ISU Athletics Communications
The Iowa State volleyball program welcomed a pair of in-state signees for the 2016 season, head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch announced Thursday. ISU will welcome outside hitter Anna Kiel of Unity Christian, and defensive specialist Sami Hillmer of Urbandale to the program after the duo signed to join the Cyclones.
“There is a tremendous amount of talent in the state of Iowa right now, we are really excited two of them have elected to stay in Iowa and play for us,” Johnson-Lynch said. “Both are also excellent students and wonderful young women. They will add a lot to our team on and off the court.”
Kiel, from Maurice, is the latest Iowa State prospect to come out of Western Iowa to join the Cyclones, following the path of Jess Schaben, Alexis Conaway and Natalie Vondrak. A two-time All-State selection, Kiel has over 1,000 career kills to her name and has helped guide Unity Christian to the Class 2A State Volleyball Tournament for the second-straight season. She is an accomplished all-around athlete, leading Unity to an undefeated season and the 2A State basketball title last season and winning a state track and field crown in the 4x800-meter relay.
“Anna is all athlete, she’s very fast, and very explosive,” Johnson-Lynch noted. “Everything she does on the court is fast twitch, and she also has a great arm. That, coupled with her size, means she has the potential to be a big-time outside hitter. Anna was a bit under-the-radar because she played very little club, but when we saw her, it took us about five minutes to decide we wanted her at Iowa State.”
Hillmer, a defensive specialist/libero from Urbandale, has blossomed into one of the top back-row players in the state of Iowa the past two seasons. A three-time All-CIML honoree, Hillmer finished her junior season for the J-Hawks averaging 6.58 digs per set. She also has an accomplished club background while playing for the Iowa Power Volleyball Alliance, earning three trips to Junior Nationals, and a regional championship last year.
“Sami is incredibly driven, it’s one of the things that makes her great,” Johnson-Lynch stated. “She reminds me a lot of Kristen Hahn – fast feet, quick reactions, and a great demeanor for libero. Sami is outgoing and high-energy, but she balances that with high-level, consistent play. I think Sami will flourish with the training she will get here, it’s such a perfect fit.”
The Iowa State volleyball program welcomed a pair of in-state signees for the 2016 season, head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch announced Thursday. ISU will welcome outside hitter Anna Kiel of Unity Christian, and defensive specialist Sami Hillmer of Urbandale to the program after the duo signed to join the Cyclones.
“There is a tremendous amount of talent in the state of Iowa right now, we are really excited two of them have elected to stay in Iowa and play for us,” Johnson-Lynch said. “Both are also excellent students and wonderful young women. They will add a lot to our team on and off the court.”
Kiel, from Maurice, is the latest Iowa State prospect to come out of Western Iowa to join the Cyclones, following the path of Jess Schaben, Alexis Conaway and Natalie Vondrak. A two-time All-State selection, Kiel has over 1,000 career kills to her name and has helped guide Unity Christian to the Class 2A State Volleyball Tournament for the second-straight season. She is an accomplished all-around athlete, leading Unity to an undefeated season and the 2A State basketball title last season and winning a state track and field crown in the 4x800-meter relay.
“Anna is all athlete, she’s very fast, and very explosive,” Johnson-Lynch noted. “Everything she does on the court is fast twitch, and she also has a great arm. That, coupled with her size, means she has the potential to be a big-time outside hitter. Anna was a bit under-the-radar because she played very little club, but when we saw her, it took us about five minutes to decide we wanted her at Iowa State.”
Hillmer, a defensive specialist/libero from Urbandale, has blossomed into one of the top back-row players in the state of Iowa the past two seasons. A three-time All-CIML honoree, Hillmer finished her junior season for the J-Hawks averaging 6.58 digs per set. She also has an accomplished club background while playing for the Iowa Power Volleyball Alliance, earning three trips to Junior Nationals, and a regional championship last year.
“Sami is incredibly driven, it’s one of the things that makes her great,” Johnson-Lynch stated. “She reminds me a lot of Kristen Hahn – fast feet, quick reactions, and a great demeanor for libero. Sami is outgoing and high-energy, but she balances that with high-level, consistent play. I think Sami will flourish with the training she will get here, it’s such a perfect fit.”
