Competing for a Class 1A school in the North Iowa Cedar League can lead to being overlooked. I think that’s been the case with Linder. She’s also improving at a nice clip. The North Mahaska junior flashed high upside during the 2026 Nike President’s Day Classic in St. Louis. Linder is every bit of 6-1 with long arms and excellent leaping ability. She generates a good amount of power with her explosion and by whipping her right arm through the hitting zone. Linder does well getting on top of the ball and sees the court keenly, allowing her to expose weaknesses in the defense. Her traits and abilities also serve her well in defending at the net. Linder piled up 312 kills (.226) with 213 digs and 27.0 blocks during the 2025 prep season. Her stock is rising.

Linder’s 178 kills and 59.0 blocks led the Warhawks in 2024. She pulled that off as a sophomore, foreshadowing what likely will be a fabulous final two prep campaigns. Continuing her improvement through the club year, Linder looked primed for a big junior season while competing at the LOVB Midwest Recruiting Showcase in June. She’s a technically-sound, two-way middle with explosiveness and athleticism. Linder’s skills give her the versatility to play at the pin. She’s primed for a big fall for North Mahaska.

Finally, we get a shoutout for Adrenaline Volleyball Academy and its vast cast of frontcourt talent. Linder was an Expo star who wasn’t afraid to flex into multiple positions during six-on-six action. She has ample length to thrive in the middle but has also seen time as a pin hitter. This adaptability yielded nearly 200 kills last year on an equally impressive 0.329 hitting clip. As Linder’s efficiency keeps rising, her attacking volume will increase, too.

Nataliya Linder Nataliya Linder 6'2" | MB/OH North Mahaska | 2027 State IA is a 6’0 middle blocker who preps at North Mahaska and is coming off a huge sophomore season where she was named Class 2A All District, making a deep run in the 2A regional tournament.  She has a huge upside to her game where the best is still ahead of her.  She is playing for Adrenaline this winter and will be gearing up for a breakout juniors season.  Her athleticism and length is obvious when watching her play.  She’s been playing out of the middle, but with her length she could be effective from any front row position. 

Here’s another Adrenaline athlete to watch closely this club season. Like Doeden, Linder was a blocking machine during the 2024 fall season with nearly one per set for the Warhawks. The sophomore led in a few more categories, too, including total kills and attacking percentage. Our showcase revealed Linder’s knack for adjusting to any set and working through opposing hands. This adaptability is rare for someone with multiple years left on the prep scene, and we can’t wait to see where Linder’s development takes her.