Raw and athletic, Annika is fast in transition, one of the highest leapers in this class, and is a two-sport stud (track is the other). Tucked away at Empowered, she doesn’t travel as much as some of the other ladies on this list, but she’s worth the time to watch her out-athlete her opponents. The potential oozes from her frame, having the ability to go up and over opposing blocks regularly. With a little training, she could end up being the most athletic and highest jumping middle in this class, even though she’s not quite six feet tall.

At first glance, Annika looks to be attack touching really close to ten feet, if she’s not there already. No other player on this or tomorrow’s list is attacking more consistently at that level, and she’s only getting better from here. She’s been to a few of our showcases, showing out regularly and being the most athletic in any drill we run. More raw that refined, this is yet another kid that can be taught how to do something once and let her high-end strength and jumping ability do the rest.

Big and physical, Annika’s track athleticism certainly helped her earn attention at our Top 250 Expo a couple of weeks ago. Raw and strong, she has more than enough athleticism to go over blocks, while also responding to coaching well and being an x-factor on defense. Her blocking is clearly ahead of her offense at this time, but with a little training at Empowered, she’ll be just as strong at both—if she can find a setter that makes her attack at her max jump, which is the highest on today’s list.

Annika is one of those players who walks in gym, hits a few balls, does some blocking footwork and you can already see that her potential is extremely high. My guess is her exceptional experience with track & field has already put her ahead of other freshman in the athleticism department. She is a highflyer who moves really well laterally (already a great blocker) and is so quick. Flatjord has the foundation of a high level D1 middle blocker. All she needs is more experience with transition, spacing with the setter and the net, as well as tracking the ball. She will also need her setters to understand the higher height of set she needs to be able to use her FULL reach, especially as she continues to work on having a quicker arm speed when hitting. For only having played for two years, I am beyond impressed and know that Annika is going to develop QUICKLY, and you know I will be watching!