Iowa City Today

University of Iowa junior middle hitter Hannah Whittingstall has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, according to an announcement from the conference on Monday.

Whittingstall, who is from San Antonio, Texas, recorded a total of 15 blocks and averaged 1.67 blocks per set during Iowa’s recent victories over Michigan State and Rutgers. She led the Hawkeyes in blocks for both matches, registering five against Michigan State and 10 against Rutgers.

She achieved her first career double-double with 14 kills and matched her career high with 10 blocks in Iowa’s comeback win over Rutgers on Sunday. The team reached a season-high of 16.5 blocks in that match against the Scarlet Knights. Over the weekend, Whittingstall also contributed three digs.

Rutgers was held to a .220 hitting percentage overall and managed only .000 in the fifth set on Sunday, which was largely attributed to Whittingstall’s performance at the net. Following these matches, she moved up to second place in the Big Ten for total blocks (98) and average blocks per set (1.20).

Additionally, Whittingstall posted a .636 hitting percentage against Rutgers by converting 14 out of 22 attempts without any errors.

This marks Iowa’s first defensive player of the week recognition since Bethany Yeager received it in 2013. It is also Iowa’s first weekly conference award this season and their first since Malu Garcia was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on September 30, 2024.

Iowa holds a record of 12-10 overall and 3-7 in conference play. The team will next compete Friday night at Northwestern at Welsh-Ryan Arena, with first serve scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time. The match will be available via B1G+ streaming service and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

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