More 2026s to Follow after #PDMidwestLive

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep expanding that list of standouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We still have a lot of ground to cover in our post-event discussions regarding Friday's Midwest Live Showcase. Over 100 athletes converged at the Horizon Events Center in an extraordinary display of Iowa's top prep talent. There's a lot to talk about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 is especially prominent. College coaches can start communicating with this group on June 15th, and you could see the sense of urgency from the 2026s in Des Moines. May and June are quiet months on the club calendar, but the Midwest Live Showcase offered another chance to make an impression.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So, let's shine the spotlight on a few more emerging stars from this class. This one is all about the 2026s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389834"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e3774186b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was anxious to watch Friday's participants from MVP United and the Great Plains Region. Yes, I'll let my biases show on that one. Lloyd and MVP 17 Red locked up their GJNC berth through the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament, so momentum is already soaring for this 2026 athlete. We were constantly impressed with Lloyd's intensity at the showcase, whether it was positional drills or six-on-six action. This versatile outside hitter has seen some big stages on the club circuit and was perfectly comfortable with our fast-paced event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["490014"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e37741870b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dynamic lefty opposites are bound to draw some attention in showcase environments. Cobb fits that mold and brings a ton of athleticism to her side of the net. Aside from her terminal frontcourt presence, Cobb also had a solid passing presence during skill-based drills. Iowa Impact is building impressive depth in the 2026 class, especially with Cobb finding her rhythm on the right pin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["389019"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e37741874b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We need to bring some setter representation into our features. Vogt is a perfect launching point for that conversation after she displayed so much skill and finesse in Des Moines. Her jump setting is incredibly natural and fluid, allowing Vogt to hold middle blockers for that extra split second. That gave Vogt's hitters some open seams during team drills, and they were happy to capitalize.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["455732"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e37741878a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iowa PowerPlex gets another talented setter on the board. Holtorf's repertoire goes beyond her ability to distribute and put her attackers in good spots. She also plays relentless floor defense and was able to put that to work at the showcase. These events offer unique challenges for setters, but Holtorf was able to handle a revolving door of temporary teammates in Des Moines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["261075"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e3774187c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's time to make this an Iowa PowerPlex setter trifecta. Wieland has a knack for better the ball under any circumstances. She doesn't need perfect passes to operate, as Wieland can track down balls with her exceptional quickness and body control. Deceptiveness is also a hallmark of Wieland's game, and she fooled a few middle blockers during team drills. It's no wonder why she's tabbed as one of Iowa's top prospects in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["226948"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e377418802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This high-flying middle blocker was hard to miss. Hanrahan has a wicked combination of speed and power that can overpower well-formed blocks. She also demonstrated some surprisingly accurate first touches during early warmups. It's not a skill you'd normally pinpoint from a middle blocker, but showcases are known for bringing out some hidden talents. Hanrahan's all-around arsenal keeps growing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["540251"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e37741883f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">How about Illinois and Rockwood Thunder getting into the mix? Cunningham made the trip to Des Moines and took full advantage of this trek. She scored on several eye-catching swings from the right side and did not shy away from making defensive contributions. The St. Louis area is one of the fastest-growing locales on the prep volleyball scene, and Cunningham is an impressive representative for the Class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["230661"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665e37741887b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derrer has an extensive background at both middle blocker and right-side hitter. This Iowa Select athlete is built to excel at either spot, so don't get too caught up in her positional designation. Derrer was among the best net defenders in Des Moines with her refined technique and imposing physicality. She will likely garner plenty of interest during the upcoming recruiting period.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->