Class of ’26 Prospects Trending Up
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It’s been an important club season for student-athletes heading into their junior years of high school. College coaches become more aggressive in evaluating prospects as they move into the second half of their prep careers. Iowa’s 2026 Class is strong.…
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Continue ReadingIt’s been an important club season for student-athletes heading into their junior years of high school. College coaches become more aggressive in evaluating prospects as they move into the second half of their prep careers.
Iowa’s 2026 Class is strong. Its greatest strength may depth. Plenty of players in this cycle that can compete on the next level.
Here’s a section of the group thinking about where to play in college that took steps forward this club season:
Drapeau is a player I’ve seen live periodically since early in the high school season last fall. She continues developing her game and improving her skills. Drapeau shows a good feel for the middle of the net, understanding she must monitor action on the court for 360 degrees. That’s why they call it the middle. Drapeau moves fluidly at her position, getting herself well positioned and steering clear of teammates. She’s a legit 6-foot-2, with long arms. Drapeau is a two-way player with athleticism. She’s a no-doubter in terms of the next level.
Highlights
I first saw Ouellette compete during the 2023 club season, then at last summer’s Prep Dig Showcase in Grimes and then again throughout the fall. I watched her in St. Louis this spring. I’m confident including her on this list. Ouellette plays six rotations for Iowa Select Mizuno. Hitting probably is what she does best, but college scouts should evaluate her complete game and leave open the possibilities of positions other than pin. Her versatility should keep doors open on the next level.
Myers helped Trinity Christian back to the state tournament last fall and has played six rotations for Adrenaline this winter and spring. It’s been fun watching her game grow during the last few years. Myers still dominates in the middle of the net, and that may very well be her college home, but becoming more versatile and capable at other aspects of the sport make her an even more intriguing prospect. College coaches have to be impressed with her growth.
Highlights
Johnson’s Flight club team was entertaining. The Denver setter played a large role in making that so. At 5-10, Johnson stands out as an all-around performer at the position. It starts with her consistency in putting the ball where her teammates can best handle it. Johnson’s long arms help her defend at the net and in generating power in her swing.
Highlights
Lupkes ranks as one of the players in this class that’s made the most progress during the last year. She is a two-way factor on the middle of the net. Lupkes’ bounce off the court and athleticism work well in the middle. They also allow here to deliver elsewhere on the court. She shows excellent timing in defending in the front row and good power in her swing.
Highlights
This class features a good number of competitive back row performers. Haedt rates as one of the most consistent members of that group, including on serve-receive. She anticipates well in that area. Add that to her quickness and technical soundness and you have a stalwart in the back.
Highlights
Lahr shined as a sophomore for Solon last season with 202 kills and 119.o blocks on a veteran Spartan squad. Her contributions in hammering hits or defending at the net help her impact matches throughout. She moves well and is athletic, which means she’s a pin threat as well. The best part is that she has a lot of room to go before she reaches her full potential.