Aug. 18, 2009
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IOWA CITY – University of Iowa Head Volleyball Coach Sharon Dingman announced today that senior Megan Schipper and junior Mara Hilgenberg have been named team co-captains for the 2009 season. The upperclassmen were selected by their teammates.
“We are excited to announce our co-captains for the 2009 season,” said Dingman. “Mara and Schip have the work ethic and dedication that their teammates appreciate.”
Schipper, an outside hitter from Aplington, IA, returns as the Hawkeyes top scoring threat. A 2008 Academic all-Big Ten honoree, Schipper ranked among the team leaders in kills, service aces, digs and total blocks while starting all 32 matches last season.
“Megan Schipper has been in this program four years and has matured her game and leadership over the past two seasons,” said Dingman. “She is driven by winning and will push her teammates to compete at a higher level every day because winning is the ultimate reward for her. Megan is the consummate co-captain.”
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Iowa junior Mara Hilgenberg |
Hilgenberg, a setter from Lake Forest, IL, enters her second season as a Hawkeye after transferring from Indiana University following her freshman campaign. Hilgenberg was second on the team in assists in 2008 and is a third-generation Hawkeye captain. Great-uncle Wally Hilgenberg and uncle Jim Hilgenberg were captains of the Iowa football teams in 1963 and 1977, respectively.
“Mara joined our program a year ago and has truly embraced being a Hawkeye,” said Dingman. “She brings a fire and passion for the game to the floor every day. Mara loves to play volleyball and hates to lose – a great combination for a team leader.”