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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa sophomore volleyball player Courtney Buzzerio has contributed in every category for the Hawkeyes this season.
Buzzerio, a native of Chino Hills, California, has played in every set for Iowa this season, tallying 232 kills, 25 aces, 113 digs, 40 blocks, and 71 assists.
In short, she can do it all.
“Courtney continues to prove herself and she is a contributor in any capacity we ask of her,” head coach Vicki Brown said.
“I’ve probably played three positions at Iowa,” Buzzerio said. “Last year, I was more of a blocking sub, so I kind of counted that as a position and this year I have been hitting and setting.”
Buzzerio joined the Hawkeyes primarily to play with her sister, Meghan, and was slotted as a setter for her freshman year. But with the departure of two hitters, Buzzerio was asked to move to the outside for the 2019 season, which isn’t a problem for the 6-5 player.
“I felt like I could fill in wherever they needed me, so if I needed to hit, I felt comfortable with that and if I’m needed to set then I can do that too,” Buzzerio said. “I knew I would be bouncing back and forth between positions with the personnel they had when I committed.”
Buzzerio spent her junior, high school, and club years alternating between setting and hitting allowing her to commit to either position in college.
Ahead of Iowa’s match at Indiana on Oct. 26, the Hawkeyes needed a setter and Buzzerio was asked to fill in.
“For me, it’s a mentality switch more than skill. Once I get going, its muscle memory,” Buzzerio said.
Buzzerio racked up a career-high 51 assists along with 10 digs to guide Iowa to a five-set victory over the Hoosiers.
Taking the spotlight has been a significant change for Buzzerio, who tends to shy away from the attention, which isn’t something that happens as an outside hitter.
“I don’t like to be in the spotlight and that is different about hitting,” Buzzerio said. “You are the finisher and the one getting the kills. What I like about setting is being behind the scenes.”
It’s a different type of thrill for a setter, but according to Brown, it may be more satisfying than getting the kill.
“There is a sense of pride in running the offense that is similar if not better than getting the attack because you play a big part in the reason the hitter got the kill,” Brown added.
Buzzerio has answered when her number has been called this year and 10 game remaining on Iowa’s schedule, Buzzerio will continue.
“Every time we offer Courtney to step up in a different role and make an impact she has done so,” Brown said. “I am proud of her and looking forward to what she does next.”
The Hawkeyes host No. 7 Penn State tonight at 7 p.m. (CT) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Tickets for the match is available at hawkeyesports.com/tickets or over the phone at 800-IA-HAWKS.
