It’s easy to forget that college student-athletes range from 18-years-old to anywhere in their 20s.

The jump from high school to college in the classroom is a big enough change for many athletes. Generally, athletes go through a big learning curve on the court from high school to college, as well.

Sometimes, they’re the star of a high school team and a role player on a college team. That can be a tough adjustment.

This all represents 20-year-old right side hitter Hannah Bailey. 

Players can struggle in their first years of getting acclimated to college sports and lifestyle. Certain players may not reach their potential until year two or three. Often, those athletes can be a key factor to a team’s success.

Bailey could be a candidate for that role this season. After a spring filled with greater playing time, the junior feels confident coming into this season.

“[I worked on] being consistent [with] passing and hitting,” Bailey said. “Just making sure I’m making good choices.”

The potential for a breakout season is there.

After posting 1,545 kills in high school, Bailey has only had 20 collegiate kills in two seasons. She recorded 191 aces in high school; she’s still searching for her first ace in college.

Bailey entered Iowa State as a part of a highly touted 2015 recruiting class. The 2015 class was strong enough to be ranked the eighth in the nation, according to PrepVolleyball.com.

Along with Bailey’s commitment, the Cyclones received commitments in 2015 from Hali Hillegas and Jess Schaben.

Bailey and Schaben, both hitters, were the headliners of the class. Bailey was ranked as the No. 33 recruit and Schaben as the No. 27 recruit, according to PrepVolleyball.com.

Hillegas busted onto the scene in 2016, competing in all 29 matches and appearing in the most sets for Iowa State. After redshirting as a freshman, the converted libero had a strong enough season to be a unanimous selection for the All-Big 12 Freshman Team.

Schaben started her collegiate career off with a bang. The 6-foot-2 hitter played in every match of her freshman year, snagging the Big 12 Freshman of the Year honor.

Schaben carried her momentum into her sophomore season. Now 100 percent healthy, Schaben is primed for a strong junior season.

Hillegas and Schaben received additional playing time and responsibilities, while Bailey is still waiting for her breakout season.

In Bailey’s freshman campaign, the Wisconsin native only played in four matches and finished with two kills on the season. Bailey’s sophomore season saw a little more success. Bailey played in 10 matches, finishing the season with 18 kills.

Against Montana, Bailey tied for the team-high with eight kills with a .429 hitting percentage. In a match at Omaha, Bailey contributed six kills on .455 hitting percentage and four blocks — all assists.

Even with the flashes of talent, Bailey has struggled to find playing time. Bailey hasn’t let the slow start discourage her, and coach Christy Johnson-Lynch hasn’t lost faith in the junior.

Iowa State has only had a limited time to practice and only one scrimmage thus far in the fall. In that short time, Bailey has impressed the coaches. 

“Hannah Bailey is playing very, very well, and we need to get her onto the court,” Johnson-Lynch said.

Bailey kicked off her 2017 season with three kills in an exhibition against Drake.

Johnson-Lynch talked about the Cyclones’ height and physicality multiple times at media day. Listed at 6-foot-2, those are two traits that Bailey possesses. 

The team has relied heavily on Schaben as the Cyclones primary hitter. In order for Iowa State to grab a 12th-straight NCAA Volleyball Tournament appearance, Johnson-Lynch may need another weapon.

She said that she needed more hitters to step up last season and this could potentially be Bailey. With Schaben undergoing surgery to repair her shoulder injury, Bailey snatched extra reps and playing time this spring.

“In the spring, I got playing time, so I could work on my shot and just find a role on the team,” Bailey said. “[I was able to] find where I belong. I worked hard in the weightroom to get a lot stronger, too.”

Regardless of whether or not Bailey has a standout season similar to Schaben and Hillegas, Bailey is ready to step into whatever role Johnson-Lynch requests of her.

“I hope to become a leader and contribute,” Bailey said. “Whether it’s in games or practice, whatever I do, I hope it benefits the team.”