2026 Club Team Preview: PowerPlex 17 Mendoza

<!-- 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><a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/12/2027s-poised-for-impactful-club-campaigns/">2027s Poised for Impactful Club Campaigns</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Dig Iowa is rolling on out preseason previews for club teams around the state. We're happy to feature as many squads as possible leading into the season. Part of that process is directors returning requests for rosters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PowerPlex did that. The central Iowa club, once again, has stacked rosters through all age groups. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That might be best illustrated at 17U. Plex has two teams that should be among the state's best at that age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we'll take a look at 17U Mendoza. It features a roster with some of Iowa's top uncommitted 2027s. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That starts with libero [player_tooltip player_id='555820' first='London' last='Taylor'], who helped Waukee Northwest win the Class 5A state championship in dominant fashion this fall. The junior came up with 353 digs in 93 sets, and her 70 assists illustrated her ability to make something happen with the two ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor will be passing to a sharp setter in Waukee's [player_tooltip player_id='443125' first='Liv' last='Davis']. The junior handed out 687 assists, which ranked eighth in Class 5A. She also chipped in with 63 kills, 161 digs and 15.0 blocks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis will have plenty of options to set up on the attack. [player_tooltip player_id='555797' first='Marlee' last='Ellison'] is an explosive outside hitter with sound overall volleyball skills. She helped Ankeny reach the state semifinals by producing 249 kills (.211), 226 digs and 22.0 blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle hitter [player_tooltip player_id='758828' first='Sophia' last='Heither'] played a key role in helping Ankeny Centennial advance to the state championship match. The junior registered 154 kills (.311) and 79.0 blocks, the ninth most in 5A this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skylar Van Der Pol gives Plex Mendoza another two-way presence in the middle of the net. The junior delivered 236 kills (.220) and 85.0 blocks for Des Moines Christian this season. Her 73 digs highlighted her agility and athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='493981' first='Brookelyn' last='Jondle'] brings that athleticism to the pin. She posted 355 kills (.234), 326 digs and 30.0 blocks at Roland-story this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lauren Madsen and Quinn Cowman add strength to the Plex back row. Madsen comes over from the Ohana national team last season. She and Cowman were important practice players for Ankeny, which, again, reached the state semifinals in the largest classification. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='555796' first='Lydia' last='Burrell'] brings power to the opposite pin, as she showed during a Prep Dig showcase back in the spring. She provided important depth to Waukee Northwest during the Wolves' state championship run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This squad should attract college coaches this season. Taylor, Davis and Heither offer an attractive combination of present production and considerable upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor is a 6-foot back rower with long arms, lateral quickness and sharp reflexes. She gets to a lot of balls and is an excellent vocal leader. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davis possesses a full toolbox of setter skills. She consistently puts the ball on the money no matter where it's sent. A good defender in the back row and at the net, Davis has a high volleyball IQ with a strong feel for when to swing herself or dump it in the doughnut.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heither has been ascending since last season and was playing at a really high level at the state tournament against great competition. She can put the ball down with power and is improving at reading the defense. A strong leaper with sharp timing, Heither is a big blocker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->