Up Next and Ready to Shine at Iowa Showcase

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Up Next Prep Dig Iowa Showcase was a great event spotlighting some of the most promising up-and-coming volleyball talent from across the area. With fast-paced drills, competitive scrimmages, and standout individual performances, the event was a platform for rising stars to demonstrate their skills, athleticism, and volleyball IQ. From powerful hitters to lockdown defenders, the Up Next Showcase is where Iowa's next wave of talent gets noticed. Here are a few athletes who stood out immediately on Saturday:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standing at 5'11", Kayleigh Byrd is a defensive powerhouse with explosive athleticism that sets her apart on the court. The 2030 standout plays on Club North 16 Ang out of North Kansas City. Her quick reflexes and sharp anticipation make her nearly impossible to beat in the back row, consistently digging up hard-driven attacks with ease. She elevates above the net with an impressive vertical leap, challenging hitters and contributing at the net as a blocker when needed. Her combination of defensive grit, speed, and jumping ability makes her a relentless competitor. She was so fun to watch on Saturday! Keep her on your radar!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='877586' first='Elin' last='Whitver'], a Class of 2031 setter who stands out with remarkably soft hands. She can deliver clean, precise sets, making it easy for her hitters to finish plays effectively. She's not just a playmaker at the net—her strong platform and technical consistency allow her to deliver accurate balls even in tough out-of-system situations. Whitver's great footwork and platform to target make her a defensive threat at setter as well. You can tell she takes pride in her defense first! Take note of this setter!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside [player_tooltip player_id='879862' first='Layla' last='Rangel'] is a 2031 dynamic player who is a defensive force with the rare ability to both read hitters instinctively and react with lightning speed. Known for running through the ball with control and intensity, she covers the court with relentless energy and precision. Her passing is consistently clean, making her a trusted target in serve receive. She really stood out during position training during hitting and then again during run through and pursuit drills. Her all-around skill set and fierce competitiveness make her a game-changer on both sides of the ball for this upcoming Gretna and Premier Volleyball Product.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 5'8", [player_tooltip player_id='790589' first='Kymber' last='Jones'] is an outside hitter with a level of explosiveness that immediately grabs attention. She takes big, aggressive swings with confidence, consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. Her quick and efficient transition off the net allows her to stay in rhythm and ready to attack, making her a constant offensive threat. This 2030 Holy Trinity Catholic player will turn heads! Keep her on your radar!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two Dowling Catholic defensive players to keep eyes on are [player_tooltip player_id='853692' first='Grace' last='Joseph'] in the Class of 2031 and [player_tooltip player_id='877849' first='Hannah' last='Vowels'] in the Class of 2030. These two talented liberos are defensive standouts who bring relentless energy and precision to the backcourt. Both possess strong, well-placed serves that consistently put opponents on their heels right from the first contact. Their ability to touch nearly every ball, no matter how tough the play, showcases their elite anticipation and quick reactions. What truly sets them apart is their fearless pursuit—whether it's chasing down balls in deep corners or laying out for impossible saves, they refuse to let anything hit the floor. They really stood out during run through and defensive drills on Saturday and during 6 v 6.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for some more analysis from Des Moines in the coming days! It is great to see all of the young talent in the Class of 2030 and 2031!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->