The Hawkeyes are looking to improve in 2025 after finishing 16th in the Big Ten Conference last season with a 10-22 (4-16) record.
“Just couldn't be more optimistic about the success we're going to have,” head coach Jim Barnes said Tuesday in Chicago at Big Ten Volleyball Media Days. “I think there's going to be a record-breaking season for Iowa volleyball, and it's going to be led by these two seniors [Claire Ammeraal and Chad’e Vanzandt].”
In addition to 10 returners, Iowa added five freshmen and four transfer students this offseason. For Barnes, the focus was on working with what he had.
“[They’re] 10 returners that you want to build a program around, just on and off the court, the kind of athletes you really want in the gym every day,” Barnes said. “It's because these players, it means a lot to them. They're super driven. They've helped the players who have come in understand the way we treat each other, the way we train, and just how we go each day. The coaches can only go so far in getting that across. I've been coaching for a while. All the boxes are checked to make this a banner year.”
Iowa will rely on seniors like Ammeraal, Vanzandt and libero Milana Moiso this fall. It will be outside hitter Vanzandt’s first season with the Hawkeyes and final season of NCAA volleyball.
“It was really a no-brainer coming here. Obviously I love Coach Barnes. God-fearing man, a great man, and he's everything that a player could want in a coach. He's driven just like us, and it shows throughout our program,” Vanzandt said. “Just love the guy, and I'm excited to play at this level. Like you said, you don't really get this opportunity coming from a JUCO, so it was a real no-brainer coming to Iowa, and we're ready to make some noise this year.”
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