AMES, Iowa – Iowa State volleyball has announced the addition of four new players to join the team for the 2025 season. The incoming class features two outside hitters, a libero/defensive specialist, and a middle blocker/right side hitter.
The new Cyclones include Mesaiya Bettis from Minnesota, Alea Goolsby from Kansas, and native Iowans Annalise Grant and Reagan Hanfelt. Bettis and Hanfelt were recently named to the 2024 AVCA High School All-Region teams and will be considered for All-America honors, which were announced last week.
Mesaiya Bettis, Outside Hitter
Bettis, an outside hitter from Apple Valley, Minnesota, is ranked as the No. 2 recruit in Minnesota and No. 28 nationally by PrepDig. Throughout her high school career, she has been a key player in leading Burnsville High School to four consecutive Class 4A state tournament appearances, including semifinals finishes in both 2021 and 2024, and a quarterfinals appearance in 2023. Bettis has earned AVCA All-America honors and is currently a finalist for the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year. Additionally, she is a multi-time all-state selection and one of five finalists for the prestigious Ms. Baden award, which recognizes Minnesota’s top senior volleyball player.
In her high school career, Bettis has accumulated 1,611 kills, 721 digs, 115 blocks, and 93 aces. She also set the Burnsville High School record for career kills and for kills in a single match with an impressive 42. Her career kill record surpassed the previous mark held by Tori Dixon, a former All-American at Minnesota and current professional player for the Omaha Supernovas.
“Whenever I think of Messi, I think of an athlete—she’s super smooth, a big jumper, and incredibly impressive in the air,” said Iowa State head coach Johnson-Lynch. “She’s carried a heavy offensive load for her high school team, which is exactly the kind of player we look for in outside hitters. Messi has played at a very high level in both high school and club volleyball, so she’s well-trained to contribute all-around. She’s an exceptional passer, defender, and blocker—just a complete player.”
Alea Goolsby, Outside Hitter
Goolsby, hailing from Olathe, Kansas, is the No. 3-ranked recruit in the state and joins the Cyclones from Saint Thomas Aquinas, where she has earned numerous Kansas Class 5A All-State and All-Tournament honors. As a senior, Goolsby averaged over five kills per set with a hitting percentage of .326, leading the Saints to the 2024 state title. She was also invited to the prestigious Under Armour Next All-America Game and is a finalist for the Evelyn Gates award, which recognizes volleyball players for exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and spirit in the Kansas City area. In addition to her volleyball success, Goolsby contributed to her high school basketball team’s state championship in 2022.
“I’ve been so impressed with Alea as a volleyball player,” said Iowa State head coach Johnson-Lynch. “She’s an elite outside hitter who excels in all aspects of the game. She’s a great passer, defender, and attacker, with a high volleyball IQ and a fierce competitive spirit. It’ll be exciting to see her play alongside Rachel Van Gorp here, as they’ve played together in club volleyball for years. Alea is going to be a tremendous addition to our team.”
Annalise Grant, Libero/Defensive Specialist
Grant comes to Iowa State from West Des Moines, Iowa, where she played for Dowling Catholic. During her high school career, she became Dowling’s all-time leader in digs, surpassing 2,000 career digs. In 2023, she helped lead the Maroons to a state runner-up finish, earning a spot on the IGHSAU Class 5A All-Tournament team and securing all-state honors. Grant’s impressive defensive skills were evident early in her career, as she was named all-state and all-district as a freshman. She has also amassed nearly 100 career aces, with a remarkable 90 percent efficiency rate.
“Annalise is all about ball control,” said Iowa State head coach Johnson-Lynch. “She’s a fantastic libero and defensive player with a great platform to direct the ball to target. Her addition will bolster our defensive depth, and I’m excited about the prospect of her working alongside our returning defensive players. She’s an excellent passer with a high volleyball IQ and is very well-trained. I believe she can come in and contribute immediately, particularly with her elite potential as a passer.”
Reagan Hanfelt, Middle Blocker/Right Side
Hanfelt, a native of Ankeny, Iowa, joins the Cyclones from Ankeny High School, where she earned all-state, all-district, and all-conference honors throughout her career. In 2023, her team reached the state quarterfinals, and Hanfelt finished her senior season with 300 kills and over 100 blocks. In 2023, she also tallied 239 kills and 101 blocks. On the club circuit, Hanfelt played for the Iowa Powerplex, where her team finished third nationally in both 2023 and 2024. She was named to the all-tournament team at nationals and is also an Under Armour athlete.
In addition to her volleyball accomplishments, Hanfelt is an outstanding track and field athlete. She has earned top-three finishes at the Drake Relays and placed in the top three at the state championships three times, including a runner-up finish as a sophomore. Her personal best high jump clearance of 5-7 is a school record at Ankeny. Hanfelt also has Cyclone roots, as her mother competed in track and volleyball in 1997 and played basketball from 1998 to 2001.
“Reagan is the definition of an athlete,” said Iowa State head coach Johnson-Lynch. “She’s incredibly fun to watch—super springy and fast off the ground, with quickness that stands out. She’s played both middle blocker and pin hitter, so she can do it all. Her explosiveness and athleticism are off the charts, and having her from Iowa, with her strong connection to the Cyclones, is really exciting for us. We’re looking forward to adding her to the mix.”
