New Hampton Volleyball Stars Shine with Four All-UIC Selections

UPDATE: The New Hampton volleyball team has made headlines with four players selected for the all-Upper Iowa Conference (UIC) teams, just announced for the 2025 season. Sophomore Aleigha Cahoy secured a spot on the first team, while senior Maici Weber and juniors Sydney Laures and were recognized on the second team.

Despite the impressive individual accolades, the selection process remains contentious, as opinions varied among coaches regarding player nominations. Head coach Jess Geerts noted that New Hampton’s 20-13 overall record and third-place finish in the UIC contributed to their limited representation on the first team.

The Chickasaws competed in a newly structured two-tier conference, which featured a “Big” and “Small” division. New Hampton’s performance included a 9-2 conference record, falling short to top teams like North Fayette Valley, who dominated with an 11-0 record, and Waukon, finishing with 10-1.

Geerts expressed mixed emotions about the all-conference recognition process, stating, “You cannot vote for your own players and we didn’t win the conference, so that did not help our situation.” The Coach’s remarks highlight the challenges in achieving consensus among coaches for team selections.

Cahoy emerged as a standout player throughout the season, leading the league with 333 kills and also contributing 267 digs, ranking fourth in the UIC. Her exceptional skills earned her a nomination for UIC Player of the Year, although Lily Holthaus of North Fayette Valley ultimately received the honor.

Geerts praised Cahoy’s versatility, saying, “Aleigha is obviously very well deserving of whatever awards she gets. She brings so much to our team in all areas.” Her contributions included a remarkable 41 aces and a 91 percent server success rate, showcasing her all-around talent.

Weber, a transfer from Turkey Valley, concluded her career with a total of 1,062 assists over two seasons. She ranked fourth in the league for assists this year with 391, and her leadership and work ethic will be greatly missed by the team.

Laures and Wassenaar also made significant impacts this season. Laures recorded 180 kills and 25 aces, while Wassenaar contributed 324 assists, 113 kills, and 20 blocks to the Chickasaws’ success. Geerts commended both players for their adaptability and dedication to improving their game.

The Chickasaws advanced to the second round of the Class 3A regionals, defeating Iowa Falls-Alden before facing fifth-ranked Humboldt in the semifinals. Although they were swept in that match, the team demonstrated resilience throughout the season.

With these remarkable achievements and the challenges faced during the selection process, New Hampton’s volleyball program continues to build a strong legacy in the UIC. Fans and supporters are eager to see how these talented players will contribute to the team in future competitions. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!