Iowa State junior Rachel Van Gorp has become the first player in program history to be named to the AVCA Preseason Player of the Year Watch List, the organization announced Friday. Now in its third year, the watch list features 30 players from across the country, with Van Gorp being one of only two liberos selected.
The recognition follows a record-breaking 2025 sophomore season where Van Gorp was named the inaugural AVCA National Libero of the Year. She was also a Second Team All-American, making
her the first underclassman in Cyclone history to earn a spot on the first or second team. On the conference level, she was the unanimous choice for Big 12 Libero of the Year and an All-Big 12 First Team selection.
Van Gorp’s 2025 campaign included a career-high 33 digs during the first round of the NCAA Championship and a streak of 35 matches with double-figure digs. She finished the year with a .980 reception percentage on 543 attempts. This summer, she continued her success on the international stage, winning a gold medal with the U21 National Team at the Pan American Cup.
As a freshman in 2024, Van Gorp showcased her versatility by transitioning from libero to a front-row hitter to help the team manage injuries, eventually totaling 323 digs and 92 kills. She earned Big 12 Rookie of the Week honors in October of that year and recorded three double-doubles.
The AVCA plans to release a midseason update to the watch list in October, with semifinalists and finalists to be announced in November and December, respectively.
Iowa State is scheduled to open 2026 on Friday, Aug. 14, with an exhibition match against South Dakota State at Hilton Coliseum.
