Welborn is a young middle with some tools that immediately get your attention. At 6’2″, she has the size you want at the position and a really good arm. When she gets to the ball on time, she contacts it at a high point and has the ability to put it down with some authority.

She is still developing the technical side of her game and needs to add strength, which is expected from a young middle. I would like to see her get a little quicker getting to the ball and continue improving her footwork and timing. Those are things that should come with reps and experience.

I got a good look at Welborn against Little Rock Central and 2028 Alabama commit Makylah Davis Makylah Davis 6'2" | MB/RS Little Rock Central | 2028 State AR . Welborn had a few kills against Davis and also blocked her at least once. Competing and having success against a 6’2″ middle of Davis’ caliber tells you something about Welborn’s potential.

There is still plenty of development ahead, but the combination of size, a strong swing and her ability to contact the ball high makes Welborn an interesting young middle to follow.

2026 Stats: 20 sets | 50 kills | .270 hitting | 14 blocks | 7 aces

Standing 6’2″, Josie already possesses the frame college coaches look for in a middle blocker. She has stood out to Prep Dig Scout Mike Graham who is on-site at Nationals. He states that Welborn has a sound attack approach and terminates with great power. Mike also said she displayed great blocking technique. (Thanks Mike!).

Josie-Claire is playing up on the FSJ 17 Elite team, which will help her gain more exposure playing against older talent. She is on her way to becoming one of Arkansas’ premier front row players for the 2028 class.

In Freedom Division action: Ft Smith has battled in every match winning one and losing four that have gone 3 sets and one that went to 28-26 and 25-21.

Welborn displayed some good versatility on the day. She took a number of hard rips, consistently taking sound attack approaches then terminating balls with great power. Welborn mixed in good tips trying to keep opponents guessing. Welborn also displayed great blocking techniques.