Iowa Sophomores Set to Soar in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's an old saying stating that the best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores. It's referring to the mistakes first-year players tend to make. While it's not an all-inclusive phrase, there's usually plenty of progress made between ninth and 10th grades due to experience, increased confidence and maturity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at some in-state sophomores that could take a leap forward in 2025: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775215"],"_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-685b44ad6f59c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">MOC-Floyd Valley bowed out in last year's regional finals, where it fell to eventual Class 4A state champion Bishop Heelan. The Dutchmen should be formidable again in 2025 with much of their roster returning. The group includes Van Gelder, who saw varsity time as a freshman last season. She showed off a versatile game during her time and could see her role increase this season after a strong club campaign. The lefty looks natural swinging away from the right side. She gets good elevation and generates power. It's a bonus that she hits well from the outside pin, too. And Van Gelder is a strong defender at the net. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["534719"],"_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-685b4869069a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anamosa faced a tough path to state last season. After knocking off Center Point-Urbana in 5 sets, it fell in four to Davenport Assumption in the regional finals. The Blue Raiders return enough talent to take the next step in 2025. Gibbs is among the group that should make them formidable again. She started matches as a freshman, finishing her first high school season with 61 kills and 35 digs. Gibbs has advanced her game working with a strong Rockets 15R team that qualified for USAV nationals in Dallas. With a consistent and repeatable attacking operation, Gibbs maximizes her swings. She'll be a factor in the River Valley Conference this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["775210"],"_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-685b4ae259dfd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sergeant Bluff-Luton pulled off one of the stunners at last year's state tournament. The Warriors knocked off top-seeded Xavier in the first- round Class 4A action. Griebel played an important role as a contributing freshman in the rotation. She finished the season with 88 kills and 28.0 blocks. With MVP this club season, Griebel has developed her game even more, positioning herself for a super sophomore campaign. She's shown capability of success at all three front-row spots as an attacker and on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["575210"],"_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-685b4f9054f98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sidney lost a five-set heartbreaker to Don Bosco in last year's regional finals. While the Cowgirls will be replacing key production lost to graduation, a solid core returns in 2025. Haggerty comes back following a freshman campaign that saw her pound out 180 kills (.340) with 23.0 blocks and 61 digs. Another step forward in development during club season should have her poised for more production as a 10th-grader. Haggerty is a prime breakout candidate with her explosive athleticism, leaping ability, potent swing and intimidating block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741261"],"_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-685b51e682c19"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hoegh got her feet wet on the varsity last season, spending the rest of the time honing her skills on the JV. She's showing off that progress this club season for Salty and developing even more to put herself into position for more production in 2025. With height and length already, Hoegh has the natural gifts for success in the middle of the net. She complements them with agility and a good feel for the position. Hoegh sees the open seams heading into the swing, which is powerful enough to end points. She's a good defender at the net, altering attacks she doesn't get her hands on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["755089"],"_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-685b534c87c7a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As a freshman for a solid 4A squad, Holtkamp enjoyed the kind of success that could very well have been foreshadowing a bright future. She registered 129 kills, 48 digs and 12.0 blocks. I was impressed when I saw her at last year's Benton tournament. Holtkamp has taken another step forward with IPVA this club campaign, setting her up for what could be a breakout sophomore year. She's an excellent athlete with explosion off of the court, hang time and power in her attack. Her hang time allows her to read the openings in the defense and exploit them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->