Hidden Gems in Iowa’s ‘26 Class

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area It would be silly to think Prep Dig Iowa could evaluate all of the volleyball talent in this talent-rich state. That doesn't mean we'll give up trying.   The 2026 Class is a great example of the depth we have here. Take a look at these student-athletes boasting impressive skills:    Metzgar ranked second among Cougars in kills (153) and blocks (34.0) last season. She'll be a fourth-year starter this fall and a key player for AGWSR. Metzgar's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18281532/brylea-metzgar/highlights">Hudl page</a> contains video highlights of her exploits. She went toe-to-toe with strong competition like Denver and Dike-New Hartford. A versatile performer, Metzgar mainly manages the middle of the net. She's a quick leaper with a fast swing that generates power. She also looks comfortable hitting at the opposite pin. Metzgar's athleticism also helps her succeed as a blocker.     Wapsie Valley reached the regional finals last season with Buhr playing a key role in that success. Her 282 kills (.300) ranked second among Warriors, and she added 197 digs. Wapsie Valley challenged itself against a good schedule, and Buhr showed she belonged. She puts that on display during her video highlights on her <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17044889/taylor-buhr/highlights">Hudl page</a>. An agile athlete, Buhr has skills in her bag. She has a knack for hitting from the 10-foot line, generating good velocity. Multiple times, we see Buhr swigging a touch after digging. She managed it from the attack line and the outside. That's an interesting prospect.     Ballard is a sound all-around player, as she shows during her video highlights on her <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23525908/Irelyn-Ballard/highlights">Hudl page</a>. While there aren't a lot of them on there, I sense she may not have been 100 percent healthy last prep season. Ballard stands out for her versatility. She possesses an effective swing, looks natural in the back row and played setter for her CR Surge team this club season. While Kennedy was young last season, it still must replace productive graduates. Ballard's versatility gives her a chance to step into a role.     Busch's 160 kills ranked third among Lions last season and were the most of any student-athlete returning this season. She proved versatile, as well, with 70 digs and 24.0 blocks. Those statistics should rise in 2025, when more will be expected from her. Busch looks ready for the challenge when you watch her play. Video highlights on her <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20306028/Peyton-Busch/highlights">Hudl page </a>show us how she gets it done. One of Busch's best traits is her handle on her strengths and playing within them. She's a good athlete with leaping ability and power in the attack. Busch will be a problem for opponents in the MVC this season.     Braddock is heading to Northern Iowa for soccer, but she's also one heck of a volleyball talent. She helped Waukee reach last November's state tournament, ranking second on the squad with 177 kills. As one would expect from an all-around athlete, Braddock also contributed 51 digs and 18.0 blocks. She'll be part of a Warrior team that returns a lot of talent in 2025, including its top four attackers, top two diggers and its starting setter. Braddock will fill her role as a powerful opposite hitter with excellent leaping ability and hang time.     BCLUW reached the state championship match last season, where Ankeny Christian won its third title in a row. Farnsworth's 414 kills ranked 12th in the state among student-athletes in all classes. Her 246 digs were the second most on her team. Farnsworth is at her best hitting outside, but she's versatile enough to produce from the opposite pin. With a leap and a whip swing, Farnsworth generates solid power in the attack and does a good job reading the defense. It helps her find the holes in it.

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area

It would be silly to think Prep Dig Iowa could evaluate all of the volleyball talent in this talent-rich state. That doesn't mean we'll give up trying.