Rock Island Today

On recruiting visits, Hannah Lindaman was looking for a place that seemed like a second home. She has since taken up residence among Augustana University's career leaders in volleyball.

The senior setter was already in the top 10 for two all-time categories before the Vikings season started; she was on the brink of the top 10 in two other categories.

In a recent interview with Rock Island Today, Lindaman said that when she was visiting colleges to continue her volleyball career, the Eldridge, Iowa, native spent most of her time with just the team.

“Augie's team was the most engaging and was so welcoming -- that's what did it for me,” she said.

Lindaman opened her Augustana career in the 2013 season by notching 447 assists and 0.36 aces per game. She improved to 495 assists in her sophomore season to go with a 0.32 per-game ace average and notched 650 assists her junior year with a 0.36 ace average.

All that added up to 1,592 assists, which had her ninth all-time in program history, along with a 0.35 ace average, also ninth among all Vikings who have suited up.

As of Sept. 21, Lindaman had 244 assists this season, which would put her near sixth place on the career list. She has a 0.32 ace average.

Lindaman entered the season 12th all-time in assists per game with 4.82 and 14th in service aces with 115. Her assist average was 5.95 earlier this season, and she had a team-high 13 aces. Her ace total brought her close to being in the top 10 in that category. This season, she was also third on the team in digs with 94.

Lindaman said she's become a smarter player in her college career.

“At this time in my setting career, it's less about improving my touch and more about knowing what to do in every game situation by reading my own team and the other's defense,” she said. “My coaches have pushed me to think more deeply about the game, which has made me a better player.”

The Vikings got off to a 9-3 start this season, putting them on a solid path to being a winning team for the fourth time in Lindaman's Augustana career. 

“I am very pleased with our season so far: every game we seem to be improving in one way or another, which I think is a huge key to having a successful season,” she said. “We've gotten some big wins already and learned from our few losses. All in all, we are motivated and focused on our goals, so we plan to continue our climb.”

Lindaman said continuing to play volleyball in college was the best decision of her life.

“Being on the volleyball team gives me an escape from the academic side of college briefly -- and, best of all, keeps me busy all the time,” she said. “It definitely can be a balancing act, but with my family, teammates, coaches, professors and friends as a support system, I've learned to appreciate the daily challenges.”