What Top Volleyball Athletes Will You Find On The RAGBRAI Route?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the next week my entire personality will be all RAGBRAI.&nbsp; This is one of my favorite weeks of the year.&nbsp; I did five consecutive full RAGBRAI's from 2015-2019 and will be making a comeback.&nbsp; As an Iowa native, its like going through a scrapbook where I see a lot of old friends, make plenty of new ones, and enjoy all things Iowa.&nbsp; When this article posts, I'll probably be just outside [program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='Storm' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] Lake looking for a breakfast burrito or Chris Cakes (famous RAGBRAI pancakes).&nbsp; Why not incorporate volleyball into this.&nbsp; Here are some of the top volleyball players you might find on the 2023 RAGBRAI Route.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":437539,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DSC03565.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437539"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Walrod</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='389835' first='Kinslee' last='Walrod'] - Sioux City North&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215439' first='Hollie' last='Peterson'] - Sioux City East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're starting in Sioux City where it all begins on RAGBRAI L.&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='389835' first='Kinslee' last='Walrod'] and [player_tooltip player_id='215439' first='Hollie' last='Peterson'] were two setters for the MVP United National Championship squad where they brought home the 16 USA title. I was able to see a couple matches for this team that is right on the Iowa/South Dakota border.&nbsp; Walrod has extremely smooth hands, she puts it exactly where her attackers need it to terminate.&nbsp; Peterson has the length and athleticism to do a lot of things in every rotation.&nbsp; These two are part of the resurgence of the Sioux City schools who are really improving and will hope to play some big matches come late October.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":263533,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/128-Kate-Vondrak.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-263533"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='168169' first='Kate' last='Vondrak'] - East Sac County (Lake View)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On day two of RAGBRAI, we're going from [program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='[program_tooltip program_id='428931' first='Storm' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] Lake to Carroll.&nbsp; Lake View is the meeting town on this day which is home to East Sac County (Formerly Wall Lake View Auburn).&nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id='168169' first='Kate' last='Vondrak'] had a big year for East Sac County where she racked up over 200 kills and over 150 digs.&nbsp; She was a big standout at the Prep Dig Top 250 last December in Des Moines and was a key player for Northwest Iowa Premier.&nbsp; East Sac County is part of the Twin Lakes Conference where it was dominated last year by Newell-Fonda and South Central Calhoun.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='499853' first='Kaylie' last='Simons'] - Carroll Kuemper</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Night two brings us to Carroll where Kuemper High had a huge season in 2022 which landed them in the state tournament.&nbsp; This was a senior dominated squad, but freshman libero [player_tooltip player_id='499853' first='Kaylie' last='Simons'] was lights out!&nbsp; She had over 500 digs which put her top 15 in the state and second among freshmen.&nbsp; Another freshman who had a big season was [player_tooltip player_id='389937' first='Brianna' last='Wittrock'] who had over 100 kills with incoming senior Kaci Peter with over 225 kills her junior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kaylee Stalder - Greene County (Jefferson)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day three goes from Carroll to Ames with the meeting town being Jefferson.&nbsp; I've spent a couple RAGBRAI's going through Jefferson and the big bell tower downtown.&nbsp; Greene County had a big season in 2022 where they were one of the top teams in the Heart of Iowa Conference.&nbsp; Stalder was a 2nd Team All Conference pick where she had 226 kills in her junior season.&nbsp; An incoming junior who had some success as a sophomore is Emma Ewalt who could be a key contributor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":263516,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/12/112-Kaylee-Koudelka-e1689918760267.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-263516"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251680' first='Kaylee' last='Koudelka'] - North Polk&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day three will be busy, plenty to see, and plenty of people.&nbsp; Where do they all meet?&nbsp; Polk City.&nbsp; this could be a controversial topic with district lines.&nbsp; I know Polk City is right along the North Polk and Ankeny district lines. The high school for North Polk is in Alleman, but I'm going to group Polk City in with the North Polk kids who have had a huge year with sports.&nbsp; Their volleyball team finished 29-10 and won the Raccoon River Conference.&nbsp; Koudelka was a big part of their success and will be coming back for her senior season.&nbsp; In 2022 she was dominant with over 250 kills and 64 blocks.&nbsp; She is a definite prospect at the next level where plenty of Iowa schools will be in contact with her heading into her senior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1676011255801290754?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/PrepDigChris/status/1676011255801290754?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215462' first='Katie' last='Quick'] - Ankeny Christian&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215463' first='Carley' last='Craighead'] - Ankeny Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From Polk City, RAGBRAI heads into Des Moines into what will be quite the gathering in the Capital City.&nbsp; Ankeny has plenty of volleyball history between Ankeny High and Centennial, but let's not forget about this new program who grabbed their first state title in Ankeny Christian.&nbsp; This group has quite the sophomore class with four of them tallying over 100 kills on the season.