Going Gauntlet Team Preview – United 16 Elite Timmerman

<!-- 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><br>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;&nbsp;Iowa United 16 Elite Timmerman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of United's 16s are qualified for this summer's USAV National Tournament in Indianapolis. They will be competing at next week's Prep Dig Gauntlet in Milwaukee as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can read about 16-1 Elite <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/05/going-gauntlet-team-preview-iowa-united-16-1-elite/" id="https://prepdig.com/2026/05/going-gauntlet-team-preview-iowa-united-16-1-elite/">HERE</a>. It's competing in the Open Division at The Gauntlet. United 16 Elite Timmerman will face off with top teams in the Elite Division, the most challenging grouping at the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Elite Timmerman was formed this year to play under the umbrella of United, which is based in Iowa City. This team was comprised of some of the best players in the age group from Central Iowa. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've seen United Timmerman compete twice in person this season. The first time happened at the Nike President's Day Classic in St. Louis. It finished second in the Open Division. The second viewing was at the Mizuno JVA Midwest Challenge the first weekend of May in Des Moines. It won the Open Division title. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the funnest Iowa teams to watch this season, United Timmerman boasts impact players everywhere on the court. They feed off of each other's performances and are gelling at the right time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dowling Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='730098' first='Caroline' last='Crane'] is very much in the conversation if we're picking the state's top opposite pin. She's a powerful net presence that can take the opponent's soul with her a heavy swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Crane's Maroon classmate, [player_tooltip player_id='845755' first='Kennedy' last='Klein'], ranks among Iowa's best six-rotation outside hitters. She is consistently improving all aspects of the game, including adding power at the pin and covering more ground in the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A third Dowling standout makes sure Crane and Klein get the ball where they want it. Setter [player_tooltip player_id='758163' first='Jaya' last='Morrow'], who is poised a breakout junior season in the fall, can do it all at the position. She continues to sharpen her skills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AC/GC's [player_tooltip player_id='493975' first='Stella' last='Largent'] has been playing six rotations for United. She's proven to be athletic and explosive in the role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='765334' first='Meryl' last='Sandholm'] (Ankeny Centennial) and [player_tooltip player_id='946957' first='Jaslyn' last='Rasmussen'] (North Polk) are a dynamic duo in the middle of the net. Opponents receive no relief with these aggressive, two-way contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two different players have worn the jersey when I've seen United Timmerman this season. Centennial's [player_tooltip player_id='498069' first='Kaelyn' last='Rinehart'] lined up there during the President's Day Classic. Audree Gerke took over the role at the Mizuno Midwest Challenge. Their effectiveness proved the team is strong in the back row. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dowling's [player_tooltip player_id='775096' first='Avery' last='Baker'] can play just about any position. Her versatility and serving aid this team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->