Avoli Committed Athlete: Iowa Exposure Tour

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This article is sponsored by Avoli</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Dig has teamed up with Avoli, the volleyball brand built specifically for female athletes, to present Committed — a spotlight series celebrating standout athletes at each 2025 Prep Dig Showcase. These athletes are chosen for their leadership, sportsmanship, and relentless work ethic — the same values Avoli champions on and off the court. Each featured athlete receives exclusive Avoli gear in addition to their own spotlight article. Learn more about Avoli and explore their performance-driven footwear at <a href="http://avoli.com/">avoli.com</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Iowa Region's future is in good hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even though my heart and home are in Nebraska, I get an unmatched thrill from covering Prep Dig Circuit events in Iowa. Our Des Moines showcases have always set a high bar for other events around the Prep Network scene, and it's an incredible opportunity to discover the next generation of exceptional athletes. But, aside from the raw skill and power we see on the court, outings like Sunday's Iowa Exposure Tour also bring leaders and high-quality characters into the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This encompasses the spirit of our Avoli <em>Committed</em> Athlete award, given to a showcase participant who exhibits the leadership, work ethic, and positive attitude that make these events so special. Our Iowa Exposure Tour honoree is [player_tooltip player_id='763850' first='Gianna' last='Stanfel'], a Class of 2028 pin attacker representing Dowling Catholic High School and Iowa PowerPlex.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":915698,"width":"426px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.5000084612390638","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/IMG_2649-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-915698" style="aspect-ratio:1.5000084612390638;width:426px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stanfel attacks at the Iowa Exposure Tour.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Gaining Traction</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We always like to see which athletes are building momentum before a showcase appearance, and Stanfel surely fits the bill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dowling Catholic is one of central Iowa's most recognizable volleyball powerhouses. The Maroons have been a perennial postseason participant since the 2010s began. Becoming a high-impact underclassman in that environment can be tough, but Stanfel defied the trend this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The hard-hitting pin attacker compiled triple-digit kills this year in a Dowling Catholic offense predicated on balance and distribution. She primarily operated on the right side but could also run inside '2' patterns in the middle. This allowed Stanfel to flex her offensive repertoire while giving the Maroons some quick first-ball sideouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stanfel also brings more defensive prowess than you'd expect from an opposite. She has quick reflexes at the net and thrives as an off-blocker who can handle opposing tips. This may predicate an extended backcourt role for Stanfel as her prep career progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Home Cooking</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Iowa PowerPlex standout likely felt right at home competing in her club gym on Sunday. However, we got the impression that Stanfel is a tremendous leader regardless of venue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Infectious personalities are a frequent highlight of our showcases. Stanfel has it. She brought persistent positivity and energy, whether it was in positional drills or six-on-six scrimmages. No matter the format, Stanfel was eager to compete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is also a sophomore who can help keep everything organized. The constant shuffle and chaos of a fast-paced showcase can lead to momentary confusion, but Stanfel's presence helps keep everyone on track. She never hesitated to give guidance, offer vocal reassurance, and lift others making highlight-worthy plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That, in itself, was a highlight of our Sunday stay in Des Moines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->