CHICAGO — The Iowa volleyball team met the moment in 2025.
Head coach Jim Barnes tabbed the group as one he felt could break records and set the program on an upward trajectory. Following the season finale, Barnes said he felt the Hawkeyes did exactly that after posting a 15-17 overall record and a 6-14 Big Ten record — both program-bests in his tenure.
Iowa head coach Jim Barnes directs his team during a match against UCLA at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Sunday, Oct. 19.
“I think this team will always be looked back at as the one that turned the program in the right direction,” Barnes said.
During Big Ten Volleyball Media Day on Monday, Barnes said his team, which returns 13 players from a year ago, is entering 2026 with big goals to build off of last season.
“They're on a mission,” Barnes said. “All of us who signed on to represent Iowa, we knew we were going to have to be on a mission to turn this program into something. Last year, we made big strides. They're taking that experience and building on it. I know they're excited to get into the biggest tournament, the NCAA one. We got a lot of big goals ahead of us.”
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Fourth-year middle hitter Hannah Whittingstall, in her third season as a Hawkeye after transferring from SMU, beamed confidence when discussing the potential for 2026 to be another step in the right direction.
“I've been so privileged to be a part of what we're building here at Iowa,” Whittingstall said. “I truly believe that each year we've taken to step up. … I really think this year we can take another big step for Iowa and put our name on the map more.”
Replacing outgoing seniors Claire Ammeraal, Chard’e Vanzandt and Milana Moisio will be easier said than done. The trio accounted for 376 sets played and Ammeraal was Iowa’s lone player to start all 32 matches last season.
Returners and newcomers alike will be tasked with taking over for the Hawkeyes. Whittlingstall remained confident the group could rise to the occasion.
“I'm just super excited with all the pieces that we've added from transfers, two freshmen who are so willing to work,” Whittingstall said.
Whittingstall, alongside Georgia Tech transfer Liv Mogridge, will man the middle — a spot on the floor Barnes feels Iowa can be among the best.
“We consider ourselves Middle U,” Barnes said. “We set our middles more than almost anybody in the country. Not only our conference. You can look at the stats. We set our middles a lot. I got two really talented ones that are going to make a lot of noise and be in the forefront.”
Iowa's Hannah Whittingstall passes the ball during an NCAA volleyball match against Penn State at Xtream Arena in Coralville on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Whittingstall also praised Peyton Young and Makena Rumple and said the second-year duo would push for playing time.
“I think we have so much talent in the middle,” Whittingstall said. “Peyton and Makena obviously are going to help us get better through the season. They've improved so much. It's great to see everyone just challenging each other in the gym every single day.”
At setter, Jenna Meitzler will once more resume her role as the focal point of the Hawkeyes' offense. The third-year from Barrington, Illinois started 19 matches during her freshman year for an injured Ammeraal. Freshman Nikolija Bulatovic (Elmwood Park, Illinois) may also be a factor in 2026.
“Jenna, our starting setter, is going to be a junior,” Barnes said. “She set a great deal of her freshman year because Claire had gotten hurt. She comes in with an unusual amount of experience already. Niki is one of our freshman setters. Super talented. She is ready to step in the game any moment. Cold-blooded, fearless. Really excited about that group.”
At libero, Jaimie Marquardt figures to be the top option to replace Moisio’s 451 digs.
The only spot Iowa seems without a clear answer is at the pins following Vanzandt’s graduation and Alyssa Worden’s departure via the transfer portal.
Carmel Vares is the lone returner with significant experience. The Tartu, Estonia native recorded 306 kills last season to finish second on the team.
Barnes called the outside “the question” facing his team with less than a month remaining before the season begins.
“I'm excited to see who steps up,” Barnes said. “… We have a lot of talent there. So watching how they emerge, I'm excited about that. In the end pins decide a lot. We'll see how they emerge. Like I said, we've got more talent there. … We'll see how it comes together. The talent's there, though.”
The Hawkeyes begin the 2026 season on Saturday, Aug. 15 with the Black and Gold Scrimmage at 5 p.m. and an exhibition at DePaul on Saturday, Aug. 22. The regular season gets underway on Friday, Aug. 28 at the Black Knight Invitational in West Point, New York.
Iowa’s home opener will be on Thursday, Sept. 10 against Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. at Xtream Arena to open the Hawkeye Invitational.
Ethan Petrik is a University of Iowa beat writer for the Lee Enterprises network. Follow him on X or send him an email at ethan.petrik@wcfcourier.com.
