Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

City High

Head coach: Carolyn Giese (1^st season)

Assistant coach: Alexis Gurley; Paul Roessler; Sydney Schroeder; Mickey Hansche; Grace Brown

Last season: 17-16

Returning starters: Claire Ernst, Sr., OH; Emmy McCommas, Sr., OH; Sidney Slay, Sr. S

Other returning letterwinners: Jordyn Kucera, Sr., S; Haleigh Nelson, Sr., DS/L

Newcomers to watch: Hattie Galloway, Fr., M; Kailin Loria, Fr., RS; Lila Howe, Jr., L; Jessi Kucera, Soph., DS; Halle Larew, Soph., M; Georgia Seiben, Jr., L/DS; Mackenzie Brown, Jr., M; Liv Neuzil, Sr., DS

Headliner: Senior Claire Ernst is coming of the best season of her career last fall when she earned first-team Mississippi Valley Conference all-division honors after leading the Little Hawks in kills for the second year in a row. An Oakland University recruit, Ernst had 285 kills on .256 hitting last season and added 222 digs and 24 blocks.

Keep an eye on: Junior Emmy McComas has been an impact player since her freshman season and will look to build on a strong sophomore campaign. McComas ranked second on the team with 210 kills last season on .212 hitting and led City High with 281 digs to go with 26 blocks and 27 ace serves.

Ready for a breakthrough: Senior Sidney Slay was solid last season in her first season leading the City High offense but should be in for a big jump this season with a year of experience under her belt. Slay had a team-high 654 assists and led City High with 34 ace serves while adding 76 kills and 26 blocks.

Circle the date: October 3 vs. West High. City High hosts rival West High in the Battel for the Spike series after the Trojans won a five-set thriller last season.

Breakdown: Carolyn Giese enters her first season leading the City High program and has three key pieces returning to build around in year one.

Ernst and McCommas return as the top two hitters for City High while Slay is back at setter with a year of experience directing the attack.

Seniors Haleigh Nelson and Jordyn Kucera return after each gaining extensive experience a year ago.

Nelson was third on the team with 207 digs and 22 ace serves last season while Kucera was fifth with 132 digs.

Giese will look for contributions from a large group of up and comers that includes senior Liv Neuzil juniors Georgia Seiben, Mackenzie Brown and Lila Howe, sophomores Jessi Kucera and Halle Larew and freshman Hattie Galloway and Kailin Loria.

West High

Head coach: Keeley Arnold (3^rd season)

Assistant coach: Paola Jaramillo Guayara

Last season: 11-22

Returning starters: Emma Stammeyer, Sr., S/RS; Melae Lacy, Sr., OH; Lucy Schmid, Sr., OH/DS

Newcomers to watch: Sophia Austen, Fr., MB/OH

Headliner: Senior Melae’ Lacy is among the top returning hitters in Class 5A and is coming off the best season of her career last fall. Lacy had a career-high 280 kills a year ago, led West High with 30 ace serves, ranked second on the team with 218 digs to go with 29 blocks. Lacy has led West High in kills the past three seasons while racking up 734 career kills.

Keep an eye on: Senior Lucy Schmid emerged as a solid hitting option last season in her first varsity season and will look to take a step forward this season. Schmid ranked third on the team with 106 kills lats season and added 51 digs, 12 blocks and 18 aces and should see all of those numbers climb in an expanded role.

Ready for a breakthrough: Senior Emma Stammeyer is healthy and ready for a big final season after being limited by an injury during her junior season. A three-year varsity starter, Stammeyer has led West High in assist each of the past three season racking up 914 career assists and 127 career kills. Stammeyer will look to build on a season when she had 323 assists, 37 kills, 117 digs and 21 blocks.

Circle the date: August 24 MVC vs. MAC Matchup at West High. The Trojans get an opportunity to get off to a strong start at home as it hosts the MVC/MAC matchup that features Bettendorf, North Scott and Pleasant Valley as well as Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Rapids Prairie.

Breakdown: West High returns three starters from last year’s team that went 11-22 but has three very important pieces to build around.

Lacy is a standout and has been the top hitter for West High each of the past three seasons while Stammeyer has led the Trojans in assists three consecutive seasons.

Those two players provide great consistency for West High while Schmid also returns after a solid season in which she posted 106 kills.

Third-year head coach Keeley Arnold expects an immediate contribution from freshman Sophia Austen as the Trojans look to round out the rotation.

