I’m kind of a nerd, but if you like that kind of stuff- the fact books on the ISU athletics page and fun to thumb through periodically.
***2026 ISU Volleyball Thread***
- Thread starter BigJCy
- Start date
Given all of the injury issues, the team far exceeded expectations and CJL should have been B12 COY as a result.
IIRC, they were picked to finished 9th in the B12 preseason poll. Before the season, I thought the only way they would contend for a conference title or make the NCAAs was if Gonzalez and Duckworth were both healthy/effective. Gonzalez didn't play at all and Duckworth was effective at times but injuries impacted her availability and production. Then on top of that, you had McCune, Hanfelt and AHW all dealing with injuries throughout the season at MB.
The move of Jackson to RS, utilizing the 6-2 at select times and CJL successfully managing OH/RS hot hands on a match-to-match or set-to-set basis were the keys to the season along with the top shelf play of both RVG and Brandt who both deservedly received their B12 Libero/Setter POYs.
A master class in roster management a
and coaching by CJL. Almost everyone not injured saw the floor and played at a high level when their number was called.
So different from a decade ago when the end of the bench was developmental
I really doubt Van Gorp will be looking for a bag this offseason with her ISU bloodline, but I guess you never know. She’s incredible and I’m excited to see her play next year
Not just Brock Purdy’s sister-in-law but a heck of a volleyball player, team leader, and native Iowan. Thanks for a great senior season, Morgan!
I'm hoping we can keep all our young talent. The portal is brutal. NIL seems to be readily available from the "big" schools.
JE went berserk and got tossed from one of the ISU Texas games I went to a few years ago. Like to see him go so that frees up a few more recruits for the rest of the VB world.
I'd be stunned if ISU has that kind of money, for VB. But I like your thinking
Well, this mght be evidence of that. Davis was B12 FOY and 1st team All-Conference at BYU.
She is from the DFW area so this could be moreso coming back home than NIL opportunity:
Texas reveals plans for new volleyball arena, athlete housing
Chris Del Conte seeks the type of private development deal that produced the Moody Center.
www.burntorangenation.com
I posted this link in another thread, but I am shocked that JE has agreed to coach in that facility for so long. As an "outsider", that place is "dump" (built in 1930). Lots of history/success there, but definitely outdated. The team played a match in the Moody Center early in the season. Not saying that is hurting recruiting, etc but it probably doesn't help.
I am certain that Vic Schaefer would never agree to coach in that facility, after hearing his comments from playing in the Municipal Auditorium in KC....
A similar 4K-5K facility in Cytown would bring year-round traffic (HS & Club VB/Wrestling/BB tourneys) and boost ISU VB recruiting.Texas reveals plans for new volleyball arena, athlete housing
Chris Del Conte seeks the type of private development deal that produced the Moody Center.
I posted this link in another thread, but I am shocked that JE has agreed to coach in that facility for so long. As an "outsider", that place is "dump" (built in 1930). Lots of history/success there, but definitely outdated. The team played a match in the Moody Center early in the season. Not saying that is hurting recruiting, etc but it probably doesn't help.
I am certain that Vic Schaefer would never agree to coach in that facility, after hearing his comments from playing in the Municipal Auditorium in KC....
Maybe if Cytown office and condo rentals don't go as planned, a shift to this type of facility would be contemplated.
