HEADLINE
Rachel Van Gorp Represents Cyclones on AVCA Preseason Watch List
OPENING HOOK
History has been written in collegiate volleyball as Iowa State University junior Rachel Van Gorp earns a landmark spot on the national stage.
WHAT HAPPENED
Iowa State junior Rachel Van Gorp has become the first player in program history to be named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Preseason Player of the Year Watch List, as announced by the organization on a Friday. Now in its third year of existence, the national watch list features 30 elite volleyball players from across the United States. Van Gorp stands out as one of only two liberos—specialized back-row defensive players—selected for this high honor.
WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS
Rachel Van Gorp is the central figure in this historic milestone, carrying the mantle for the Iowa State Cyclones following her record-shattering sophomore campaign. The coaching staff and athletic department at Iowa State University also play a supporting role in fostering the athletic infrastructure that enables such standout individual achievements.
UNDERSTANDING THE LOCATION
Iowa State University is located in Ames, a vibrant and education-centric city in central Iowa, United States. The institution competes in the Big 12 Conference, a major collegiate athletic association known for hosting fierce competition across multiple sports disciplines.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
This national recognition follows Van Gorp's phenomenal 2025 sophomore season, where she secured the inaugural AVCA National Libero of the Year award. During that same campaign, she earned Second Team All-American honors, cementing her status as the first underclassman in Cyclone volleyball history to break into the first or second All-American teams. The AVCA watch list itself was established three years ago to spotlight top-tier collegiate talent before the regular season commences.
EXPLAINING IMPORTANT REFERENCES
In volleyball, a "libero" is a back-row specialist wearing a contrasting jersey who focuses entirely on defense and passing, prohibited from serving or attacking the ball above net height. An "All-American" is an honorary title given to the best amateur athletes in a specific sport across the United States. Being named an underclassman means achieving this elite status during a player's freshman or sophomore years.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
Van Gorp's inclusion on the national watch list elevates the profile of the Iowa State volleyball program, drawing increased media attention and scouting interest to Ames. For aspiring student-athletes within the program, her success demonstrates that elite defensive specialists can achieve national individual glory alongside team objectives.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
As the collegiate volleyball season approaches, all eyes will be on Van Gorp as she steps onto the court to defend her defensive reputation and lead the Cyclones. National analysts will monitor whether her preseason recognition translates into mid-season award ballots and a deeper postseason run for Iowa State.
HERO PERSPECTIVE
Rachel Van Gorp was selected as one of only two liberos among the 30 players featured on the AVCA Preseason Player of the Year Watch List announced on Friday. This milestone directly builds on her historic 2025 sophomore season, where she captured the inaugural AVCA National Libero of the Year award and earned Second Team All-American honors.
CLOSING
As Rachel Van Gorp prepares for the upcoming season, her name is firmly etched in the annals of Iowa State sports history, setting a lofty benchmark for future generations of collegiate volleyball players.