Going Gauntlet Team Preview – Rockets 17R

<!-- 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>I'm looking forward to checking out my first Prep Dig Gauntlet June 6-7 in suburban Milwaukee. Nine Iowa teams across the 15-17 age groups will be representing the state at the competitive, pre-USAV Nationals event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've been fortunate enough to have seen seven of the nine teams in person. One of the ones I did not catch, Iowa Premier 16-1,&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/05/going-gauntlet-iowa-premier-16-1-claims-open-bid/?itm_source=parsely-api">was written about by Prep Dig's Chris Fitzgerald</a>&nbsp;in our "Going Gauntlet" series leading up to the show.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll be putting together previews for the rest of our state's teams. Here's a look at&nbsp;[program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] 17R.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If we're talking about teams that have challenged themselves the most in 2026, [program_tooltip program_id='431948' first='Iowa' last='Rockets'] 17R is firmly in the discussion. It competed in four consecutive USAV qualifiers during March and April. The schedule beyond that included The Central Time Zone in Indianapolis, the St. Louis President's Day Classic and the Prep Dig Chi-Town Classic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rockets 17R won't see anything at the upcoming <a href="https://www.advancedeventsystems.com/42070" id="https://www.advancedeventsystems.com/42070">Prep Dig Gauntlet</a> that it hasn't already experienced. Like almost everyone else in the field, the squad will be preparing for what it will face next month in Indianapolis at the USAV National Tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After an eighth-place finish at the USAV Iowa Regional Qualifier, the top Rockets 17 squad put it together at the Mideast National Qualifier during late March in Indianapolis. It won the USA Division in the event to earn a bid in that division at this summer's nationals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The foundation of 17R is comprised of players that have been together for years. It's done well in incorporating additions and gelling throughout the current campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='316419' first='Edie' last='Miller'] is the top libero in Iowa's 2027 Class. The Dayton commitment covers the back row like a blanket. Challenging her benefits Rockets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='493658' first='Hattie' last='Galloway'], an accomplished basketball player, is steadily improving and adding elements to her game. The Milwaukee pledge continues to develop her versatility, impacting matches offensively and defensively around the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller's twin sister, [player_tooltip player_id='316380' first='Hadley' last='Miller'], is a dynamic setter and fierce competitor. While she may lack cookie cutter physical traits some college coaches seek, [player_tooltip player_id='316380' first='Hadley' last='Miller'] is among the best overall 2027s in Iowa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grinnell's [player_tooltip player_id='555788' first='Kendra' last='Nolton'] joins [player_tooltip player_id='316380' first='Hadley' last='Miller'] as being one of the state's top uncommitted 2027s. She is power at the pin with improving range and consistency. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Washington's [player_tooltip player_id='755481' first='Layla' last='Green'] is a versatile player effective in multiple roles and areas of contributions. She looks unassuming but can jump out of the gym and flashes quick-twitch athleticism. [player_tooltip player_id='758812' first='Kaylee' last='Hagstrom'] of Cedar Rapids Prairie also produces for Rockets through positional flexibility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='840251' first='Dani' last='Piper'] is a veteran of the Rockets' top team in this age group. The Davis County right-side hitter is bouncy with long arms, which lead her effectiveness as a two-way pin performer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Solon's Harper Nicholson (MH) and Addison Walter (RS), who helped the Spartans reach the regional finals last fall, are technically sound rotation members that make plays when opportunity presents itself. The same can be said of powerful middle Rainie Pfohl. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->