Liberty High

Head coach: Allie Kelly (3^rd season)

Assistant coaches: Scott Sanders; Madi Miller; Jeff Daugherty; Payton Lombardi

Last season: 33-8 (Class 5A state champion)

Returning starters: Asta Hildebrand, Jr., S/OH; Gracie Hennings, Sr., OH

Other returning letterwinners: Ella Berns, Sr., DS/L; Ellie Heiar, Sr., DS/L; Makayla Hested, Sr., S; Sydney Hested, Sr., MB; Mischa Reiners, Sr., DS/L; Lucy Maassen, Soph., OPP/OH

Newcomers to watch: Edie Miller, Fr., DS/L; Hadley Miller, Fr., S; Sydney Van Heukelom, Fr., MB; Ellie Wilson, Fr., OH.

Headliner: Junior Asta Hildebrand is coming off an impressive sophomore season in which she earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Iowa Girls Coaches Association. The versatile Hildebrand led Liberty High with 863 assists, ranked fourth on the team with 95 kills on .200 hitting and ranked fourth on the team with 273 digs.

Keep an eye on: Senior Gracie Hennings will look to take a big step forward this season after Liberty High graduated it top three hitters from last season that combined for more than 1,100 kills. Hennings was solid last season, earning Mississippi Valley Conference all-division honors after posting 82 kills on .311 hitting while leading Liberty High with 56 blocks.

Ready for a breakthrough: Senior Ellie Heiar is one of several upperclassmen seeking to step into larger roles this season after playing sparingly the past several seasons. Heiar collected 78 digs while playing in 14 matches last season and will be in the mix for a starting defensive specialist or libero spot this season.

Circle the date: September 23 Liberty Invitational. The Lightning will be tested at their home invitational that features defending state runner-ups Pleasant Valley and Dike-New Hartford as well as 3A semifinalist Mount Vernon.

Breakdown: Liberty High is coming off a historic season in which the Lightning went 33-8 and won the first state title in program history.

The Lightning must replace its top three hitters including all-staters and four-year starters Cassidy Hartman and Shelby Kimm from last year’s 5A title team.

Hildebrand and Hennings are the lone returning starters for Liberty High but should be among the best in 5A at their positions.

There is a long list of players ready to step into larger roles for the Lightning this season highlighted by six seniors ready for strong final seasons.

Seniors Ella Berns, Heiar, Makayla Hested, Sydney Hested and Mischa Reiners are all expected to be in the mix for increased playing time along with sophomore Lucy Maassen.

The Lightning will be boosted by a strong group of incoming freshmen that includes Edie Miller, Hadley Miller, Ellie Wilson and Sydney Van Heukelom.

Clear Creek Amana

Head coach: Jackie Clubb (10^th season)

Assistant coaches: Rachel Berkland; Jamie Stratton; Natalie Fry; Molly Hastings; Isabel Schminke

Last season: 34-11 (Class 4A runner-up)

Returning starters: Meg Berkland, Sr., L; Bliss Beck, Sr., MH; Kenadi Wood, Sr., S/DS; Sam Schrage, Sr., MH; Addison Gisleson, Sr., OH; Averie Lower, Soph., OH; Emily Henderson, Soph., S.

Other returning letterwinners: Katie Evans, Sr.; Hannah Grabin, Sr.; Lexi Moran, Sr.; Sophia Root, Sr.

Headliner: Senior Bliss Beck has already established herself as one of the top players in the state and is seeking an emphatic finish to what has already been an incredible career. The 6-foot-2 Drake recruit, is the two-time WAMAC West Division player of the year and is coming of a season in which she earned first-team Class 4A all-state honors after ranking fourth in 4A with 399 kills and leading 4A with 153 blocks.

Keep an eye on: Senior Meg Berkland may be the most consistent player in 4A and is coming off the best season of her career. A four-year starter in the back row, Berkland earned second-team all-state honors last year after ranking second in Class 4A with 540 digs.

Ready for a breakthrough: Sophomore Averie Lower was impressive in her varsity debut season but showed the potential to be a star in the future while earning second-team all-WAMAC West Division honors as a freshman. The 5-foot-9 Lower had 220 kills and 338 digs last season and should be even better with a year of experience under her belt.

Circle the date: September 9 at Live Like Line Volleyball Extravaganza. Clear Creek Amana will get one of its toughest tests of the season early on at West High from a field that features 5A state qualifiers Ankeny, Liberty High and West Des Moines Dowling and 4A qualifier Sioux City Heelan.

