Nov. 9, 2005
IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa volleyball team announced the signing of prep standouts Alicia Johnson and Becky Walters today.
“We are very excited to have Becky and Alicia join the Hawkeyes,” Iowa Head Coach Cindy Fredrick said. “Both Aplington-Parkersburg and Tripoli have strong volleyball traditions, and Becky and Alicia will bring that winning attitude to the Hawkeye program. They are excellent students, quality people and outstanding athletes. They will both have a big impact on the Iowa volleyball program.”
Johnson, a 5-11 outside hitter from Tripoli, IA, is the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Iowa. She is a three-time all-state selection, including Elite All-State honors her sophomore and junior years. She is a three-time first team all-conference and all-district honoree, and has been named to the Iowa State Tournament all-tournament team three times. Johnson led Tripoli to back-to-back state championships in 2003-04, while being named captain of the all-tournament team both years.
Johnson has also earned all-conference laurels in basketball and track, and is a three-year member of the honor roll. She will enroll at the University of Iowa for the upcoming spring semester and join the team for spring practice.
“Alicia is a very talented player who hits a heavy ball and has a great vertical leap,” Fredrick said. “She is also lefthanded, which will be a plus for us.”
Walters, a 6-3 middle blocker from Parkersburg, IA, was a second team all-state selection last year while leading Aplington-Parkersburg to a runner-up finish in the Class 2A State Tournament. She also earned all-district and all-conference honors as a junior. This season, Walters led Aplington-Parkersburg to a conference championship and a berth in the State Tournament. She leads all Class 2A players with 1.80 blocks per game.
Walters will be the tallest player on the roster when she joins the team next fall.
“Becky brings the height to our program that has been missing in the past,” Fredrick said. “She will be a major force at the net for us as a blocker and hitter, which is what we need to compete in the Big Ten Conference.”