League One Volleyball, a professional women’s league with an extensive network of junior clubs, announced that it would launch a new junior team in August of 2024. The club was set to be located in Iowa City and hoped to have ten to fifteen teams in its inaugural season.
Iowa United surpassed these numbers, adding thirty-five teams to their program. The club was ranked as the number one volleyball club in Iowa just a year later by U.S. Club Rankings.
Ben Bahr, the Executive Director of Operations at Iowa United, was a key leader in the club’s early stages.
Bahr previously coached at Adrenaline Volleyball Academy in Cedar Rapids and has experience working with college programs, including the University of Iowa, Baylor University and Southern Methodist University.
“I have no interest in someone coming in and trying to leave their mark on our [Iowa United’s] culture; that’s exactly the opposite of what we’re going for,” Bahr said. “And so when people have their own ideas of what they think makes a good team culture or a good experience for the athletes, whether that’s parents, players, coaches, et cetera. Trying to get people to follow our vision is the most difficult part.”
Iowa United adopted the motto: “One Way”, a philosophy meant to encompass players, the coaching staff and families.
“My favorite part of coaching is this unification of people through a mutual kind of goal…Every one of our athletes is unique, which means their relationships are, and there’s a creative process to building those relationships and also helping them achieve their goals,” Bahr said.
Bahr emphasizes that Iowa United exists to grow players in their volleyball skills but also in the ways they navigate life.
Ellie Wilson, 11, played on Iowa United’s 161 Elite team last season. She felt the club created a positive environment in the gym.
“My coaches did a great job of building everyone’s confidence on my team, and each practice was competitive but fun, which I think really helped our team be successful,” Wilson said.
The club finished its first season with three teams in the Top 100 (SportsEngine AES Power Rankings).
In 2025, Iowa United is developing its own practice and strength training facility. The building will have four courts, staff offices, a player lounge and a parent lounge.
All athletes will have the opportunity to lift twice a week in the facility with new strength coordinator Emily Storbeck overseeing.
“The thing I’m excited for the most [about next season] is having our own space where it’s just our club team,” Wilson said.
