A trip to the Elite Eight last year marks the second in four years and the sixth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament for the Cyclones under coach Christy Johnson-Lynch.

The Cyclones finished the season 25-6 and second in the Big 12, going 13-3. It was only the second time in ISU history the volleyball team recorded 25 wins.

The ISU volleyball team has been one of the best and most consistent programs at Iowa State during the past decade. Behind the lead of Christy Johnson-Lynch, the Cyclones have a combined record of 150-73 (.673). 

Last year was another banner year for Iowa State. Setter Alison Landwehr was named an American Volleyball Coaches Association first-team All-American. Senior outside hitter Carly Jenson finished her career earning the honor of second-team All-American while libero Kristen Hahn and middle blocker Jamie Straube were named All-American honorable mentions. 

As for Big 12 awards, the Cyclones were up and down the roster of top honors. Libero Kristen Hahn was named the Big 12 Libero of the Year as only a sophomore and in her first year of starting. On the Big 12 first team, Straube, Landwehr and Jenson were all unanimous selections.

Coming into the 2012 season, Iowa State is adding seven freshmen — including four top-50 recruits, three Under Armour All-Americans and two junior national’s champions. For one of the bright spots in ISU athletics, the future certainly looks even brighter.