The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) recently celebrated the hard work, leadership, and perseverance of five standout high school volleyball players with the prestigious “Top Producer” award. Honoring one player from each class following the Iowa Girls State Volleyball Tournament, this award recognizes athletes who embody the qualities of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship that resonate both on the volleyball court and in the world of pig farming.
The IPPA’s partnership with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU) highlights the connection between athletics and agriculture, with a focus on the shared values of hard work and resilience. “Hard work, determination, and teamwork are key elements to being successful pig farmers, and those same elements apply to athletics,” said Matt Gent, IPPA President and pig farmer from Wellman. “Every team that reaches the state tournament has devoted countless hours to make it there. Congratulations to all, and a special congrats to those Top Producers who helped lead the way for their teams.”
Meet the 2024 Top Producers
- 5A: Abbie Staats, Pleasant Valley
Leading her team to its second Class 5A title in four years, Staats showcased her skill with 23 digs, 19 serve receptions, five assists, and two aces in the championship game. Upon receiving the award, Staats expressed her excitement, saying, “I was just celebrating (and crying) with my teammates when they said I won the Top Producer Award…I was shocked! It means so much to me to be recognized for working hard to help get my friends and I to the state title.” - 4A: Maliyah Hacker, Bishop Heelan
Hacker’s powerful performance of 20 kills and 10 digs propelled Bishop Heelan to its first championship since 2007. She reflected on her team’s journey, saying, “All the hard work that we’ve been putting in and all the confidence and trust we had in each other obviously worked out. I knew we were going to get it done.”
- 3A: Sydney Huber, Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon’s state championship win was driven by Huber’s impressive 38 assists and six digs in the final game. Huber expressed her gratitude, saying, “Winning the award was such an honor and a great way to end my volleyball career. Our entire team played so well, and this award truly belongs to all of them.”
- 2A: Channing Johnson, Denver
Johnson’s 38 assists led Denver to its first state volleyball title in school history. Overcome with emotion, she shared, “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life, but I immediately broke down in tears. I’m going to miss the seniors so much and I love playing with them.”
- 1A: Macey Nehring, Ankeny Christian Academy
A two-time Top Producer award winner, Nehring’s 17 kills and 12 digs were key to Ankeny Christian’s third consecutive Class 1A title. She proudly acknowledged the legacy her team has created, saying, “Every single girl in middle school, every single girl in elementary is playing volleyball now, and it’s just such an amazing legacy we’ve left.”
With volleyball as Iowa’s fastest-growing girls’ sport, engaging over 11,000 participants statewide, IPPA’s commitment to promoting girls’ athletics in partnership with IGHSAU has never been stronger. The Top Producer awards are now in their fourth year and celebrate athletes who represent excellence and leadership.
IPPA will extend this recognition to high school basketball, honoring top players at the girls’ state basketball tournament in March. Through the Top Producer awards, IPPA underscores its support for Iowa’s young athletes, fostering a shared spirit of perseverance and dedication.