Breakdown: Clear Creek Amana is coming off the most successful season in program history that included a 34-11 record and runner-up finish in Class 4A.

The Clippers enter 2023 as the unquestioned favorite in 4A with seven of nine rotational players from last year’s runner-up team returning.

Headlining the group of returners are all-staters Beck and Berkland but the Clippers are loaded with talent and depth behind them.

The top four hitters from last year’s team return as sophomore Averie Lower was second on the team with 222 kills and 338 digs.

Seniors Sam Schrage (165 kills, 79 blocks) and Addison Gisleson (158 kills, 31 blocks) also return.

Senior Kenadi Wood and sophomore Emily Henderson are back after sharing setting duties last season.

Henderson had a team-high 513 assists and 203 digs a year ago while Wood had 436 assists and 170 digs.

Solon

Head coach: Mikayla Long-Siddell (2^nd season)

Assistant coaches: Kelsey Hinrichs; Alicen Weeks; Taylor Bransky; Brookelyn Whitford; Taylor Wilgenbusch

Last season: 26-13

Returning starters: Brynn Deike, Sr., S; Grace Erwin, Jr., MB; Yasmine Sell, Jr., OH/MB; Aly Stahle, Jr., OH; Kennedy Whitford, Soph., L/DS

Other returning letterwinners: Josie Lahr, Soph., MB; Izzy Frees, Jr., S

Newcomers to watch: Cydney Jaster, Soph., S; Presley Hansel, Soph., DS; Kaylynn Timmons, Fr., DS; Jillian Elijah, Soph., RS/OS; Gable Knight, Soph., RS; Addie Miller, Jr., RS/OS

Headliner: Junior middle Grace Erwin emerged as one of the top young players in Class 3A last season when she led 3A in both solo blocks and total blocks. The 5-foot-10 Erwin ranked second on the team with 191 kills on a team-best .372 hitting last season while leading 3A with 169 blocks

Keep an eye on: Senior setter Brynn Deike returns to run the Solon offense after a solid junior season in which she led the Spartans with 678 assists. The 5-foot-8 Deike will be looked to as a leader for the Spartans after posting 75 kills, 117 digs, 38 blocks and a team-leading 46 ace serves last season.

Ready for a breakthrough: Junior Aly Stahle emerged as a major weapon on the outside last season ranking third on the team with 189 kills on .253 hitting. An explosive athlete, the 5-foot-3 Stahle was second on the team with 196 digs and added 64 blocks as a sophomore last fall and should shoulder more of the load for the Spartans this season.

Circle the date: September 5 vs. Mount Vernon. The Spartans get an excellent early-season test when they host 2022 3A semifinalist and Highway 1 rival Mount Vernon. Solon will be seeking to snap a nine-match losing streak to its long-time rival.

Breakdown: It was an impressive debut season for first-year coach Mikayla Siddell who led Solon to a 26-13 record and a spot in the 3A regional finals in her first season leading her alma mater.

With five starters returning from last year’s team that won the most games at Solon since 2014, the Spartans will look to build on the success of a strong 2022 season that ended with a loss to West Liberty in the regional title match.

Three of the top four hitters for the Spartans return in the junior trio of Erwin, Stahle and 5-foot-10 Yasmine Sell.

Sell was excellent last season posting 145 kills on .329 hitting to go with 140 blocks.

Between those three hitters and Deike at setter the Solon attack should be improved this season.

The Spartans also get a boost with the return of sophomore back row specialist Kennedey Whitford who led Solon with 245 digs last season.

Sophomore middle Jozie Lahr (19 kills, 27 blocks) and junior setter Izzy Frees (45 assists) should be in the mix for expanded roles this season.

Regina

Head coach: Lauren Hansen (2^nd season)

Assistant coaches: Colby Greene; Katrina Chambliss

Last season: 19-15

Returning starters: Sydney Wagner, Sr., S; Reese Naeve, Soph., OH; Kiley Devery, Soph., RS/MB; Caitlin Martin, Jr., OH; Abby Schuessler, Sr., MB; Laci Chambliss, Jr., DS/L

Other returning letterwinners: Avery Kies, Sr., DS; Ella McLaughlin, Jr., DS; Alaina Timmerman, Sr., OH/DS

Newcomers to watch: Addie Bollier, Fr., DS/L; Reese Litton, Jr., MB; Lizzie Nolte, Fr., MB/RS; Nora Wade, Fr., MB

Headliner: Sophomore Reese Naeve will look to build on an impressive debut season in which she emerged as one of the top young hitters in the state while ranking eighth in 2A in kills. Naeve hammered 442 kills on .350 hitting last season as a freshman and ranked second on the team with 291 digs to go with 14 blocks and 16 ace serves.

