New Names Highlight Incredibly Deep Iowa Class of 2022
From River to River, Iowa has athletes part of the Class of 2022 that are going to do some really special things during their high school volleyball careers. Some have already etched their name in state tournament stories, others have made an impact on the national and USA Volleyball scene, and some we are still discovering. Who are some new players that have made a splash and are appearing in the new Class of 2022 rankings.
Meredith Bahl Meredith Bahl 5'10" | OH Western Dubuque | 2022 State IA – Western Dubuque – DBQ Elite National
[player_tooltip player_id="79233" first="Meredith" last="Bahl"]Western Dubuque was just another young team at the beginning of October taking their lumps against some of the most powerful teams in the state. Then the post season came where they knocked off three-time defending state champion Dubuque Wahlert, came back down 0-2 against conference foe Xavier to advance to the state semifinals, and finished with a runner-up trophy in Class 4A. Bahl was a major part of this surge and will continue to rise as a 5’10 outside hitter who is dangerous anywhere on the court. She finds the open spot through the block, can serve receive and pass, and just has this knack for scoring points. Incredibly dynamic, she can make things happen out of nothing.
Ava Reynolds Ava Reynolds 5'11" | OH Ankeny | 2022 State #155 Nation IA – Ankeny – Club Ignit Select
Reynolds found herself on one of the top teams in the state and really showed what she could do when Ankeny fought its way to the state semifinals. An athletic outside hitter who has a strong upside, Reynolds will be part of a really talent Club Ignit Select 16 Blue squad that will have big goals of getting to the USAV 16 Open level after building off the success of this group last season.
Kiersten Schmitt Kiersten Schmitt 6'0" | OH Beckman | 2022 State #103 Nation IA – Beckman – DBQ Elite National (Title Photo)
The athleticism and versatility of Schmitt is something that sets her apart from most other athletes. Schmitt touches high and can do a variety of things at the net from putting up a big block, attacking, and even setting. She is such a threat in multiple ways. Schmitt was part of Beckman’s state runner-up finish and was a standout at the Iowa Top 250 in Des Moines this past December. She will team up with Bahl for the DBQ Elite National squad at the 16s level.
Brynlee Arnold Brynlee Arnold 6'3" | RS Glenwood | 2022 State IA – Glenwood – Nebraska Premier
Nebraska Premier has had some great success with Iowa athletes recently. Top Class of 2021 prospect Phyona Schrader Phyona Schrader 6'1" | S Ankeny | 2021 State IA out of Ankeny has been a key part of their program. Arnold was part of Glenwood’s state-run and will be a major sleeper the Class of 2022 that will definitely catch the eye of college coachecs. 6’3, left-handed, and extremely physical at the net, Arnold has a major upside that will be fun to watch develop.
Tatum Carlson Tatum Carlson 5'6" | DS/L Tri-Center | 2022 State IA – Tri-Center – SWI Third Degree
Carlson does it all. She will most likely be a libero when it comes to her college career which is still a couple years away, but she is a major point scorer for Tri-Center in Southwest Iowa. Quick, athletic, and some grit to go with – Carlson has all the intangibles to be a positive member team and will find a way to get it done.
MehaffyElise Mehaffy Elise Mehaffy 5'8" | S Marion | 2022 State IA – Marion – Iowa Rockets
Mehaffy was a huge part of the state tournament run for Marion which landed them in the final four in Class 4A. Another all around player who can set and swing, Mehaffy is always cool, calm, and collected. This past high school season, she tallied 174 kills, nearly 500 assists, and 200 digs.
Kelsey Drake Kelsey Drake 5'7" | OH Wilton | 2022 State IA – Wilton – Iowa Rockets
Drake teamed up with another standout in the Class of 2022 in Ella Caffery Ella Caffery 5'9" | S Wilton | 2022 State IA to qualify for the Class 2A state tournament. The two literally set each other for success with Drake collecting nearly 400 assists and 400 kills. Her athleticism stretches far beyond the volleyball court. She most recently scored 46 points in a basketball game this season for Wilton.
Lydia Imbrogno Lydia Imbrogno 5'9" | OH Wapsie Valley | 2022 State IA – Wapsie Valley
Imbrogno burst onto the scene at the Class 1A state tournament. Wapsie Valley came in as a six seed and went home with a runner-up trophy, largely part to the youth movement for the Warriors. Imbrogno was able to contribute from the pin and was also key in the backcourt as well. She will bring a lot of physicality and athleticism to the net and will soon be one to score plenty of points from the backrow as well.