One of the top liberos in the Class of 2028 out of Iowa is Piper Hodge Piper Hodge 5'5" | DS/L/OH Assumption | 2028 State IA of Iowa Select 16 Mizuno.  She was part of the Davenport Assumption state championship team this past fall and her 16 Mizuno team had already claimed a bid to nationals from the Iowa Region Qualifier.  There is a lot of firepower from this team out of the Quad Cities, but when they are in system with a first contact from Hodge they are tough to stop. 

The Iowa prep scene has seen plenty of stat-stuffing liberos over the years, and Hodge is another stark example. Assumption High School looked to this sophomore to don the contrasting jersey last fall, and the results were remarkable. She churned out nearly 450 digs with the Knights and established herself as one of Iowa’s top prospects in the Class of 2028. Therefore, we weren’t surprised to see Hodge run the show again during Iowa Select 16 Mizuno’s foray in our 17s/18s division. Playing against older foes has never slowed Hodge’s upward momentum.

Hodge is by no means a secret and is ranked highly for good reason. The sophomore wore the jersey during Assumption’s run to the Class 3A state title in the fall. She stacked up 448 digs and produced 79 assists during 92 sets, playing some of her best volleyball when it counted most. Despite the position as one of the state’s best at the position, I felt compelled to write about her again after an in-person scout at the 2026 Nike President’s Day Classic in St. Louis. Hodge performed wonderfully against some heavy hitters in the Open Division. The task was made more difficult by the infrequency with which she’s attacked after opponents realize that’s not a winning formula. Most of the chances are when attackers feel like have a decided advantage, meaning it ball will be humming. Sharp reflexes, quickness and a awareness give her a chance to get the ball up to the setter no matter what.

Piper Hodge Piper Hodge 5'5" | DS/L/OH Assumption | 2028 State IA preps for Davenport Assumption where she is coming off a Class 3A state title.  She will suit up for Iowa Select this upcoming club season. What is impressive about the game of Hodge is her range.  She can cover half the court from the libero position and is one you want to avoid serving at.  With her first contact, Assumption was able to let their setter/middle duo of Carsyn Kelley Carsyn Kelley 5'11" | S/RS Assumption | 2026 State IA and Ellah Derrer Ellah Derrer 6'4" | MB Davenport Assumption | 2026 State #149 Nation IA terminate out of the middle.