Playing much bigger than her frame might indicate, Annika’s attack touch is close to (if not already at) ten feet. Able to put balls away in front of and behind the setter, she can play either middle position at the next level. On the block, her shoulders appear a bit narrow, but reads the attacker so well that it doesn’t seem to matter. She’s terminal in-system and smart when she has to be, and can “see” the block and defense on each and every attack.

Tucked away at New Haven, Annika is a springy, crafty and smart middle who plays bigger than her under-six-foot frame might otherwise suggest. Common, yet tough to teach, she’s one of a few middles on today’s list that has a more advanced sense of blocking than most. Annika reads and reacts with the best of them, and knows what to do when set. She’s a huge fan of hitting across her body, so seeing some slide attacks from her might also open up her abilities to attack at the next level. Miss Koepke is currently a solid M2, with size, skill and athleticism enough that she could eventually develop into an M1 for the college program willing to train her.

Annika is playing on a newly formed club named “Gym Rats”, which is completely on brand with Miss Koepke’s style of play. Her length stands out immediately—I’ve seen websites list her height from 5’11” to 6’2″—as her wing span helps her be one of the better blockers in the northern half of Indiana. At New Haven, she’s been asked to do a little of everything from serve receive to attacking in the back row to being both an M1 and an M2. She can be either middle position, and her defense and offense are at about the same developmental level for her class. She hits with pace, is always in the right spot when she’s blocking and is tough to play against. With length, strength and a high volleyball acuity, Annika is easy to recruit to any level.

Even though she’s an adept middle already, Annika is more than capable of playing as a three rotation right side, and can be found on the GRV 17 Black squad this weekend. Her wingspan makes her look taller than her 5’11” frame might allow, and her volleyball acuity is much higher than at first glance. This kid knows the sport, how to play it, and how to train for it. All she needs is the right training and a little time, and she’ll earn the attention she deserves.