We had a long list of impressive liberos at last winter’s Kansas City showcase. That’s no surprise, right? Howarter earned plenty of time in the spotlight during that event, and she took another step forward through the 2026 club journey. MAVS KC 15 National leaned on Howarter’s hustle and effort en route to multiple bracket breakthroughs on the qualifier stage. Her eye-catching dives were spectacular, but Howarter could also make tough plays look routine. It’s the kind of stability you need in the contrasting jersey.

How about an unexpected addition to the Des Moines crowd? Howarter has seen her share of showcase success on our circuit, but Iowa is not her home territory. She carries the banner for MAVS KC and has flourished as a defensive force in the Heart of America Region. I was fresh off of overhauling the Kansas 2029 rankings, so Howarter’s inclusion on our Iowa Stock Up entry list was a pleasant surprise. She brought much of the same twitchy, agile work we saw from her at last winter’s showcase in her native Kansas City. Howarter can take the show on the road.

Sophia Howarter Sophia Howarter 5'4" | DS/L/S Blue Valley West | 2029 State KS gave her team a consistent defensive option throughout the showcase with her ability to handle pressure and maintain control in the back row. She delivered quality serve-receive passes, adjusted well to different offensive attacks, and stayed engaged through every rotation. Howarter’s ability to make the first contact when her team needed it most helped create offensive opportunities and keep the team in system. Her performance showed the value of a defender who can be counted on in every situation. ~Theresa@prepdigdakotas

Why not stay with the MAVS KC 15 National crew a little longer? We need some libero representation in this feature, particularly with backcourt stars anchoring many of the Heart of America Region’s most stout lineups. Howarter carries the banner for 15 National and laid a solid foundation at our Exposure Tour. She can make all the hustle plays that land on a highlight tape, but Howarter is also eager to make the routine plays that might get overlooked. This excellence has been a catalyst for high placements at events like the Sunshine Classic and the Salt Lake City Showdown, proving that Howarter can take her influence far from home territory.

Howarter is ranked No. 27 overall and benefited from attending the December Prep Dig Showcase. She made one thing clear at that event . . . she understands that knee pads are made to be replaced, as she was not afraid to use them to make a tough dig. She puts her setters in a solid starting position to run an offense. It will be interesting to see how she fits into the defending Class 6A state champion’s future plans.

We’ve already mentioned MAVS KC’s strong defensive pedigree, so why not add another talented libero to the club’s gym? Howarter is a quick, instinctive floor defender who is accustomed to playing any area in the back row. Her primary territory with MAVS KC this spring was in Zone 1, but Howarter’s adaptability flourished when she moved around the dial at our Exposure Tour. She commands the “campfire” well, picking up any tips that would otherwise drop. The Heart of America Region’s 15s scene is already looking stacked.

Howarter is currently unranked, but that will be remedied after watching her this morning. She is a water bug and plays with infectious energy. She made consistent first passes during the defensive drills. She played for West’s freshman squad last season and will play club ball with MAVS KC 15 National Squad.