Several local volleyball players earned All-District postseason recognition, as voted on by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association.
Three athletes from Pella High School have received those honors in the Class 4A southeast region, including Juniors Bailey Van Voorst and Anna Vander Waal, as well as Sophomore Jasmine Namminga. Van Voorst is a two-time All-District honoree and ranked as one of the top outside hitters in all of Class 4A. Bailey racked up 317 kills with .188 hitting efficiency percentage, which is 8th best among 4A athletes. Vander Waal tallied 757 assists in 35 starts at setter for the Lady Dutch, also 8th most in Class 4A. Namminga was among the top blockers in the class, with 67 total, which ranked 10th in 4A during the 2020 season.
Seniors Maggie Wilkins and Marley McKay of Knoxville were All-District in the Class 3A central region. Wilkins racked up the most digs of any Class 3A volleyball player this fall, with 574, and McKay tallied 654 assists in 35 matches as the Panthers’ starting setter, which was 17th most among Class 3A athletes.
Pella Christian had two All-District honorees in Class 2A’s central district, as Juniors Avey Amelse and Sarah Gritters earned postseason recognition. Avey’s 293 kills ranked 20th best in 2A and Sarah’s 253 were 24th most in the class. Amelse also had the 9th most service aces (56) among Class 2A servers.
Indianola Junior Lauren Blake was an All-District selection in the Class 5A western region. The multi-talented athlete was dominant at the service line — her 82 aces were the best in the Class 5A and 2nd most in the entire state, regardless of classification. She also tallied 227 kills — 13th most in 5A, and 227 assists for the Indians.
Melcher-Dallas had three athletes earn All-District distinction in the Class 1A south central region. Seniors Riley Enfield, Kynser Reed, and Kenzie Smith were all tabbed for the postseason honors. Enfield had 404 assists as the Saints’ setter, Reed tallied 177 kills, and Smith racked up 49 service aces — 17th most among 1A athletes.
Ali Mokenhaupt of Twin Cedars was All-District in the Class 1A south central region. Her 321 digs ranked 20th among Class 1A athletes this fall.
Stay tuned to KNIA/KRLS for when the All-State rosters are revealed by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association.