I swear every time I watch Ankeny, it’s like the Hailey Wiederin Hailey Wiederin 6'2" | OH/RS Ankeny | 2028 State IA show. Don’t get me wrong, the entire Ankeny varsity squad is phenomenal, and I’ve been rooting for them all season. But every time I’ve gotten to watch them, Wiederin puts on a SHOW. There’s no wonder why she’s ranked #7th in Iowa and leads the Hawks in more than one stat. Wiederin is lethal not only at the net, but also from anywhere in the back row. However, her skills go far beyond her swing. She manages to stay calm and collected in her serve receive and defense. I think she has definitely been one of my favorites to watch.

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.

I wasn’t sure who to pick to write about between these two Hawks, so I decided why not both? Wiederin has had a phenomenal season so far with the Hawks and has become their top scorer, and without a doubt for good reason. There’s a saying: “you can’t teach tall”. However, you can teach how to capitalize on being tall, and clearly Hailey has been taught exactly that. Because this girl manages to hit over, through, and around her blockers like it’s nothing.

Why not complete the dynamic duo on the outside? Wiederin joined Hatlevig on the left pin to give Iowa Premier 16-1 a constant termination threat at the position. And, like any of Premier’s pins, Wiederin was a six-rotation star who could make positive contributions far beyond her floor-denting swings. This championship squad is built around versatility.