There isn’t a middle in the state of Iowa with more upside than Smith. An explosive athlete with quick-twitch traits, the Cedar Falls freshman is just beginning to tap into her considerable potential as a prospect. That’s exciting news for programs on the next level. When I saw her play in person during the high school season, it looked like she’d taken a step forward since watching her the last club campaign. More progress had been made when catching her at the USAV Iowa Regional in late March, when she played an integral part in a second-place finish and earning a nationals bid. Smith can get up in the air, hang and drop the hammer. She generates power and hits with precision. Those traits along with quickness, agility and court sense make her an effective blocker. Smith ranked second among Tigers with 251 kills (.317) and led the way with 71.0 blocks last fall. She’s on a pretty special trajectory.

Smith’s growth as a volleyball player during the last few seasons has impressed. Watching her develop through club ball gave me confidence she would impact the school-ball scene as a freshman this fall. It’s been a seamless transition as evidenced by her leading her team in blocks and ranking second in kills with the 2025 regular season winding down. I caught her for the first time in person when Cedar Falls played at City High on Sept. 30. Matching up with one of Iowa’s top middle hitters. Smith proved she belonged and helped the Tigers to victory. She’s a athletic, two-way middle with a ceiling as high as anybody in Iowa’s 2029 class.

I’ve scouted Smith on the club circuit for the last few years. She stood out the first time I watched her and has worked hard at continuing to reach her very high ceiling. Smith combines natural gifts with a competitive spirit and a technically sound game. She brings a big swing to the middle of the net, attacking off regular sets, quick sets and slides. Smith is improving her ability to read the defense and find holes in it. Defensively, she’s an imposing presence. He explosion off of the court, long arms and feel for the block allows her to take over matches as a two-way force.