Keep an eye on: Senior Sydney Wagner flourished in a move to setter last season and returns to direct what should be a strong Regina attack. Wagner had a team-high 870 assists last season and added 46 kills. 213 digs, 15 blocks and 21 ace serves.

Ready for a breakthrough: Sophomore Kiley Devery had her own impressive debut last fall and should see her production increase this season. The 6-foot-1 Devery ranked second on the team with 166 kills last season while leading the Regals in hitting efficiency (.389), blocks (80) and ace serves (23).

Circle the date: September 21 at West Liberty. Regina hosts defending River Valley Conference South champion and 3A state qualifier West Liberty in what should be a great measuring stick for the Regals.

Breakdown: With six starters returning from a team that won 19 matches last season expectations are high at Regina where Lauren Hansen takes over as solo head coach after serving as co-head coach for one season.

Naeve and Devery headline the list of returners after combining for 608 kills last season as freshmen.

The top three hitters for Regina all return as junior Caitlin Martin join Devery and Naeve after collecting 155 kills last season.

Wagner is back to direct the Regina offense while senior Abby Schuessler and junior Laci Chambliss also return with starting experience.

Chambliss led the Regals with 348 digs last season while Schuessler had 50 kills and 17 blocks.

Senior Avery Kies returns after ranking fourth on the team with 155 digs while junior Ella McLaughlin was fifth with 98 digs last season.

Senior Alaina Timmerman joins a junior Reese Litton and freshman Addie Bollier, Lizzie Nolte and Nora Wade as players seeking spots in the rotation.

West Branch

Head coach: Monica Tylee (2nd season), Becky Hosier (2^nd season)

Assistant coaches: John Walsh; Jamie Tucker

Last season: 17-17

Returning starters: Kylie Pickett, Sr., RS/MH; Emily Coleman, Sr., RS/MH; Alyse Klinkkammer, Sr., OS/S; JaLynn Falco, Sr., OS; Madelynn Falco, Jr., DS

Other returning letterwinners: Kya Montgomery, Sr., RS/MH; Alyssa Vargason, Soph., RS/MH; Claire Jarrett, Sr., S

Newcomers to watch: Danielle Crutchley, Soph., OS; Alyssa Pierce, Jr., MH; Madelyn Stout, Sr., DS/S

Headliner: Senior Alyse Klinkkammer has been among the most consistent players in the program for the past two seasons and will look to end her career with her best season yet. A three-year starter, Klinkkammer has amassed 677 digs and 72 ace serves over the past two seasons. Last season Klinkkammer was second on the team with 303 digs and led West Branch with 40 ace serves last season while adding 76 kills.

Keep an eye on: Senior Kylie Pickett emerged as a steady hitting option last season and should take a big step forward this fall with more opportunities. Pickett ranked second on the team with 178 kills on .217 hitting efficiency last fall and ranked second on the team with 25 blocks and was fifth with 131 digs.

Ready for a breakthrough: Senior Emily Coleman took a big step last season in her first year of extended playing time ranking third on the team with 174 kills while leading the Bears with 31 blocks. There are going to be hitting opportunities this season with the graduation of leading hitter Iva Senio and Coleman is one of the players that should see her production rise.

Circle the date: August 26 at West Branch Invitational. The Bears will get a strong sense of where they sit this season in their first competition as they host a eight-team tournament that features three ranked teams in 4A eighth-ranked Marion, 2A fourth-ranked Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and 1A third-ranked Don Bosco.

Breakdown: West Branch went 17-17 last season in the first season under co-head coaches Monica Tylee and Becky Hosier and brings back five starters from that squad.

The Bears must replace their top hitter and setter from last season but bring back four of their top five hitters along with their top two block and dig leaders.

Pickett and Coleman return to lead the attack while Klinkkammer is an experienced and versatile player capable of impacting the game from multiple positions.

Senior JaLynn Falco returns after posting 50 kills and 94 digs last season while junior Madelynn Falco is back after leading the team with 389 digs a year ago.

Seniors Claire Jarrett and Kya Montgomery also return with varsity experience along with sophomore Alyssa Vargason who had 37 kills and 15 blocks as a freshman last fall.

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