Piper is the key component of Assumption’s outstanding back row and is the epitome of a libero. Hodge’s ball control, consistency, and court awareness help her stand out amongst other ds’. She shows a great amount of confidence and leadership in the back row and is someone that her team looks to for guidance and reassurance. I absolutely love watching her in action because of her ability to throw herself all over the floor and still somehow manage to get the prettiest pass to not only keep her team alive, but even more so keep them in system.

Give it up for the back row. If you don’t know, you will at some point if it’s not secure and reliable. There’s no need to find it out the hard way. Hodge is as steady as they come when we’re talking liberos in the state of Iowa. She combines the physical traits necessary for success in the back row with excellent instincts. Hodge is rock solid in serve-receive, tracking the ball well and delivering it to the setter with crisp passes. She flows well during the action, reading the opposing attack and moving into positions to make plays. Hodge is a smart volleyball player that communicates with teammates and impacts matches with her intangibles. I’m confident that she’ll find a great college home and make that staff look really smart for believing in her.

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.