—Photo by Quennel McCaleb

Meah McCaleb is in the middle of her junior softball season, but the Fort Dodge Dodger also made memories she will never forget in volleyball this summer.

The FDSH senior-to-be competed in a 17U national tournament with Iowa Power Volleyball Alliance out of Ankeny, and had the experience of a lifetime while playing in Las Vegas.

“I’ve been playing with this club for two years now, and I’ve shown my drive and skills of the game to the abundance of coaches at practice and tryouts, whether that’s in scrimmages or doing drills,” McCaleb said. “I got selected to play on this national team because they were in need of highly-skilled players, and the coaches believed in me and my ability to play the game at a high level.”

The IPVA team competed in anywhere from two to four matches a day from July 2-6. Over 100 squads were in the tournament in different age groups.

“The competition was super fast-paced and full of energy,” said McCaleb, who is currently batting .378 with 21 RBI, 18 stolen bases, five triples and a team-best 49 runs scored for the Dodger softball squad as the leadoff hitter. “It was like no other tournament I’ve ever been to while playing volleyball. These were the best of the best and girls from all over the country.

“Each team was from somewhere different. They each had a different style of play, which was super fun to compete with.”

McCaleb, an all-conference selection for FDSH who has played for IPVA the past two seasons, was ready to go once she was asked to make the trip.

“I was super confident in my ability, but I was not expecting the stage I saw,” McCaleb said. “I never get nervous in volleyball, though, so I was super calm and ready and excited to play the game I love.

“I was also immediately grateful for the experience, as well as getting to meet a lot of people along the way.”

Being in the tournament didn’t just help McCaleb work on her skills, but it gave her the opportunity to see the game at a whole new speed and intensity.

“Meeting new people and playing at a level I’ve never been to before was great,” McCaleb said. “Some people may get scared to play against the girls who have already committed to play at big colleges and have been going against the highest level for most of their careers, but I love it and I want to do that every time out.

“It also showed me how strong the volleyball community is (at this level). I’m very thankful that I got the opportunity to showcase my skills and be a part of something great.”

McCaleb brought back some insight that she feels will help her in her final high school season this fall.

“I learned being a great teammate on and off the court builds relationships and trust, which makes the game easier for everyone. Also (the importance of) having good sportsmanship with opponents,” McCaleb said. “I learned a lot about sharpening and fine-tuning skills, and how important they are in games where everyone can make big plays.

“I also learned that no matter where you go, there is always someone in front of you. The only way to put yourself in the position you want to be in is to outwork them and make them earn what you are chasing, because I know I can always be better and grow as a player.”

To pick one specific takeaway from the trip was tough for McCaleb, but she was able to build from both a skill and perspective point of view.

“I got to meet and learn from so many new people, so building relationships and knowledge was awesome. I also was able to watch, meet, and play with the best girls in the country and see so many coaches at many different levels,” McCaleb said. “The experience was incredible, and the energy was insane. There was never a dull or quiet moment in the convention center, which made every day different and enjoyable.

“I can’t pick the best part, so I would say just the entirety (of the trip).”

McCaleb felt like she continues to grow as both an athlete and as a person.

“A big takeaway was to play with confidence and also build other people up, because it only makes the team better,” McCaleb said. “Also, I know that I can do great things in this sport, but I need to keep working hard to reach my end goal because there are so many other girls out there working to do the same thing.”