Video Review: Hidden Gems in Iowa's Class of 2026

Iowa's 2026 Class is deep with talented prospects. While some of them have identified college homes, others are working hard to find their future.   Here's a look at in-state seniors-to-be capable of helping plenty of programs on the next level:    Whitaker often is overshadowed playing on talented teams, but the bouncy middle hitter deserves credit for her contributions to winning programs. She makes up for not having traditional height at the position by combining athletic explosion with a high volleyball IQ. Whitaker jumps quickly, which helps in snapping the attack or throwing up the block. She piled up 151 kills (.311) and 97.0 blocks in helping the Mustangs win the Class 3A state championship last season.     A well-rounded setter, Works handed out 323 assists with 78 kills 140 digs and 19.0 blocks last season. She's continued growing and developing her game this club season for Six Pack. Works has long arms, which help her generate power in her swing and play defense at the net. She also stands up well in serve receive when she's tested. Best of all, Works consistently puts the ball where her attackers can maximize their skills. She reads the defense well and will exploit holes in it.     Knock put together a sound junior season in 2024, coming up with a team-best 449 digs, the fourth most in Class 5A. She also contributed 52 assists. Knock's game has taken a step forward this club season, too. She succeeds with good lateral quickness and an ability to read the attack. Knock is sound in serve-receive, regularly getting herself properly positioned to make the play.     Schluter paced Humboldt with 256 kills as a junior last season. She also added 207 digs to the cause. Those statistics highlight her volleyball versatility. Schluter has sharpened her game this club season. Playing for the state's 17U champs, Schluter looks natural swinging from the right side and defending at the net. Between her prep and club seasons, she's done just about everything on the court. Schluter is part of a talented core returning for the Wildcats in 2025.     A member of the state's regional championship squad, Holtorf is a reliable setter capable of impacting matches in multiple ways. First and foremost, she steadily delivers the ball to her attackers so they can get off sound swings. Holtorf navigates the court around teammates to get properly positioned to set the ball. She adjusts well to the pass, finding ways to keep the team in system more often than not.     I scouted Fereday in person during the 2025 Windy City National Qualifier with 319 United Shannon. She stood out quickly for her command of the position and knack for keeping the team connected. Fereday moves well around the court and finds ways to put up favorable sets no matter where the passes come from. Her talents led to 552 assists, 75 kills, and 149 digs last season for the Sailors.

Iowa's 2026 Class is deep with talented prospects. While some of them have identified college homes, others are working hard to find their future.

Here's a look at in-state seniors-to-be capable of helping plenty of programs on the next level:

Track

Cali Whitaker

HEIGHT 5'7"

POS MB

CLASS 2026

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Cali Whitaker

State: Iowa

School: Mount Vernon

Club: Adrenaline 18 Deb/Brooke

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Highlights

Kendall Works

IA #105

S #24

HEIGHT 5'8"

POS S

CLASS 2026

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Kendall Works

State: Iowa

School: Humboldt

Club: Six Pack VBC

A well-rounded setter, Works handed out 323 assists with 78 kills 140 digs and 19.0 blocks last season. She's continued growing and developing her game this club season for Six Pack. Works has long arms, which help her generate power in her swing and play defense at the net. She also stands up well in serve receive when she's tested. Best of all, Works consistently puts the ball where her attackers can maximize their skills. She reads the defense well and will exploit holes in it.