What Class of 2023 and 2022’s Are Rising In Iowa?
Rankings are updated in Iowa for the Class of 2022 and 2023 and between the two classes we added nearly 70 players. Our rankings serve as a resource for college coaches, clubs, and fans of volleyball. They are a way…
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Continue ReadingRankings are updated in Iowa for the Class of 2022 and 2023 and between the two classes we added nearly 70 players. Our rankings serve as a resource for college coaches, clubs, and fans of volleyball. They are a way for coaches to see who is playing for what club and to see who is committed and who isn’t. Being on the list, athletes get their articles tagged to their name. We will continue to provide coverage of Iowa athletes as more national events come in the late spring months.
Who Is Rising In The Class of 2022
Emma Salker Emma Salker 6'0" | MB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2022 State IA – Sergeant-Bluff Luton – MVP United
I’ll be honest, Western Iowa needs some Prep Dig love. There are so many athletes in this part of the state who are impact players on a state and regional level and one of those is Emma Salker Emma Salker 6'0" | MB Sergeant Bluff-Luton | 2022 State IA , a long, athletic middle blocker. Salker played a key part in SBL’s return trip to the state tournament and her activity along the net was extremely impressive. The Warriors are now the team to beat in the Western side of the state and their rise to the top has been exciting to follow. She is in the heart of NSIC, Summit League, and GPAC land and any of those schools would be happy to have her on their roster.
Lauren Williams Lauren Williams 5'9" | RS Council Bluffs St. Albert | 2022 State IA – Council Bluffs St. Albert – SWI
Williams put on a show from the right side at the state tournament for the Saintes and her ability to jump is impressive. The lefty who can hit a variety angles has so much athleticism that her best volleyball days are coming. Such a fun athlete and who knows, maybe we’ll see her in jumping events come state track time.
Emily Byrd Emily Byrd 5'9" | S North Polk | 2022 State IA – North Polk – Ohana
Byrd has such a smooth release and is on point with all of her tempos. She has been quietly rising into an elite group of setters in the Class of 2022. Great footwork, hands are money, and she has a high IQ to add to her repertoire, which makes her a total package to have in the gym at plenty of levels.
Reese Johnson Reese Johnson 5'9" | S Denver | 2022 State IA – Denver – Flight
Johnson might be one of the top all around athletes in the Cedar Valley as someone who is an All State setter and also a key contributor to Denver’s basketball squad as well. She’s scrappy, a gamer, and just has that coach like demeanor on the court. Class 2A is going to be brutal next year with so many top athletes coming back from the likes of Dike-New Hartford, Denver, Sumner-Fred, Western Christian, and Boyden-Hull
Katie Stephens Katie Stephens 6'0" | MB Burlington Notre Dame | 2022 State IA – Burlington Notre Dame – Iowa Rockets
Stephens won a state title with Burlington Notre Dame and is the type of athlete where she can play on either pin, probably middle if needed with her athletic and jumping ability. She is fun to see with an aggressive approach and her hangtime is something to be reckoned with, bringing a solid presence to the net.
Who Is Rising In the Class of 2023
Kayla Knowles Kayla Knowles 5'11" | OH Denver | 2023 State #161 Nation IA – Denver – CIA
I think Knowles grew between the state tournament and seeing her this club season. A 6’0 outside hitter, Knowles is a solid target for her setter, Reese Johnson Reese Johnson 5'9" | S Denver | 2022 State IA , to dish to this past high school season. A high contact point, and an aggressive swing, she knows how to score points. As she continues to develop her backcourt game she will be a six rotation scoring threat, adding to an already powerful style of play.
Jessie Julius Jessie Julius 5'7" | OH Williamsburg | 2023 State IA – Williamsburg – Iowa Rockets
Julius is another six rotation outside who can do it all in the front and backrow. A strong and physical athlete, Julius can score points, but also is really solid and steady from serve receive to being able to take pace off the ball in the backrow. This is really strong Rockets squad who will be fun to keep tabs on during Qualifier season.
Amelia Dugger Amelia Dugger 6'0" | MB Decorah | 2023 State IA – Decorah – CIA
I was blown away by Dugger when she played up on the CIA 17 Black team for a stop on the Tour of Iowa. She hits the ball square and solid out of the middle and moves extremely well. So dynamic with her ability to block, transition, and making herself available to her setter. She is one to watch who will be sure to continue her development through the higher-level competition she will see.
Libby Lansing Libby Lansing 6'0" | MB Western Dubuque | 2022 IA – Western Dubuque – Six Pack
Lansing busted out with a huge performance at the state tournament for Western Dubuque and has been able to carry that momentum during the club season. Long and athletic, Lansing can get from pin to pin, causing mismatches for the opposing side of the net where they always have to factor in her block.
Shelby Kimm Shelby Kimm 6'0" | OH Iowa City Liberty | 2023 State IA – Iowa City Liberty – Iowa Rockets
Kimm is extremely dynamic with her ability to play multiple positions. Whether its middle or on the pin, her value is in her versatility. As a well rounded athlete, she is set up to make an impact in multiple places, making her a swiss army knife type player at the next level.