With a state championship trophy on her mantle (2024, 2A) and committed to HCAC reigning champ Hanover for next fall, it was nice to see Emmerson put a bow on her senior club season by qualifying for nationals here in Indy in the summer. I’ve been writing about Miss Gott for years now, and she’s grown into the college-ready player that she’s worked so very hard to become. Length, a high volleyball IQ and an infectious “team first” mentality has carried her far, and her squad’s second-place finish in 18 American proves that.

The second middle listed as a state champ is a block-first middle known more for her length and ability to cover a ton of ground in a minimal amount of steps. Tucked away at WeBo, she was the one blocking force over six feet that the Stars desperately needed in quite a few matches during their state title run last fall. More of a defensive-minded M2, Miss Gott has the tools and the training to play at the collegiate level, and her wing span makes her look much taller than the six feet she currently carries.

How do you follow up a state championship run from the previous fall? Show up and immediately produce in a June high school summer league match as the top returning attacker. Miss Gott is a lengthy middle that has a solid, well-rounded game and should be a key leader for a younger-than-average squad this fall. Emmerson has a ton to make up for two D1 kids graduating, but it starts with her, a 6’1″ uncommitted middle that has the experience and talent to carry this team to another solid season.

The second of two state champions on this list, Emmerson was one of the middles for 2A champ Western Boone this past fall. Neatly hidden away on Circle’s 17 Black (17-2) squad, Miss Gott’s offensive capabilities have caught up to her defensive prowess this club season. Relentless training, work ethic and overall positive attitude has brought her this far—from relative unknown two seasons ago to state champ and solid M2 option. Her wing span makes her look much taller than her 6′ frame might lead us to believe, which is why her blocking ability is so much more refined. Nevertheless, she’s got all parts of her game going, and will be a nice addition to whomever needs her.

With a state championship already on the mantle, this long and lean middle has advanced blocking skills with offensive skills that are catching up in a hurry. I love the length on this kid—her ability to defend from pin to pin is second to none in relationship to the other available middles in this class. As for her attack touch, it’s high enough to go over late blocks, while her arm swing is slowly increasing in speed as this spring is continuing. This has really been her breakout year since August, and I look forward to even MORE successes as this club season concludes.

A recent state champ in 2A this past fall, Emmerson is an exceptionally long and athletic middle that plays much taller than her frame. Middles that can defend their position are so hard to find these days, so seeing Miss Gott in action is worth the trip to Saint Louis. Despite her narrow build, she’s quick, strong and can cause problems for any and all hitters she goes against. Additionally, her offense has picked up in the last year or so, making her a prime candidate for the M2 position at the next level.

With a state title in hand (2A, 2024), Emmerson is a defensive middle who has arms for days. With her long stride and longer arms to close blocks, Miss Gott is a tough one to go against, regardless of the position. Her attack is developing nicely since last club season, and her high attack touch will serve her well at the next level. Some of the speed and footwork can (and will) be trained this spring, but knowing that the defensive portion of her game is far ahead of some of her classmates leads me to believe that she takes the “blocking” portion of the “middle blocker” moniker more seriously than most.