In 2025 Jerry Strub found that men’s and boys’ volleyball was not getting the coverage it deserved. His son played club volleyball in Chicago and Strub enjoyed watching the game. He started Middle Hitter to recognize high school athletes and college programs. It grew into a wonderful free website that athletes, parents, and coaches check often. “My thanks always came from the student-athletes, coaches at the college, club and high school levels and parents who were assisting their student-athletes in researching the next step in our sport. I receive a kind note almost weekly,” said Strub.

Coaches’ Thoughts on Jerry:

“Over the years, there have been a few people who have worked tirelessly (at their own expense) to help grow the men’s collegiate volleyball game. Jerry is one of those guys. His dedication to providing links to all men’s programs, current recruiting commits, and general correspondence and updates is no small task. There have been many times I have forwarded the link to the website for athletes looking for links to programs, and while at any recruiting event, I would regularly check his college commit list to see if an athlete has already been picked up so I can either continue to look at them or take them off my list. It was very helpful when scrambling last minute for the next great athlete,” Jay Hosak, Head Coach George Mason.

“Jerry has done such great growth for men’s volleyball when honestly there weren’t very many media sources paying much attention, people like Jerry are instrumental in helping move the needle on our sport.  I would look at his information weekly if not more often when we were in season,” Dan Friend, Head Coach Lewis.

Kevin Pratte wrote a good amount of coaches about how he is taking over Middle Hitter. Coach David Kniffin said it best, “You have big shoes to fill.”