Schlarbaum broke out as a prospect during the last club campaign and on the showcase circuit. She returned in the fall to earn all-state laurels as a sophomore for a Clear Creek Amana squad that reached the state semifinals. After watching her ascent through those two periods of time, I wondered how much more of a jump she’d made before watching her at the Windy City National Qualifier during Easter weekend in Chicago. Schlarbaum proved to be a prospect continuing to rise, showing improvement in all phases of the game. She looked to have grown taller and become stronger. It translated into more power at the pin. Schlarbaum regularly puts the ball down on the court without the defense having much chance. She hits accurately across the court and down the line. Schlarbaum has become more consistent in throwing up the block and in defending the back row. Her serve-receive game has become steady and reliable. Colleges were at Schlarbaum’s court quite a bit in Chicago, a trend that should continue.

Schlarbaum was one of the in-state 2028 Class’ fastest rising prospects last season. It started with contributions to a state tournament team as a freshman at Clear Creek Amana, and was followed up by an outstanding club campaign and performance on the showcase circuit. Schlarbaum kept that momentum going during the 2025 prep year, earning third-team all-state laurels in helping the Clippers get back to state. She’s back at it again for United 16-1 Elite as we can see from the recent videos posted on her Sports Recruits page. Schlarbaum combines athleticism and explosion with sharp skills and court sense. She’s versatile with an ability to end points from the pin or deliver a precise pass leading to a kill. Schlarbaum has experienced noticeable strides with consistency, which is what college coaches like to see.

Such a physical attacker, Julia Schlarbaum Julia Schlarbaum 6'0" | OH/RS Clear Creek-Amana | 2028 State IA is an outside hitter who has been playing for Clear Creek-Amana and Iowa United.  When she attacks, the ball strike just sounds different where it all pops.  She has the potential to have a big season at Iowa United where she can connect with setter Adelyn Stien Adelyn Stien 5'10" | S/RS Center Point-Urbana | 2028 State IA .  With the momentum she picked up this high school season, she will be able to set the tone in 2026.