I’ve been impressed with Risk’s output for a couple of years now. She’s one of those kids that’s not the star but an important component to winning volleyball programs. Risk helped Ankeny reach the Class 5A state semifinals last season, ranking third among Hawks in blocks and fourth in kills, while hitting an efficient .257. She then played a key role in helping PowerPlex advance to the USAV National Tournament in the Open Division this summer. One of the best parts for a college giving Risk an opportunity is being able to utilize her versatility at a time when rosters are smaller. She can produce from any of the three front-row spots. It’s a heavy swing that can terminate points. Explosion that leads to success there also aids her in throwing up an effective block. Risk flows well with the action and puts herself in spots to deliver.

This is another athlete I was able to see thrive at the state tournament this fall.  Raquel Risk Raquel Risk 6'0" | OH Ankeny | 2027 State IA preps at Ankeny High School, a large school power just north of Des Moines.  She was a key piece to their final four run last November.  Risk brings a multidimensional look to the game where she can play in the middle or the right side.  She has plenty of athleticism and physicality where she is an imposing blocker, and knows how to score points as well.  Above anything else she plays with a high motor and plenty of intensity. 

Risk plays with high-level teammates in high school and on the club circuit, which can lead to her being overshadowed. Now’s her chance to jump out of those shadows by showing off her considerable ability for PowerPlex this coming winter and spring. She took advantage of more opportunity with Ankeny during its run to the 5A state semifinals this fall. She contributed 142 kills (.257) and 55.0 blocks in 101 sets. One of Risk’s best traits is versatility. She can succeed in the middle or at either pin thanks to being a good athlete with long arms and explosion off of the court. With smaller college rosters these days, it’s beneficial to have effective multi-positional players. Risk is that.

A part of talented rosters, Risk can get lost in the shuffle sometimes. She shouldn’t. Risk is an impactful performer on the club circuit and has carried that over into school ball this fall. She played well during the Live Like Line Tournament in early September at Iowa City West. It was a field with a strong group of middle hitters, and she held her own against all of them. I’ve seen Risk play that position a lot but also have watched her get the job done from the pins. Her power and athleticism create positional versatility. Risk ranked fourth on the Hawks in kills through the team’s first 21 matches. She also was third in blocks. Risk keeps improving and is one college coaches certainly should be monitoring.