Sophomore Setters Raise the Roof at Exposure Tour: Iowa

<p>Setters control the rhythm, the flow, and the energy of a team, so when a group of Iowa sophomores stepped onto the expo courts this weekend, coaches immediately took notice. What they brought wasn't just soft hands and crisp tempo; it was confidence, creativity, and a willingness to run the floor like seasoned veterans.</p>   <p>Below are the sophomore setters who elevated the session and showed the type of upside that makes them early names to follow in the 2028 class.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='730426' first='Hazel' last='Schluckebier']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/09/137A5141.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-622359" style="width:158px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'28 Iowa City High S [player_tooltip player_id='730426' first='Hazel' last='Schluckebier']. (Rob Howe/Prep Dig) </figcaption></figure>   <p>Schluckebier is a 5'10" setter from Iowa City High School. Long, fluid, and steady, Schluckebier's presence stood out from the start of the event. She plays with a calm, controlled demeanor and delivers a clean, high-contact release that her hitters love. Her ability to move the ball sideline-to-sideline in transition showed advanced vision for her age. Smooth, controlled, and consistent, Schluckebier kept a steady pace and made good choices. She excelled in multiple-hitter patterns, adjusting set height based on her attacker's approach speed. Her location on the right side was one of the most reliable at the event.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='730468' first='Lyla' last='Nelson']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/IMG_9246.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-915826" style="width:164px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='730468' first='Lyla' last='Nelson'], 2028.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Nelson is a 5'7" setter from Northwest Waukee High School. Nelson played with speed and creativity, pushing one of the fastest tempos of the entire event. Her jump-set froze blockers throughout the day, and she showed excellent awareness, attacking seams and manipulating the defense with subtle holds. Nelson thrived in transition, often turning tough balls into hittable swings, and consistently elevated the pace of whichever team she joined. Her decision-making, especially in scramble plays, made her one of the most dynamic setters in the gym and displayed a high volleyball IQ.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='763901' first='Berkley' last='Weiland']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/12/IMG_9247.jpeg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-915827" style="width:172px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='763901' first='Berkley' last='Weiland'], 2028.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Weiland is a 5'11" setter from Southeast Polk High School. Weiland used her length and clean mechanics to control the pace of every court she ran. Her release stayed consistent even when moving, and she located the ball with precision, whether delivering to the middles with speed or to the pins with accuracy. Weiland's confidence on a busy court stood out as she handled tight passes, and added noticeable value as a blocker. Her ability to connect with unfamiliar hitters almost instantly was a key separator at this weekend's event.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='897063' first='Elise' last='Kane']</h2>   <p>Kane is a 5'9" setter from Pleasant Valley High School. Kane is technically sharp with a strong platform. Kane handled tough first contacts well and transitioned cleanly into her set. She communicated clearly with hitters in between reps, which improved connection as the session progressed. Her decision-making under pressure was notable, displaying her high volleyball IQ. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='730485' first='Salina' last='Schaper']</h2>   <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-thumbnail is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/105-Salina-Schaper-e1735049136290.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-735966" style="width:163px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='730485' first='Salina' last='Schaper'], 2028.</figcaption></figure>   <p>Schaper is a 5'4" setter from Ames High School. Schaper is small but dynamic. Her footwork and speed allowed her to run the show well, and she showed some of the sharpest fundamentals in the gym. She has a great platform, is good on defense, digs up errant balls, and her speed allows her to dump the ball over the net to gain unexpected points. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='770463' first='Audrey' last='Juergens']</h2>   <p>Juergens is a 5'6" setter from Dallas Center-Grimes High School. Juergens is a strong athlete who immediately connected with new hitters. Juergens ran a balanced offense and handled pressure situations well. Juergens impressed with her communication and her ability to instantly connect with hitters she'd never played with before. She ran a balanced offense, mixing in the middle early and often. Her court leadership was easily one of her biggest strengths.</p>

Setters control the rhythm, the flow, and the energy of a team, so when a group of Iowa sophomores stepped onto the expo courts this weekend, coaches immediately took notice. What they brought wasn't just soft hands and crisp tempo; it was confidence, creativity, and a willingness to run the floor like seasoned veterans.