The 1995 Iowa State women’s volleyball team, currently ranked 30th in the nation, will showcase one of the top outside hitters in the Big Eight.

Kirstin Hugdahl, a 6’0″ senior from Bricelyn, Minn., will lead the Cyclones’ devastating outside attack that has earned preseason recognition.

After sitting out her first season as a redshirt, Hugdahl collected Big Eight New Comer of the Year honors along with being named Iowa State’s Most Improved Player in her first year of competition. Hugdahl was also selected to the all-Region team last season.

“Kirstin has improved every year. Right now she is one the most consistent terminators in her ability to put the ball away. She is so talented. She’s capable of putting the ball away with a good set, a bad set, a double block, a triple block or no block at all. We expect that to continue too,” said ISU head volleyball coach Jackie Nunez.

Iowa State volleyball assistant coach Sarah Lewis attributes Hugdahl’s success to her intense work ethic.

“Kirstin’s full- time job this summer was preparing her strength and conditioning. She came into this year in fabulous shape. She’s ready to reach her goals, and they’re pretty lofty,” Lewis said.

While Hugdahl’s on the court accomplishments have earned much recognition, her classroom achievements shine just as bright. Hugdahl, a senior in zoology, has been named to the academic all-Big Eight team as a freshman, sophomore and junior.

Hugdahl has also previously received Iowa State’s Fall Semester High Scholarship award along with the Iowa State Athletic Department High Scholarship Award with a GPA of 3.97.

“Kirstin is extremely bright. In many ways she’s a role model for athletes. She personifies the balance between academics and athletics,” Nunez said.

The hard work has paid off for Hugdahl, who for the first time in her five-year career will get the chance to compete for a nationally ranked team.

Cyclone fans will get the chance to see Hugdahl and the ISU volleyball team at the season opener in Hilton Coliseum on September 1. ISU will host their own Cyclone Volleyball Tournament against Western Michigan. The match begins at 7 p.m.