UI release
10/28/25
University of Iowa junior middle hitter Hannah Whittingstall has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday. The San Antonio, Texas, native totaled 15 blocks and averaged 1.67 blocks per set across Iowa’s wins over Michigan State and Rutgers. She led the Hawkeyes in blocks in both matches and recorded a double-double against Rutgers.
This is Iowa’s first defensive player of the week honor since 2013, when Bethany Yeager was recognized. It is also Iowa’s first weekly conference award of the season and first since Malu Garcia was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Sept. 30, 2024.
The Hawkeyes return to action on Friday night at Northwestern. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on B1G+.