I’ve enjoyed watching Hingst compete on the volleyball court. An undersized middle, the Prairie senior makes up for her lack of traditional height in the middle of the net with explosiveness off of the floor into a big vertical leap. She benefits from strong timing on the block and surveys the defense to expose openings when rising up to terminate points. Entering play this week, Hingst was leading the Prairie Hawks in blocks and among the top performers in putting the ball down. She’d taken a step forward with her performance when watching her against Iowa City High in a MVC match late last month at Xtream Arena in Coralville.

I’ve scouted Hingst frequently during the most recent prep and club campaigns. It’s been fun watching her steadily improve and become more productive in doing so. Lacking the traditional height of a middle hitter, Hingst does work with explosion off of the court and impressive leaping ability. It led to her 116 kills (.227) and 83.0 blocks as a sophomore on a Prairie Hawk outfit that reached a regional final. Hingst generates power in her swing and times her block well. With her athleticism and agility, playing at the pin is a possibility.

Hingst plays an important role on this squad as a presence in the middle that complements strong pins. Opponents can’t shade their attention to the center of the net. They’ve tried, as evidence by her 80.0 blocks, one behind the team leader, Wazac. Hingst aids the attack when given the chance. She’s cranked out 112 kills this season. At 5-foot-8, Hingst doesn’t fit the mold of a prototypical middle hitter, but she succeeds with athleticism and an advanced aptitude for the game.