IOWA CITY, Iowa — Three volleyball standouts have signed to play at the University of Iowa, head coach Jim Barnes and staff announced Wednesday. Malu Garcia signed a national letter of intent, while Jaimie Marquardt and Jenna Meitzler have accepted written offers of admission.
“The 2024 class addresses a lot of needs at every position, and they have the experience to come in and contribute right away,” Barnes said. “They are very talented, and we are excited to get them on campus.”
“We recruit great teammates and pour into each other as a family, and that’s what got these three to be Iowa Hawkeyes. They quickly felt that on their visits here, while talking with our current student-athletes. That's how they're going to build this program. Some of the best players in the country want to be a part of this team culture.”
Malu Garcia
Outside | Hilo, Hawaii | Moanalua
- Named Under Armour All-American
- Three-time all-state honoree
- two-time all-East Player of the Year
- Helped team to third place at the state championship
- Won AAU 17s Open with Kuikahi Volleyball Club for the first time in 2022 and finished third in 2021
- Played beach volleyball
Associate Head Coach Brian Yale on Garcia…
“Malu is such an exciting player, such an athlete. It’s great to bring in somebody of her caliber, that jumps as high as she does and hits with both the power and finesse that she does. On top of that, she’s a very skilled passer and defender. She just plays at another level, mentally and physically. She’s willing to put teams on her back, if necessary, in order to succeed. Malu is also a lefty and that’s something we haven’t had in this program, so she gives us a new look both for our team in practice and for our opponents. Malu’s capable of hitting on either pin, but will train more as a six-rotation right side. We couldn’t be more thrilled Malu chose to be a Hawkeye.”
Jaimie Marquardt
Libero | Libertyville, Illinois | Libertyville
- Third-team AVCA High School All-American during senior season.
- Two-time IVCA All-State, North Suburban All-Conference, News Sun Volleyball All-Area honoree, and Daily Herald Lake County All-Area honoree
- Helped the Wildcats win four conference championships, two regionals, and the 2023 sectionals.
- Voted two-time MVP and 2022 Hardest Working Wildcat by her teammates
- Earned AVCA Best and Brightest honor
- Named to the IVCA Academic Girls’ All-State Team in 2022 and 2023
- In club, won the Windy City 17s Power League Championship
- Member of the National Honor Society
Yale on Marquardt…
“Jamie jumped on the radar right away with how skilled she is, yet how simple and routine she makes the game look. I love how calm and confident she is on the court, and how she leads from her libero position. She’s setting for her high school which in turn shows her knowledge and understanding of the game overall, as well as a willingness to do whatever she can for her team and teammates. We’ve been so impressed by Jaimie every step of the way and can’t wait for her to be in our gym every day driving our serve receive and defense! A bonus, certainly, is that she and Jenna (Meitzler) play together in club. So that existing comfort and connection between libero and setter will be extremely valuable.”
Jenna Meitzler
Setter | Barrington, Illinois | Barrington
- Top-ranked setter in Illinois by PrepDig Volleyball
- Second-team AVCA High School All-American and all-area during senior season
- Named first-team all-State, Mid-Suburban League West Conference Player of the Year, all-conference, Daily Herald Player of the Year and All-Area Honorary Captain as a senior
- Earned all-conference, Cook County All-Area, and all-state honorable mention honors during junior season
- Named to nine all-tournament teams in her four years at Barrington High School
- Helped the Broncos to a state title in 2020 and two third-place finishes in 2021 and 2022
- Three-time conference champion, and aided Barrington in three regional, sectional and super sectional wins
- In club, won the Windy City 17s Power League Championship
- Two-time AVP Beach National Bid Winner (2021, 2022)
- Played on the Junior USA Handball Team
- Two-time Academic All-State team
Yale on Meitzler…
“Jenna is another leader, a huge competitor. She wanted to be here, wants to be a Hawkeye. Having watched her development over the last two years, she jumped onto our radar quickly once the interest and connection was made. She’s tall and physical and will come in here to primarily set for us. But she’s versatile, and that’s something that we desire in this program, players who have the drive and are willing to do whatever it takes to make the team better. The grit and determination that Jenna plays with certainly drives her teammates to compete with her. We’re excited to get Jenna in our gym and start training.”