She ended up being one of the sneakiest, good middle blockers at the showcase. At first glance, she doesn’t immediately jump off the page, but the more she played, the more her game stood out as she found her groove. She had one of the best cutback shots attacking the one, consistently finding open space and making it difficult for defenders, and she also showed the ability to terminate behind the setter when given the opportunity. Defensively, she was a fundamentally sound young blocker who competed well at the net and showed plenty of promise. As she continues to develop, I’d like to see her communicate more consistently with her setter to help establish an even stronger connection, but that’s a natural part of the learning process for a young middle. She has a solid foundation, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her stock rise as her confidence and chemistry continue to grow.

Coming from Ohio, Caroline has already spent a season as the top middle for her varsity squad. Long, springy and with seasons PLURAL of club experience, I’m looking forward to how Miss Rude can compete with others in her class, sharing her size and experience. From the looks of her, she plays bigger than her frame and can take up space on the net blocking with those long arms of hers.