Hansen fills leadership role

With 225 digs this season, senior Caitlin Hansen’s now up to 1,060, the seventh most digs in IU women’s volleyball history.

IU Coach Sherry Dunbar said Hansen brings leadership and is a great role model who will leave an enduring legacy.

“Her work ethic and making good decisions,” Dunbar said. “She is tremendously better than she was her freshman year, and it’s a true sign of her work ethic.”

Hansen is a senior libero and team captain. She attributes her leadership ability to her standing as the oldest of six children in her family.

“It kind of taught me my leadership a little bit, I try to be the best role model I can be for them,” she said. “They inspire me.”

Hansen knew early on in her life that her goal was to play volleyball in college. Hansen was recruited out of Roncalli High School in Indianapolis by Indiana and other schools, including Purdue, Cincinnati, Xavier, Saint Louis, Ball State, and Middle Tennessee State.

“I still remember the day Coach Dunbar called me, and I started bursting out in tears saying, ‘Yes, yes, yes!’” Hansen said.

This season, Hansen has played in every single match and leads the Hoosiers in digs with 225. Her leadership has helped lead the team to where they are now.

During her first two years on the team she played under the all-time leader in digs at IU, Caitlin Cox, who totaled 1,885 in her career.

“She is one of the grittiest, hard-nosed players I have ever played with,” Hansen said.
“She really holds other people accountable, and I think that’s been my biggest and hardest hurdle to jump.

“No matter how I’m playing, I have to hold other people accountable and make sure everyone’s doing their job. She made me a better player.”

Her coach said she has successfully jumped that hurdle.

“She used to be a leader by example, I think that was comfortable for her,” Dunbar
said. “Now I think she is much more demanding, she is the first to say things, and sometimes last to say things, and she means them.

“She has earned the respect throughout her four years here, and they listen to her. She’s not afraid to say things.”

Hansen gives her family a lot of credit for helping her become the player she is through
all of their support.

“I’ll tell my mom ‘don’t come, don’t come,’ and yet every time they surprise me,” Hansen said. “I’ll be warming up on the gym floor and I see my mom in the corner of the stands, I roll my eyes because she never misses a game no matter what.

“The support I have from (my family) is unbelievable, I couldn’t have done it without them.

“They have been to every Big Ten venue and they’re at every home game no matter what, with all the kids.”

Follow reporter Andrew Vailliencourt on Twitter @AndrewVcourt.