Although Avery has seen time in the middle due to her size, she’s clearly a solid “big” option on the right pin. Broad-shouldered and strong, Avery’s defensive training is clearly ahead of her offensive skill set, but that can be taught as well. As I’ve said before and I’ll say again, there’s not too many over-six-footers just lying around the state of Indiana, so having someone available with (1) size, (2) strength and (3) solid volleyball acuity, you could do much worse for a three-rotation right side option in this class.

A gentle giant if there ever was one, Avery can play multiple positions because of that size. I like her more on the right side for her strong blocking technique and her ability to hit any angle high and hard. Already more than capable of holding her own because of the training she’s received, she’s getting stronger overall, making her a tough kid to defend on the club circuit. I like her relentless positivity and constant push for betterment. Those a qualities that take time to develop, and Avery’s got them in bunches.

Big and physical, Avery is more known as a right side these days than middle. No matter, she’s capable of doing both; she uses her size and upper body strength to not only terminate on her swing but put up a strong block to go along with that high attack point of hers. Although her block touch and attack touch heights are not at the same level as the two previous ladies mentioned here today, you can’t teach 6’2”, and Avery can be trained in the weight room to be more explosive in the long run. I would keep Miss Olsen in the back of my mind if I was recruiting a middle—-she’d be a steal for anyone willing to train her athleticism up.

I’m cheating a bit here, because Avery DOES take reps in the middle, but might be more of a right side as her career continues. Miss Olsen is a big and physical blocker whose attacking skills are slowly but surely catching up to the wall that she is on defense. Like most her size, the defense has developed first, but you can’t teach 6’2”, so having that type of size at Penn will be key for their success this fall.

Big and physical, Avery is capable of playing both middle and right side for any D1 program looking for a hybrid big. I liked her willingness to play both positions at our showcase last summer, and that leads me to believe that her coachability is off the charts as well. I’d like to see a little more arm speed and some quicker feet in transition, but considering how well her season has gone, those are traits that can be addressed in the off-season.

A multi positional talent, Avery has done good things for us at our showcases in the past. Big and broad-shouldered, her ability to defend from pin to pin is currently her calling card. Her attack is heavy, and although she doesn’t jump as high as the previous two listed today, she’s still tough to defend with the weight she puts behind each swing. In-system, Avery is one of the tougher ones to stop, whether it’s as a middle or a right side, depending on your needs at the next level.

Every bit of 6’2″, Avery is a hybrid attacker that has seen similar time on the right side as well as the middle. She did exactly that at our Top 250 Expo a few weeks ago, and even took the time to mention to me that she’s more than willing to do both (or whatever’s needed) at the next level. At both Penn and Pineapple, you can be sure that her size and skills are being used to her advantage. Still raw in some parts of the game, it won’t be long before she puts it all together at the level of the kids in front of her on this list.

Olsen was by far the most physical and intimidating presence at the net this past weekend. Standing at every bit of 6’2″ with great energy to match, Avery is definitely a next level player in the making. Of course, she can bounce balls and put up a BIG block, but what sets her apart is her never quit attitude and endless encouragement of those around her. I know she didn’t know many players, but that never stopped her from cheering them on and helping them out. Olsen never gives up on a play and is a really good blocker pin to pin – she covers a ton of ground easily. She has a LOT of potential considering her excellent attitude, side-to-side blocking skills and ability to hit in front of and behind the setter. Look for her stock to rise even more as she continues to improve and speed up her arm swing over the coming months in club season.