&nbsp; Quick is the left handed setter who puts a ton of pressure on the other side where she can jump set to her hitters or take it to herself.&nbsp; She had over 800 assists and nearly 200 kills as a setter.&nbsp; Craighead had over 300 kills in 2022.&nbsp; They will be heavily favored in Class 1A this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":437545,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DSC03489.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437545"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261068' first='Finley' last='Schelhaas'] - Des Moines Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>RAGBRAI is back in Des Moines! Only appropriate for year 50.&nbsp; Des Moines Christian advanced to the Class 3A semifinals last year after being one of the top ranked teams all season.&nbsp; They will have another loaded roster once again that consists of Fresno State commit [player_tooltip player_id='168160' first='Gabby' last='Lombardi'] and right side/setter [player_tooltip player_id='203590' first='Hadley' last='Hardersen'].&nbsp; A really gritty defensive specialist/libero is [player_tooltip player_id='261068' first='Finley' last='Schelhaas'].&nbsp; She plays with a lot of fire and passion which will be important for this team who will have big goals heading into the 2023 season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":395003,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/05/DSC07945.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-395003"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='168156' first='Meg' last='Berkland'] - Clear Creek-Amana</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ragbrai will make its way through the Twin Cities (Tama and Toledo) and work its way down to the Iowa City area with a stop in the Amana Colonies as well as Oxford which is in the CCA District.&nbsp; I'm not even going to attempt to describe the Clear-Creek Amana District as I know it's booming, where they are on a trajectory to be a Class 5A school someday. Meg Berkalnd was a key part of the CCA run to a Class 4A runner-up finish was they caught fire just at the right time in 2022.&nbsp; Berkland is the top available prospect in the Class of 2024.&nbsp; The Clippers will be a favorite in Class 4A, returning plenty of starters including Drake commit [player_tooltip player_id='168155' first='Bliss' last='Beck'].&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":412338,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/317-Emmy-McComas-e1688413619668.jpg?w=947" alt="" class="wp-image-412338"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251664' first='Claire' last='Ernst'] - Iowa City High&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='215434' first='Emmy' last='McComas'] <strong>- Iowa City High </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heading towards the end of the week, RAGBRAI makes an overnight stay in Coralville which is now home to the Iowa Girls State Tournament.&nbsp; I could write a lot about the Iowa City schools with Liberty who won the 2022 state title, City West who has plenty of history, and a program I would keep a close eye on is Iowa City Regina.&nbsp; Regina has an incoming sophomore class that could do some big things.&nbsp; I'll stick with Iowa City High which covers the East side of Iowa City (Yes, I did Google district lines).&nbsp; Two pin hitters who are hoping to lead City High to prominence is Oakland commit [player_tooltip player_id='251664' first='Claire' last='Ernst'] and [player_tooltip player_id='215434' first='Emmy' last='McComas'].&nbsp; These two combined for nearly 500 kills in 2022.&nbsp; They've had a big club season with Ernst playing for [program_tooltip program_id='428936' first='Club' last='Ignit Select'] and McComas for [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'].&nbsp; The MVC is such a tough conference, but they will be well prepared come postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":437546,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DSC03515.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-437546"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215433' first='Sophie' last='Buysee'] - West Liberty&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I really enjoy this West Liberty team as I've been able to get to know their program not only through coverage in Iowa, but seeing them at the Wisconsin team camp year after year.&nbsp; They have had a monstrous run that has included multiple state tournament runs and a state runner up finish in 2021.&nbsp; The Buysee family has been a key part of this program and will continue to be.&nbsp; Incoming junior [player_tooltip player_id='215433' first='Sophie' last='Buysee'] can do it all.&nbsp; She is a really strong libero for the [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'], but come high school season is a high flying outside hitter.&nbsp; She plays with a spark and a smile.&nbsp; The Comets lost their setter and Sophie's older sister, Brooklyn Buysee to graduation where she will go to Wartburg and All State libero Monica Morales.&nbsp; But after seeing them at the Wisconsin team camp, they will be ready to reload for 2023.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":242774,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/11/137A8465-2.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-242774"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'25 Davenport (IA) Assumption High OH [player_tooltip player_id='215436' first='Dru' last='Dorsey']. (Rob Howe/PrepDig.com) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='215434' first='Dru' last='Dorsey'] - Davenport Assumption</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We dip the tire in Davenport, it only feels right.&nbsp; We'll end it with the defending Class 3A state champions with Davenport Assumption.&nbsp; They have quite the sister legacy in the Schuberts with Emma Schubert, Ava Schubert, and current setter [player_tooltip player_id='215761' first='Ellie' last='Schubert'].&nbsp; Ava just finished a hall of fame like career and will head to play volleyball at Tennessee Tech.&nbsp; The Knights still have a full roster coming back and a player to keep on the radar will be [player_tooltip player_id='215436' first='Dru' last='Dorsey'].&nbsp; Dorsey is a big arm on the pin where she can score a lot of points.&nbsp; She played this past season for [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] alongside [player_tooltip player_id='215433' first='Sophie' last='Buysee'] where both of these athletes can expect a big junior season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->