Gabby Deery entered her first college season with lofty goals and high expectations.

But the Notre Dame High School graduate far exceeded everything she hoped for as a freshman for the University of Iowa volleyball team.

While the Hawkeyes struggled to an 8-24 record, including 0-20 in the highly-competitive Big Ten Conference, Deery earned a starting spot as a true freshman.

Honey Baked Ham

That is a rarity in a conference known for high-level volleyball from top to bottom.

Deery, the two-time Class 1A Iowa Player of the Year for Notre Dame, switched to right-side hitter and nary missed a beat.

Deery impressed Hawkeye coach Jim Barnes with her tireless work ethic, not only in practices and matches, but her mental preparation for matches.

Deery is a student of the game, and she passed her first test with flying colors.

“There were definitely a bunch of surprises,” said the 6-foot-2 Deery. “Our record wasn’t the greatest, but I grew so much as a person and as a player. I worked hard over the summer and in practice and I got on the court as a right-side hitter as a true freshman.

“I feel like it is only going to go up from here. I am really looking forward to the spring season.”

Deery made quite a name for herself in her four years at Notre Dame. She set numerous program records and helped the Nikes win back-to-back Class 1A state championships as a sophomore and junior.

But playing in the Big Ten against traditional powers like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Penn State was a whole new experience. There are no easy matches in the Big Ten.

“That was so exciting playing against the best players in the country,” Deery said. “It’s such a different level of play, especially playing a new position. It is 100 percent different. We did a lot of scrimmaging in practices against each other. It’s such a high tempo that it was hard to get used to the first few games. I was like, ‘Wow.’”

Deery played in 38 of the Hawkeyes’ 66 sets against conference foes. She averaged 1.53 kills per set with three ace serves, 17 digs and eight blocks.

Deery said adjusting to college life took some time. She had to learn to manage her time between classes and homework, and all the practices, individual workouts, weight lifting and matches. Sometimes it took some improvising.

“Traveling wasn’t always ideal. I usually did my homework on the plane. That’s when I could get a lot of work done,” Deery said. “It was like having a full-time job. I was in the gym all the time. It took a lot of recovery time after each practice. Coach gave us a day off every week just to recover. Other than that we were pretty much in the gym all the time. It brings out a lot of character in you.”

Deery said she felt like she made great strides as a true freshman.

Now, she wants to take that next step and become a dominant force on the court.

“I feel like I got a lot better with blocking,” Deery said. “I want to be a better player. I feel like I grew so much this year, but there is still a lot of work to do. I am ready to get back after break and get started with the spring season.”