Closer Look at Players with Cases for Elite All-State

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/09/pd-iowa-team-rankings-class-5a-week-5-super-16/">PD Iowa Team Rankings: Class 5A Week 5 Super 16</a>   <a href="https://prepdig.com/2026/09/pd-iowa-team-rankings-class-4a-week-5-super-16/?itm_source=parsely-api">PD Iowa Team Rankings: Class 4A Week 5 Super 16</a>   Welp, somehow it's October. Volleyball fans can tell what time it is because conference races are heating up and the level of player is rising.   I thought it'd be fun identifying the best of the best performers to date. If the campaign were ending today, who would be the favorites for an Elite All-State team? Let's cap it at seven student-athletes with all positions being represented. That ain't easy with the talent around here.    The No. 1 player in the state has done nothing but enhance her legacy this season with her performance for top-ranked and defending state champion Waukee Northwest. Vogt can put the ball down with anybody in the state, a true terminator from the pin. The Iowa State commitment also will end points from the back and could hit middle or opposite if necessary. Vogt also patrols the back row with authority and produces a nasty looking serve that seems to be improving. The senior can do it all and usually does. Cyclone fans are going to love Vogt.     The state's top-ranked player in the junior class, Hatlevig has lifted her game up to another level after doing the same during the recent club campaign. The Michigan State pledge has added lift to her vertical, power to her swing and refined her approach from the pin. She's a well-rounded hitter capable of taking over a match on the attack. Hatlevig also has sharped her overall volleyball skills to where she can impact matches through six rotations. The back row defense and attack have ticked up as has the timing and execution on the block.     Wiederin has a case for being the Iowa prospect with the most helium since the start of 2025. The Northern Iowa commitment shined last club season and then took another step forward this most recent run on the circuit. That followed a breakout turn as a prep last fall. Now, Wiederin is flying even higher. Her explosiveness, long arms and torque generated in her swing is second-to-none in the state. It's a lot coming at a defense. She's beginning to sharpen her technique and reading of the opposition. For every plan opponents employ, Wiederin has a counter.     Toft, who was slowed by injury during the most recent club campaign, has made up for lost time during her senior year. The mighty middle hitter heading to Kansas State has a great feel for the game and how to impact matches from the middle of the net. That's attainable thanks to a whole lot of natural ability. Toft is agile and athletic while also bringing physicality to the court. She can power through blocks or work around them with quickness. Toft is an obstacle for opposing attacks with long arms, leaping ability and keen timing.     The state's top player at libero, Miller's game is aging like fine wine. Each year she's been able to increase tempo of play and improve her overall game. The reputation has proceeded the Dayton pledge since she began stoning opposing attacks as a freshman. Part of what impresses you most about Miller is her ability to stay locked in and make plays even though opponents avoid her. She welcomes big swings from them and a big grin crosses her face when they challenge her. That's usually because Miller is digging up the ball and getting the transition underway.     Like others on the list of Elite All-State candidates as we kick off October, Farley is a kid that has raised her level of play every season, through club and prep competition. When I scouted her at the Benton tournament last month, it was the best I'd see the Valparaiso commitment perform during the many in-person viewing opportunities through the years. Farley is operating at a higher level than opponents, running a fast-tempo system and making great decisions in involving a talented group of attackers. She finds holes in the defense to end points, is playing sharp in the back row and throwing up a strong block.     Beyond the fact that Brubaker leads the state in blocks entering October by a wide margin is the senior's overall development as a volleyball player. Brubaker is athletic and agile for a 6-foot-8 presence in the middle of the net. It's come together over the years to where she consistently impacts matches at a high level. The Marquette commitment has long been an obstacle as a defender. Her timing and technique have improved over time. The biggest strides have been made on the attack. Brubaker ends points with authority and mixes up her swings to take advantage of what the defense presents.

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