“Libero U” has been a common nickname given to the ISU volleyball team for its reputation for developing successful players at that position.

With senior Kristen Hahn winning her third straight Big 12 Libero of the Year Award, the sixth-straight honor given to a Cyclone, the nickname has been backed up on the court.

“It’s a big honor just to be able to be here and be a part of a program that stresses defense,” Hahn said. “I’ve had the best coaches probably in the nation defensively and the best support system in my teammates as well.”

En route to earning all-Big 12 first-team honors, along with Libero of the Year, Hahn has kept up, if not exceeded, the pace she set in her last two seasons.

This season she recorded a career high average of 5.73 digs per set, tops in the Big 12 and third nationally.

Heading into the NCAA tournament, she is 38 digs short from recording her third season in a row with 600 or more digs and set a career-high in digs in one match, with 39 against Oklahoma on Oct. 5.

Along with her teammates and coaches, Hahn attributed her success to her freshman year playing alongside former Cyclone Ashley Mass, also a three-time Big 12 Libero of the Year.

“I grew up thinking it’s a spot you should be exciting and energetic, but she played it very calm and cool,” Hahn said. I think she taught me a lot about being patient and playing relaxed; I’m a very high-intense person.”

Just like Mass was a leader to Hahn, Hahn has made it an effort to pass on her wisdom to her teammates.

“I have taken a different outlook on this season just to try to be a mentor and leader and to try to help my teammates improve. It’s kind of taken away the stress on my game,” Hahn said. “I just try to pass on my knowledge of reading hitters and being able to see what I see that they may not.”

One teammate who has benefited from playing with Hahn is sophomore Caitlin Nolan, who could be in line to replace Hahn at libero next season.

Nolan said Hahn has been essential in instilling a competitive spirit while keeping calm and relaxed under pressure.

“I think she deserves everything she’s gotten; she works hard every day. She’s done a great job,” Nolan said of Hahn’s accolades. “I don’t think she’s close to being done with her playing career after this. She has so much more to go.”