Schlarbaum was a breakout performer in 2025, starting with the club season at United and then as a sophomore at Clear Creek Amana last fall. She played a big role in helping the Clippers reach the state tournament again as a six-rotation mainstay. Schlarbaum has continued her ascent in the game, adding more power at the pin and sharpening her skills as an all-around player. She’s a hammer on the outside and can put the ball down from the 10-foot line, an area she’s really improved. Schlarbaum is very reliable in the back row against the attack and in serve-receive. Her jump serve can be deadly. A South Dakota commitment, Schlarbaum is one of the state’s top players and has a ways to go before reaching her tremendous upside.

There is no denying that Schlarbaum is one of CCA’s most lethal weapons. I was very impressed with the contribution she made in every single rotation. At the net, she remained aggressive and did a phenomenal job of always finding a way through the blockers. The junior also had a very sharp cut shot that her opponents couldn’t seem to pick up. Even when Shlarbaum was in the back row, she still found ways to score, not only off of her amazing top spin serve but also from back row attacks.

Although CCA is an all-around great team, you can’t help but give a lot of props to Julia. I don’t think there has been a time that I’ve watched her play and not been amazed. She is such an amazing, well-rounded athlete with a competitive drive like no other. With Julia now being an upperclassman, I am excited to see how she grows in the leadership aspect.

Julia Schlarbaum is an electric outside hitter who will be suiting up for Iowa United 161 Elite.  She has length, athleticism, and a spark when she plays that allows the team to elevate to another level.  She will be finishing up her sophomore year at Clear Creek Amana High School in the Iowa City area where she has been of a highly successful program.  She is one who can score points anywhere on the court.  Her active arm allows her to hit with pace when she knows how to find the deep corner as well as the sharp angles. 

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.