' first='Marisa' last='Eggermont'] brings strength and physicality to the net and isn't afraid to challenge attackers. She shows flashes of dominant blocking when she establishes position early and continues to develop her transition efficiency. Offensively, she's learning how to score with purpose rather than force. Marisa's physical tools provide a strong foundation for college-level development. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741833"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6956baedb5670"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='741833' first='Sophia' last='Krush'] – No. 10 Middle</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='741833' first='Sophia' last='Krush'] rounds out the Top 10 as a middle whose development curve is moving in the right direction. She shows improving instincts, works hard to close blocks, and stays engaged throughout the match. Offensively, she's growing more confident attacking quicks and staying involved in transition. Sophia's willingness to learn and compete makes her a middle worth continued evaluation. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->