Claire Ammeraal, the first Hawkeye selected for a major league volleyball draft, creates history. IOWA CITY— Claire Ammeraal, a setter from the University of Iowa, has left her mark on Hawkeye volleyball history. The Omaha Supernovas selected Ammeraal with the 22nd overall pick on Monday afternoon in the 2025 Major League Volleyball Draft, making him the first Iowa Hawkeye ever drafted into the MLV and the sixth player selected in the third round. It’s a significant milestone for a program that keeps pushing its competitive ceiling.
Ammeraal, a senior from Madison, Wisconsin, has long been regarded as Iowa’s offensive engine, and head coach Jim Barnes wasn’t afraid to express his pride. Barnes remarked, “Our team is so happy for Claire.” “I’ve said many times she’s the most talented setter in the country. “She will immediately improve Omaha and become a fan favorite,” says the coach, who has witnessed the best Big Ten volleyball.
Every word is supported by her numbers. Ammeraal accumulated 3,461 assists during her four years of college. Earlier this season, on October 17, during a game against USC, she surpassed 3,000 assists. She added 539 kills to her resume, averaging 1.32 kills per set, and continuously demonstrated that she could influence the game from anywhere on the court. She was well-known not only as a facilitator but also as one of the most offensively minded setters in the country.
It wasn’t all black and gold when Ammeraal first arrived in Iowa. Prior to the 2024 season, she transferred to Iowa after beginning her college career at Central Michigan. Everything was altered by that action. She assumed leadership of the Hawkeyes’ offense in just two seasons, contributing 1,484 assists, 248 kills, and a hitting percentage of.292. During her time at Iowa, she also recorded 378 digs and 94 blocks, demonstrating her all-around impact in every statistical column.
They weren’t meaningless calories. In the Big Ten, which is arguably the hardest conference for collegiate volleyball, they produced results that were noteworthy. Across her Hawkeye career, Ammeraal tallied three triple-doubles and 14 double-doubles, showcasing a versatility few setters could match. She was one of just 19 players in the country to record at least 410 assists, 220 digs, and 85 kills this season alone. As a result of her aggressive style and willingness to score when her team needs it, she currently leads all setters in the league with 164 kills and is ranked second in the Big Ten in assists (1,106).
Her stat lines also began to frequently include double-doubles; this season, she scored 11, the second-highest total in the conference. And on October 11, she recorded a career-high 58 assists in a road game against Michigan, giving anyone a quick glimpse of her dominance. On nights like that, it became evident that her game was developing into something professional-ready rather than just getting better.
John Cook, a former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas, saw that potential. Cook has long been regarded as one of the most influential people in volleyball and is currently the team’s general manager. The Supernovas are already a destination team thanks to his involvement with the team, and the addition of a dynamic setter like Ammeraal is a perfect fit with the organization’s philosophy of fusing experience with up-and-coming talent. Ammeraal has a unique chance to develop within a team that appreciates her skill set by joining a team that is partially led by a volleyball genius like Cook.
Her choice puts her in excellent company as well. She comes after former Hawkeye Courtney Buzzerio, who joined the Atlanta Vibe in 2024, further demonstrating Iowa’s growing prominence as a professional volleyball pipeline. For Ammeraal, this draft moment is the culmination of years of unrelenting effort, consistent development, and a fierce competitive spirit that made her one of the nation’s most versatile setters. It’s a proud first for Iowa volleyball, demonstrating the program’s progress and future direction.
Additionally, the Omaha Supernovas benefit from the addition of a playmaker who improves their offense rather than just managing it. One thing is certain as Ammeraal gets ready to advance in her career: she won’t simply fit in with the professional game. She is designed to influence it.
