Rookies, Welcome to the Block Party

As season heats up, a new crop of talent from the high school Class of 2024 are making waves on the court and roofing opponents at the net. These young athletes not only bring power and agility but also an impressive understanding of the game. You would NEVER guess they are making their collegiate debut this season. While they may not play for the top 25 powerhouse programs you hear so much about, Hattaras Walker, Madison Burr, and Tatum Grimes are standout blockers worthy of highlighting as they statistically match up against the best in Division 1 Volleyball this year.

Hatteras Welker, MB at Eastern Michigan, is ranked 26th with 1.37 blocks/set in the NCAA. Welker out of Sunbury, Ohio was a great grab for EMU coming from one of the most premiere clubs in the country, Mintonette. So far this season she has twice been named MAC defensive player of the week and leads the conference in blocks/set. At 6’2” Welker makes a brick wall at the net punishing her opponents, and she deserves her flowers for her exceptional season so far.

Madison Burr, RS/MB at South Dakota St., lists just behind Welker ranking 27th in blocks/set in the NCAA. Out of Goodhue, Minnesota, Burr played at Southern Minnesota Volleyball Club and Cannon Falls High School. Since her first collegiate match, she has dominated the game holding the extremely impressive stat of 1.35 blocks/set. Originally being a right-side hitter has made Burr one of the most dynamic, fast moving middle blockers in the game. So far this season she has earned Peak Performer of the Week and Month Awards within the Summit League. Keep an eye out for her and the jackrabbits this back half of the season.

Last but not least is Tatum Grimes, a MB at Army West Point averaging 1.27 blocks/set. The 6’2” freshman from Olathe, Kansas played at MAVS KC and helped lead Saint Thomas Aquinas high school to two Volleyball State Championship titles. Her impressive background does not end there, as she was also a two-time state champion in basketball. Grimes’ athletic background has made her a versatile player that fits the exact mold of the athletes Army West Point looks to recruit. Despite this being her rookie season, she plays with a level of experience and confidence that makes her look like a vet out on the court.