She also keeps a much bigger picture in mind, though, which extends far beyond what happens inside the lines of competition the rest of the way.

“I want to be the name people (think about) when they’re playing, whether it’s, ‘remember when she did this,’ or ‘I want to be like her,'” said McCaleb, a four-sport standout at FDSH. “Just be a role model.

“Not only do I want to make my final seasons memorable, but I want to make it special for everyone.”

McCaleb continues to add to both her list of accomplishments and her legacy as a Dodger. She has successfully navigated a hectic schedule to earn all-conference honors in volleyball, softball and basketball.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Meah McCaleb of Fort Dodge slides into home plate last summer at Rogers Park.

On the hardwood, McCaleb is a versatile player on both ends of the court. She is currently averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 4.2 steals for Fort Dodge in her third season as a starter.

McCaleb ranks third in all of Class 4A for steals and sixth in assists through Tuesday night. On the program’s career 5-on-5 charts, McCaleb is currently fourth in assists (179) and seventh in steals (159).

McCaleb isn’t necessarily feeling any added pressure to perform at a certain level or set an even better example simply because she’s a senior. That mentality has been ingrained in her from the start.

“I feel like I have always stepped up and taken on the leadership role, so I think it’s more of staying on track and not getting as much slack since I am the senior now,” said McCaleb, who is also a National Honor Society and FDSH Honor Roll member. “However, I do feel more urgency to be the best since it is my final year.”

McCaleb has remained ubiquitous in her approach to high school sports, rather than specializing in just one or two areas. That flexibility has benefited both the Dodger programs and herself through the years.

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Meah McCaleb of Fort Dodge hits the ball over the net inside the Dodger gym.

“I think it’s important, because it gets your muscles and body moving in ways you may not think of in the weight room or in seasonal training,” McCaleb said of being a multi-sport athlete. “It keeps you training all the time, so your body is used to moving and being active.

“I get a head start on most people, since they take more time off.”

McCaleb batted .402 with 56 runs scored — the second-best total in 4A — along with five triples and 20 stolen bases as a first team all-IAC selection on the softball diamond last summer. In divisional play, she led the IAC North in batting average, runs scored, hits, triples, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Fort Dodge has reached the state tournament every year McCaleb has been in the softball lineup, posting a record of 100-31 with her as a starter. Like with track, McCaleb is already a three-year varsity regular with her senior season still to come.

Volleyball is where McCaleb has arguably shined brightest, though. She earned unanimous first team all-IAC honors for a second consecutive time this past fall as the Northern Division leader in digs, while also ranking among its best in kills and aces.

In July, McCaleb was selected to play for the Iowa Power Volleyball Alliance for a 17U national tournament in Las Vegas.

“My biggest influences have been all of my volleyball coaches since I started high school, for sure,” McCaleb said. “Also, just my teammates in general. I love them and I will always do it for my team.”

McCaleb embraces the significance of wearing the Fort Dodge uniforms to represent her community both on and off the field or court.

“Being a Dodger means (having to) prove yourself at all times,” McCaleb said. “We are always looked down on, or have a target on our back. But we learn to use it as fuel and grow as a family.

“We also have pride in ourselves as a strength most don’t have.”

Now that McCaleb’s time at FDSH is winding down, she finds herself reflecting on her high school days and the advice she’d give younger Dodgers as she also focuses on the future.

“I would say trust the process and enjoy the journey,” McCaleb said. “Whether you start off as a star athlete or not, you will not always get the outcome you want. There is always someone better than you.

“Enjoy the time you have with your teams, and work hard when it’s time to work. If you are having a bad day, still give 100% of what you have. Be yourself, and don’t forget to have fun.”

TIMEOUT WITH MEAH MCCALEB

Vacation destination: Greece.

People I would like to have dinner with: there are too many to choose from.

It would surprise people that I: used to do dance and gymnastics.

My sports role model: Andi Jackson or Harper Murray.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: food.

Nickname: Meha.

Superstition: nothing specific, but if I feel like something made me play well, I’ll keep doing it until I start to play badly.

Most heated rivalry: depends on the sport, but probably Mason City or Ames.

Favorite road trip: state wrestling with my girls.

What are you listening to right now? honestly, anything.

Favorites…

Team: Nebraska volleyball. Otherwise, Iowa Hawkeyes.

Athlete: Andi Jackson.

Class: anything related to the medical field.

Movie: Moana.

Binge watch: Iron Man.

Song: “You Say” by Lauren Daigle.

Book: “Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio.”

Phone app: Snapchat.