An official visit to Iowa State for freshman Abby Phillips led to a friendship with former ISU volleyball player Kristen Hahn — one that blossoms yet today.

Phillips, a defensive specialist, looked up to Hahn, a graduated libero from Iowa State, as a mentor before and during Phillips’ time at Iowa State.

“During my recruiting process, I came to many matches at Iowa State and I watched [Hahn] play against Texas,” Phillips said. “She was really inspiring with her energy and the way she moved, which made me look up to her.”

The two of them formed a bond on Phillips’ first official visit to Ames. Hahn saw many qualities of herself in Phillips, which made it easier for her to coach and teach Phillips during her high school career.

Hahn continued to see Phillips at matches, but it wasn’t until Hahn’s senior year in college that Phillips contacted her for individual help.

Hahn provided lessons for her younger counterpart in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and appreciated Phillips’ desire to learn on a daily basis.

“She was always full of spirit and so excited to learn from me,” Hahn said through a Facebook message. “I don’t think I’ve had anyone ever ask me so many questions about volleyball and my specific position.”

The relationship continued to grow when Phillips decided to join the All Iowa Attack club volleyball team. Hahn was a coach along with Rachel Hockaday, a former player, and Jesse Tupac, a graduate assistant for ISU volleyball.

Hahn worked with the liberos specifically, which deepened her connection to Phillips as both a volleyball player and friend. 

The two of them coached a camp together after club volleyball. The camp experience put Phillips’ commitment to Iowa State over the top, leading to her signing her letter of intent to play for the Cyclones.

“I’ve always wanted to come here just based off the defensive reputation and the level of competition at the Big 12,” Phillips said. “There have been some successful liberos throughout this program, and it’s been my dream to follow these liberos.”

ISU volleyball head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said Phillips reminded her of Hahn and that she’s a quick athlete in the back, reacting on a ball more quickly than most players the coach has seen.

Alongside senior libero Caitlin Nolan, Johnson-Lynch believes Phillips will learn the essential tools to potentially become the starting libero for the Cyclones in the next couple of seasons.

Phillips has appreciated having Nolan to look up to and learn from during her freshman year, the most recent name on a long list of successful defensive specialists that have defined the brand of volleyball that Iowa State plays 

The Cyclones have earned seven straight Libero of the Year awards.

Phillips believes the success of defensive specialists at Iowa State is because of the culture around the program, in which former Cyclones happily pass on their knowledge to the following generations of players.

The perfect example is Hahn and Phillips, who continue to stay in contact even though Hahn is playing professional volleyball in Germany. 

Phillips is grateful to call Hahn a friend for life. And without her help, Phillips may have never had the opportunity to be a Division I athlete. 

“I can see Abby [Phillips] leading Iowa State to a Final Four appearance and a Big 12 championship in the future because of her leadership and desire to help others,” Hahn said in a Facebook message.

“I could also see her becoming an All-American as well as the Big 12 Libero of the Year if she continues to push herself at Iowa State.”