After two years of learning, Jenna Meitzler is ready to lead Iowa volleyball’s offense

The Barrington, Illinois native saw action in 24 matches (85 sets) and earned 19 starts during her freshman season at Iowa. Then, she saw action in just 13 matches (25 sets) during her sophomore season last year.

Meitzler’s drop in playing time from year one to year two came as no fault of her own. The plan was never for her to see that much time in her freshman year. The top-ranked setter in Illinois in the Class of 2024 joined the Hawkeyes expecting to sit behind Central Michigan transfer Claire Ammeraal before taking over as Iowa’s starting setter. However, injury issues plagued Ammeraal’s 2024 season and required Meitzler to step into the starting lineup.

Meitzler played well in her surprise opportunity. She recorded 709 assists (including 52 in a match against Milwaukee), 143 digs, 55 blocks and 37 kills.

After seeing limited playing time when Ammeraal returned to the lineup last year, Metizler said she’s eager to get back on the court in 2026.

“I’m really excited to get on the court and just be in that environment with (my teammates),” Meitzler said. “I’ve been watching the last two years and it’s taught me a lot about appreciating it. I’m really excited to get out there and be able to actually do it now.”

“… There’s more of an intensity for me to get on the court. … I’m really excited because I got like a little snippet of it, and then I got to see it from the other side.”

Meitzler also said she’s excited to implement what she learned from watching Ammeraal, who was picked in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft, in her return to the starting lineup this fall.

“I’ve learned a lot,” Meitzler said of watching Ammeraal. “I’ve been working on (setter dumps) a lot during the preseason because she would frustrate us so much with those dumps. I think I’ve definitely developed that a little bit more, and then just like her tempo, the speed of the game, watching that change and being able to beat the block and things like that I learned to do through her.”

Second-year outside hitter Carmel Vares praised Meitzler’s abilities and said she hoped to see her return to the starting lineup this season.

“She’s a really good setter,” Vares said. “I already noticed it last season when I was playing a little bit with her. I was really hoping that she was going to play this season. I think she’s an amazing setter. … She sees the court really well. She always knows who to set and the sets are really good all the time.”

Head coach Jim Barnes also spoke highly of both of his options to replace Ammeraal.

“Our setter position is stronger than ever with Jenna and Niki (Bulatovic),” Barnes said. “Two really dynamic, athletic players. So, we’re not missing a beat. In fact, it’s probably our second strongest position. … Jenna’s uncommonly had a lot of experience because Claire was hurt so much her first year. So, Jenna’s played and got good experience. Jenna’s on all cylinders.

“Niki’s special. She’s a freshman who can do all these intangible things you can’t coach. She’s a gamer. She’ll step in a game without any hesitation. She’s a rare freshman. I love that group.”

Barnes also noted Meitzler's play reflects her early experience in Iowa City.

“She’s just playing like such a veteran even though it's really her first time to start,” Barnes said. “She knows she’s a starter going into it. There’s no butterflies. It’s all attack. She’s on attack mode. That’s what I wanted to see.”

Meitzler and the Hawkeyes open the 2026 season at the Black Night Invitational in West Point, New York. Game one is set for Friday at 5 p.m. against Army with broadcast coverage provided by ESPN+.

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