One of the top liberos to look at in the area would be Piper Hodge Piper Hodge 5'5" | DS/L/OH Assumption | 2028 State IA out of the Quad Cities.  She preps at Davenport Assumption and has been part of Iowa Select where she is really strong when it comes to her anticipation.  She is able to make some of the tougher plays look easy because she’s already in position.  She brings quickness and athleticism to the position and knows how to win.  Her Davenport Assumption team was the 2025 Class 3A state champions in Iowa. 

Although the Knights are loaded with all kinds of talent, you can’t help but give this kid extra props. Hodge is unlike most libs in Iowa; she is on a whole other level. This girl defends her back row like no other; not only is she insanely good at reading her opposing hitters, but she is also scrappy as all get out. She has always done an amazing job pushing her teammates and guiding them to success, and this season is no different.

There is no denying that Piper Hodge Piper Hodge 5'5" | DS/L/OH Assumption | 2028 State IA is a key player in this program. If you’re looking for a libero who shows discipline and precise ball control, Hodge is the kid to watch. Not only is she a highly skilled athlete, but she’s also an amazing teammate. She showcases love, care, and passion not only for the sport but also for the teammates that surround her. Piper has a very strong future ahead of her and she’s only a junior.

I’ve seen Hodge compete quite a few times during the last few years and feel confident in saying she can help a lot of college programs. That she remained uncommitted despite being ranked No. 12 in the latest Prep Dig Iowa Class of 2028 rankings shouldn’t be alarming, however. There’s plenty of time for her to find her home on the next level. The right staff will see what Hodge brings to the back row. She’s rock solid, consistently delivering for winning programs. She helped Assumption win a state championship last season and Select advance to the USAV Nationals in the summer. Hodge is consistently reliable in serve-receive and thrives in digging up the opposing attack. She reads the opponent’s plan and positions herself to defend at a high level.

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.