North Butler senior Olivia Dralle recently announced her commitment to continue her academic and volleyball career at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo this fall.
Dralle on finding a collegiate home with the Redtails.
“I’m super excited to keep playing and get a good education. I really love the coaches. I went and I visited and they made it clear that even after two years there, that they would get me to be able to play on after that. Looking forward to it,” says Dralle. “I really hope that I can bring in some leadership alongside some great leaders there already. Then bring some encouragement and positivity.”
Dralle has been playing volleyball since seventh grade and played all four years on varsity as middle/outside hitter for the Bearcats achieving 549 kills, 178 blocks and 64 aces.
Dralle on what made her senior season and career as Bearcat memorable.
“We had a great team this year. The most teamwork that I’ve seen in all four years. It was my best high school season. My statistics were better in my sophomore year than my senior year, but just the team ethic and team morale in general was amazing. It was just super fun to be able to lead a team like that. Creating new friendships throughout all four years, different people are coming in from freshman year coming up. It’s just super fun being able to get different connections with people you never thought you would. Then definitely just having fun with my coaches and my teammates.”
In addition to playing for the Bearcats, Dralle also played club volleyball during the offseason, most recently playing for the Fearless 18U team.
Dralle on how club helped her prepare for college and advice to fellow athletes.
“You play with a higher level of team. As a 17 year old, I was playing on an 18 team, which isn’t super unheard of, you get to play at that higher level and you get to play with girls who are also playing all year round. It just helps you be able to balance all the practices and everything. That will help in college to, being able to balance things out, being an athlete and a student. For any sport in general, just have a great work ethic. At the volleyball level, get in the gym as much as you can. Repetition is key to becoming a better player.”
Dralle also was honored with Top of Iowa Conference all-conference second team recognition this season. Dralle plans to major in accounting at Hawkeye.
Hawkeye Community College volleyball went 11-24 this season.
