Back-Row Breakouts from 2024

How about some love for the back row, y'all? Student-athletes lining up there often receive too much blame and not enough credit. You better have a good one if you care about winning, though.   Here are flowers for a group that emerged in the back row during the 2024 prep campaign:    We saw Evans at the prep level for the first time during August's Prep Dig Sizzle in Coralville. It was quickly obvious that Mid-Prairie added an important piece to a team that would reach the state tournament. She's a factor through six rotations, as evidenced by the ninth-grader's 431 digs, 155 kills, 116 assists and 35 blocks. While she does it all, Evans stands out most in the back row with quick actions and lateral movement. She sees the court well, pairing that with sharp anticipation to be well-positioned to receive.     Varney took a step forward at the competitive Mount Vernon Tournament. That smallest school there, 2A DNH knocked off 5A Iowa City Liberty and City High with Varney playing well in the back row. Varney boasts the traits that lead to success at her position. It's a mix of natural athletic ability, feel for the game and sharp skills. With three years of varsity remaining, her future is bright.     Amling was a key component on a youthful Cougars squad in 2024. The freshman led it digs (365), adding 44 kills. The digs show where she's standing out now. The kills speak to her versatility, which should blossom in the coming years. While Amling could end up as a stalwart libero, but a six-rotation contributor also could be in the cards. She's a well-rounded volleyball player just scratching the surface of her potential.     Rude's 249 digs as a freshman ranked second on the team, one behind the leader. When considering the level and quality of program for which she plays, that says a lot about her present and the future. Rude lined up at libero, and did some her best work in the left-back spot. It highlighted her sharp reflexes and soft passing touch. Rude moves smoothly side-to-side, covering a lot of ground.     Waukee is a team to watch in 2025 because of a talented young core that led the Warriors to the state tournament this Fall. Her 212 digs were a team-best. The total trailed only Amling and Rude among 5A freshmen. Ruddy reads the ball and her teammates really well. It's a key to keeping Waukee in system so its heavy hitters can prosper. Her 23 service aces also ranked among the Top 10 for ninth-graders in 5A.     In a lot of programs, Janulewicz would have made noise as a freshman. When you play for an outfit that's played in the last two state championship matches, you have to wait your turn. Janulewicz contributed significantly to the Wolves getting back there in '24. Her 338 digs were the third most among 5A sophomores. Listed as an outside hitter on the team's roster, Janulewicz added 141 kills and 25 blocks. She tossed in 43 assists for good measure. It's a complete skill set that should make her a six-rotation dynamo the next two seasons.     Ramstack showed out during an early-season tournament at Iowa City High. Facing big power from the likes of Ankeny Centennial, she held her ground and helped the Bulldogs compete at a high level. She's another student-athlete that does her best work from the left-back position, reading the attack to get into prosper position, and then letting her quick reactions and smooth feet take over.

How about some love for the back row, y'all? Student-athletes lining up there often receive too much blame and not enough credit. You better have a good one if you care about winning, though.