Ryanne Brubaker has always been tall. She was 6 feet, 3 inches as a 12-year-old.

"I've always been the tallest in my class, so it doesn't really matter to me," Brubaker said.

Now a junior at Grundy Center Community School, Brubaker stands 6 feet, 8 inches tall, towering over the competition.

"I look at photos and I'm like, 'Wow, I look way taller than I feel.' I don't feel like I look down to people, but I really do," Brubaker said.

She doesn't wish it away.

"I like being able to be pointed at and talked about because I know they're talking about me, so yeah, whatever," Brubaker said.

Her skill set is one of the best in the state. She is second in Iowa in blocks and third in kill efficiency, helping lead Grundy Center to a 22-3 record.

"I can't do it without my team, so I give credi

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