Scouting Reports, Photos: Dallas Center-Grimes

<!-- 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>The high school volleyball years create wonderful life memories for everyone involved. Connections are strong.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That thought was the impetus behind developing these scouting-report/photo pieces a few seasons ago to act as yearbook pages. I've written as many of them as I could based on watching teams play in person. Hopefully, they capture that squad in words and pictures, and can be accessed years down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we look at Dallas Center-Grimes, who I watched compete at the Benton Bobcat Invitational last weekend. The Mustangs proved to be the class of the field, winning the title without dropping a set in five matches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at student-athletes standing out followed by photos of Dallas Center-Grimes:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["493973"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab6f70c6b1e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Farley has been an impactful performer stretching back years. She's never rested on her laurels, however, continuing to play a lot of volleyball and improve in all aspects of the game. The Valparaiso commitment influences matches with a broad base of skills. I saw her in person for the first time this season at the Benton Bobcat Invitational in mid-September. The senior was guiding the Mustangs during a dominant march to the championship. She's a dead-eye setter, putting the ball on the money from all sorts of angles and locations. Attackers must love working with her. Farley has become more of a threat with her swing and ending points with a well-timed dump. Her block is getting better as is her defense in the back row. DCG is a contender this season, and Farley is a big reason why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["766068"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab7f3d7550f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Messerly remains one of the top uncommitted Iowa 2028 talents after Prep Dig wrote about her being in the group during last month's Prep Dig rankings update. The Dallas Center-Grimes junior has padded her resume since then, leading the unbeaten Mustangs in kills heading into this weekend's action. I saw them win the Benton tournament last week, and Messerly was marvelous. She is a high-riser off of the court and features a heavy swing, effectively and efficiently putting the ball down all around the court. Messerly mixes up her shotsand reads blocks well. A good athlete that also ranks among team leaders in digs, the junior is going to make one smart college really happy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["729146"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab7f3d755136"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Time will tell how Dallas Center-Grimes matches up with the top teams in the CIML at the state tournament. Having seen the Mustangs win the Benton tournament last week, it's obvious they have the pieces to compete. It starts in the back row with clean passes from Jackson. The junior libero controls a lot of court. She communicates and helps keep the team connected. A Drake commitment, Jackson flashes a high volleyball IQ. She reads and reacts quickly to opponent maneuvers, operating with a solid platform and flowing with the action. Champions need a rock wearing the jersey, and DCG has it in Jackson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["730390"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab7f3d755163"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A basketball standout who went viral at last winter's state tournament, Smid is one heck of a volleyball player, too. I was super impressed with the progress she'd made with her overall game when watching her compete through six rotations while Dallas Center-Grimes swept the opposition at the Benton tournament. That's not easy to do when focusing more attention on another sport. Smid certainly opened eyes with her attacking at last year's state volleyball tournament and has continued raising her efficiency in that discipline. She's really improved her consistency in the back row and defensively at the net. College basketball looks like the preferred path, and rightfully so, but volleyball coaches on the next level would be wise to monitor Smid's development, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:gallery {"linkTo":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><!-- wp:image {"id":1044370,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9686.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044370" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes 2026. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044356,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9300.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044356" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='991341' first='Madison' last='Messerly']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044351,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9280.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044351" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='394331' first='Maggie' last='Leifker'] (5) and [player_tooltip player_id='991341' first='Madison' last='Messerly']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044347,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9225.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044347" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='493973' first='Gwen' last='Farley']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044346,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9220.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044346" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730450' first='Kylie' last='Janssen']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044345,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9216.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044345" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='394331' first='Maggie' last='Leifker']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044336,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9185.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044336" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730390' first='Ava' last='Smid']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044335,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9184.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044335" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730390' first='Ava' last='Smid']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044334,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9155.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044334" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='817622' first='Paisley' last='Heidgerken']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044333,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9144.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044333" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes 2026. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044332,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9096.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044332" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='991341' first='Madison' last='Messerly']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044330,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9083.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044330" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730390' first='Ava' last='Smid']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044329,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9077.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044329" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='394331' first='Maggie' last='Leifker']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044328,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9067.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044328" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='991341' first='Madison' last='Messerly']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044327,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9037.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044327" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730390' first='Ava' last='Smid']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044326,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9028.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044326" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044325,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A9016.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044325" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044319,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8947.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044319" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730390' first='Ava' last='Smid']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044310,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8895.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044310" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044308,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8892.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044308" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='493973' first='Gwen' last='Farley']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1044300,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8885.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1044300" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='443085' first='Avery' last='Edgington']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043883,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8876.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043883" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043881,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8838.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043881" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='991341' first='Madison' last='Messerly']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043877,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8806.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043877" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='817622' first='Paisley' last='Heidgerken']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043843,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8769.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043843" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='443085' first='Avery' last='Edgington']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043842,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8765.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043842" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='443085' first='Avery' last='Edgington']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043834,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8757.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043834" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='991341' first='Madison' last='Messerly']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043831,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8736.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043831" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043830,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8730.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043830" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='443085' first='Avery' last='Edgington']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043829,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8726.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043829" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='493973' first='Gwen' last='Farley']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043825,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8717.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043825" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='394331' first='Maggie' last='Leifker']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043824,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8714.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043824" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='493973' first='Gwen' last='Farley']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043822,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8698.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043822" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='730390' first='Ava' last='Smid']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1043821,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/09/137A8677.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1043821" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dallas Center-Grimes' [player_tooltip player_id='729146' first='Anna' last='Jackson']. (Photo: Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --></figure> <!-- /wp:gallery -->