Hawkeye Fan Shop — A Black & Gold Store | Hawk Talk Monthly – April | Fight For Iowa
By ROB McCOLAUGH
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — With just three home matches left in the Hawkeyes’ season, senior Adorabol Huckleby understands the importance finishing strong for next season. Iowa’s lone senior won’t be here to see the team build off this season’s momentum but is appreciative and forever grateful for her four years of being a Hawkeye.
Starting her career at Iowa in 2015, Huckleby is the only member of the team who was around for the head coaching change, prior to 2017. Huckleby put her trust in Sasha Schmid, a decision Huckleby has never regretted.
“I show up every day because of this team and the relationships I’ve built here at Iowa,” Huckleby said. “Every single day I’m amazed at all the wonderful people I have on my side. I think that’s going to be one of the most bittersweet things about leaving.”
For Huckleby, the program has been influential and acted as a catalyst for change in her personal life. Like many college athletes, Huckleby feels the program and its people have shaped her into who she is today.
“I was really shy and kept to myself coming into college,” Huckleby said. “Being a part of a team immediately forced me out of that shell and allowed me to break free of my previous tendencies of hiding away in the background. A lot of situations in both school and college athletics give you the opportunities to step up and be a leader. Being a part of Iowa women’s tennis has showed me that I could be a leader when I previously didn’t think I was able.”
Huckleby isn’t the only one that’s benefited from her involvement in Iowa women’s tennis. To her teammates and coaches, Huckleby has been an example of strength and stability that will be remembered by the program long after she graduates.
“Dori is a constant source of reliability. She is a wonderful young woman who brings a positive and respectful attitude every day to our team,” said Schmid.
“She is well-liked by everyone who knows her. She has a great heart and I have never heard her say a negative thing about anyone. She works hard every day at practice, even if she isn’t feeling 100 percent she puts on a great attitude and goes to work. These character traits have been special examples for our young team to see displayed every day through Dori’s actions.”
Huckleby will finish her career with just over 120 singles matches. She has also competed in over 100 doubles matches in her career. The tennis is and will be memorable, but Huckleby says it’s the people that mean more to her than anything else.
“I’d have to say I will miss the people here at Iowa the most. Between my own team and everyone else I’ve had the opportunity to meet work with here, I really believe that there is no other place with the same amount of spirit and pride as there is here for the Hawkeyes.”
After graduation, Huckleby plans on moving to Richmond, Virginia, to be with her fiancé and to pursue a career in marketing.
The Hawkeyes (10-8) return to action at home Friday, April 5 against Rutgers. The match is set to begin at 2 p.m. (CT) at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Huckleby will be honored at Senior Day on Saturday, April 13 at 12 p.m.
April Schedule
Apr. 13 | Nebraska | 12 p.m.
Apr. 20 | at Wisconsin | 12 p.m.
Apr. 21 |at Minnesota | 10 a.m.
Apr. 25-28 | Big Ten Tournament
