Iowa Volleyball Dynasty Goes Undefeated, Wins 3rd Title in 4 Yrs

No, there's nothing in the water in one eastern Iowa school district. There's been an awful lot of hard work for a very long time. That work has paid off hugely, to the tune of an incredible 16 state volleyball titles.

Dike-New Hartford has been nothing short of a high school volleyball dynasty since the schools consolidated. Before we look at the amazing history, let's begin with 2023. 'Amazing' falls way short of what the team accomplished this season.

The Wolverines finished the 2023 season with a 50-0 record on Thursday with a straight-set victory over Hinton in the 2A championship match in Coralville. Impressive, right? Just wait.

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The 2023 Dike-New Hartford volleyball team lost one set (or game for old-schoolers like me), the entire season. Their set record, including the state tournament, was 110-1. The Wolverines' only loss of a set came to 5A West Des Moines Dowling in August. Dowling lost the 5A championship to Waukee Northwest on Thursday.

Dike-New Hartford is the first team in Iowa to go undefeated since 2013. Who did it that year? Dike-New Hartford, who also went undefeated in 2012. Those two teams both went 45-0.

Last night, a welcome home like only small town Iowa can do it.

The Dike-New Hartford volleyball program had yet another piece of hardware to show off.

In 1985, Dike won their first of five straight volleyball titles. After Dike-New Hartford consolidated, the dominance has continued. The school won state titles in 1994, 1997, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. That's 16 state titles in all, in three different classes (1A, 2A, and 3A).

Only Dubuque Wahlert (20) and Western Christian (19) have won more titles than Dike-New Hartford. Western Christian has played in the state tournament each of the last 24 years, a state record.

Here all all five of the final results from the 2023 Iowa State Volleyball Tournament at Xtream Arena in Coralville:

1A: Ankeny Christian (3-0) over Holy Trinity Catholic
2A: Dike-New Hartford (3-0) over Hinton
3A: Western Christian (3-1) over Mt. Vernon
4A: North Scott (3-0) over Indianola
5A: Waukee Northwest (3-2) over West Des Moines Dowling Catholic

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

Gallery Credit: Peter Richman