Iowa volleyball setter Claire Ammeraal surpassed 2,000 career assists during Iowa’s victory over Providence in the Puerto Rico Clasico on Aug. 31.

Ammeraal played both matches in Puerto Rico, tallying 23 total kills against Liberty and Providence — good for a 0.462 hitting percentage.

After recording 22 assists against Liberty, Ammeraal’s career total was 1,999 – one short of the milestone. Ammeraal tallied 34 assists during the win over Providence to shatter the mark.

Ammeraal and the Hawkeyes entered the 2024-25 campaign hoping for a fresh start after an 8-24 campaign in 2023-24, and they got just that after defeating Liberty and Providence to earn a 2-0 start to the season. Iowa was the only team in Puerto Rico to win both matches throughout the event.

“We had some pushback from Providence, and it forced us to really turn to each other and trust each other and work together,” fifth-year libero Joy Galles said. “They weren’t easy games, Liberty and Providence. They’re both solid teams that played some really passionate volleyball. It was great for us.”

Ammeraal, who transferred from Central Michigan in the offseason, acknowledged her teammates for contributing in each game.

“You can only get assists if your hitters are getting kills,” Ammeraal said. “It’s good to know that I’m putting people in good positions.”

Despite being on campus for only a few months, Ammeraal received praise from Iowa head coach Jim Barnes for her talent and impact on the Iowa program.

“She’s one of the best setters in the country,” Barnes said. “I really enjoy training setters and especially offensive setters. Claire is the most offensive setter in the country, so there’s kind of a match made in heaven.”

Galles also praised Ammeraal for making plays in key moments.

“Our passing was pretty solid in Puerto Rico, and that gave Claire the ability to be the best she could,” Galles said. “If the passing is on, she’ll be able to use her skill set.”

Ammeraal believes the new dynamic surrounding the roster has helped the team succeed. The Hawkeyes brought in seven transfers in the offseason to bolster their roster after last season’s dismal ending.

“When things are new, everyone’s really excited to be here,” Ammeraal said. “They’re all working hard, and it’s their first time in the Big Ten, too, so we’re all kind of going through it together.”

Iowa still has an uphill battle to assert itself as a contender in the loaded Big Ten, but Barnes credits Ammeraal and the rest of his squad for working hard and believing in themselves through the tough times.

“We’re working on getting a little better every day,” Barnes said. “We got some great competition coming in to play us, so we’ll be ready.”