Charles City Standout Signs NLI with ISU Volleyball

The Iowa State Cyclones have signed five student-athletes in the November 2014 signing period. Among the additions is top in-state prospect in Hali Hillegas from Charles City.

“I really love this class,” head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said. “Recruiting coordinator Jon Newman-Gonchar did a terrific job of finding a great mix of players that are talented and competitive. It’s pretty exciting to think about adding these players to our returning team next year. They will be a tremendous addition to an already talented team.”

Hillegas (pronounced HILL-uh-giss) has been a jack of all trades for the Comets of Charles City during her high school career. Heading into this week’s state tournament, Hillegas ranks second on Charles City with 2.90 kills per set at a .435 hitting percentage, leads the team with 62 aces and 5.69 assists per set and is second with 2.40 digs per set.

A two-time all-state, all-conference and all-tournament team honoree, Hillegas recorded 9.60 assists per set en route to helping CCHS to a state title as a sophomore. Hillegas and fellow Cyclone signee Abigail Phillips were members of the Club Iowa Association team that won the USA 17 division at the 2014 Junior Girls National Championships, going 10-0 at the event. Hillegas was named tournament MVP.

“Hali reminds me a lot of Monique Harris – she can do it all,” Johnson-Lynch said. She is a great ball handler, great setter and a great hitter. She understands the game very well, and is a ton of fun to watch. Every time I watch her play I am amazed at her ability to impact the game in every skill. She plays much bigger and higher than just about any 5’6” player I have seen.”

The Cyclones will continue to keep its recruiting open with an eye on making more additions for the class of 2015 in April, when the signing window re-opens.