Iowa Class of 2025 Batting Lineup (With Volleyball Players)

As someone who grew up in Iowa, the end of May was always exciting with the baseball and softball seasons starting. For the majority of these schools, their baseball and softball teams are the biggest show in town throughout the summer. I have some great memories of playing in front of some big crowds, the hot bus rides, and the Saturday tournaments provided great laughs and stories of a full day together. As I got more into volleyball, I began to make a lot of my references to what I learned in baseball. As a shortstop and pitcher, it was all about reading the hitter, the angles, and especially as a pitcher I had to keep the hitter off balance with varying up the pitches, spots, and knowing I controlled the pace of the game. As a hitter I had to take what the pitcher and defense was giving me. Hitters in baseball/softball and in volleyball need to make adjustments quickly. I coached six years of Varsity and JV baseball and had my philosophy of what I wanted in the lineup. Based on what I have seen of the club volleyball season, here is what my lineup would look like based on the ones who I could see getting on base and the ones who could bring in the RBI's.   The Leadoff    Mitchell actually is a big time softball player for Mid-Prairie who has had history on the softball side of things, but watch for this team come this fall as they return a really well balanced lineup full of offense and a really solid defense. Mitchell hit over .400 for the Hawks and I know she would be the type who would put pressure on the defense with her speed. The ultimate leadoff who gets on base and causes problems. Her footspeed and anticipation in volleyball has put her in position to be one of the top liberos in the Class of 2025 coming out of Iowa.   2.    In the two spot, I want someone who can swing and also lay down a bunt. Someone who is dynamic and can do a little bit of everything no matter what the situation calls for. Based on Quick's style of play on the volleyball court, she really does it all. As a left handed setter she can swing and score points or jump set and dish to her teammates. She's already won a state title in dramatic fashion with Ankeny Christian this past fall. Ankeny Christian actually does not have a softball team, but Quick does play for a top notch club in Nebraska Gold where she can pitch and play outfield.   3.    The three spot, I need someone who is going to find ways to hit it hard every time. And that's [player_tooltip player_id='215406' first='Abbey' last='Hayes']. I saw her last year as a 15s and was impressed, and her game has gone to a different level this past club season where she is flying and scoring points in multiple ways. Her backcourt game has elevated with a strong defensive presence which has allowed her to be a weapon out of middle back. We are a month away from college coaches being able to contact athletes from the Class of 2025 and she will be one plenty of top schools will be giving a call.   4.    I need RBI's from my clean up hitter and I know [player_tooltip player_id='215385' first='Chloe' last='Meester'] is someone who is able to do that. She is another one whose game has gone to another level this past club season where her recruitment will be fun to follow this summer. Meester hits a heavy ball, even if the other side of the net is able to get a touch on the ball, it's going to be tough to keep it in system. She is becoming more efficient and every aspect of her game is improving. Translation to softball/baseball - she can hit for power and average, she is striking out less and putting the ball in play to make good plays happen.   5.    [player_tooltip player_id='215425' first='Jaeden' last='Pratt'] has had quite a year and it's not even over. Pratt was on the All Tournament in the Class 5A tournament for volleyball last fall and then was a key point scorer for Centennial where they made their way to Wells Fargo Arena for the state basketball tournament. This weekend she will be one of the top long jumpers in Class 5A going for the crown. I'd put her in the five spot because she knows how to deliver in the clutch. She can flip a lineup over where she is a five tool player. I need someone who can drive runs in, but yet lay down a bunt and steal some bases. Pratt is that athlete who does it all - and does it all really well!   6.    Hit for contact and Aspen Nelson is an attacker who has great hand contact and can hit the ball hard. I was able to see her play for Indianola in the Class 4A state tournament at Xtream last fall and for 515 this spring. She is consistent, she plays with poise. I'm really excited for what Indianola is bringing to the high school court this upcoming fall. They got a taste of the state tournament last fall and will be looking for a “Sweet” ending with the talent and experience they have coming back at virtually every position.   7.    Never sleep on Western Iowa. Heelan was an underdog to get back to state, but [player_tooltip player_id='217136' first='Maliyah' last='Hacker'] and her teammates had other plans when they took the near three hour road trip to beat Norwalk on their homecourt. Hacker has plenty of power and can swing from anywhere in the front row. Her backcourt game is developing as well. The MVP United 16 Red squad out of the Sioux City area won the Show Me 16 USA Division and will be fun to see them compete in Chicago this upcoming summer.   8.    We need some speed and someone who is going to disrupt the opposing defense in the eight spot. Buysee can do that. She is fast, dynamic, and can play multiple positions. She has played outside for West Liberty during the high school season where she has played in multiple state tournaments and will play some libero for Iowa Rockets. Buysee was actually on the West Liberty team that qualified for the state softball tournament in 2022 when she was an 8th grader.   9.    The nine spot is my second leadoff and Hardersen is the one who fits that bill.  I also like to use lefties who would be ones who can bunt, slap, and hit for a little power.  Seeing Hardersen play volleyball, she is someone who can hit it hard with the left hand on the right side, she can set a little bit, and defend her spot as well.  She will be depended upon to score more points for Des Moines Christian this upcoming season and that could be as a setter or attacker.

As someone who grew up in Iowa, the end of May was always exciting with the baseball and softball seasons starting. For the majority of these schools, their baseball and softball teams are the biggest show in town throughout the summer. I have some great memories of playing in front of some big crowds, the hot bus rides, and the Saturday tournaments provided great laughs and stories of a full day together. As I got more into volleyball, I began to make a lot of my references to what I learned in baseball. As a shortstop and pitcher, it was all about reading the hitter, the angles, and especially as a pitcher I had to keep the hitter off balance with varying up the pitches, spots, and knowing I controlled the pace of the game. As a hitter I had to take what the pitcher and defense was giving me. Hitters in baseball/softball and in volleyball need to make adjustments quickly. I coached six years of Varsity and JV baseball and had my philosophy of what I wanted in the lineup. Based on what I have seen of the club volleyball season, here is what my lineup would look like based on the ones who I could see getting on base and the ones who could bring in the RBI's.