Q&A | Iowa volleyball libero Greta Schlichter talks favorite things, life growing up in Germany

The Syracuse transfer is one of five international players on Iowa’s roster this season.

Jack Birmingham, Sports Reporter

November 18, 2025

The Iowa Hawkeyes No. 17, Greta Schlichter, high-fives a fan during a game against the Butler Bulldogs. at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. Butler was the first opponent Iowa faced in the Kwik Star Klassic. The Hawkeyes defeated the Bulldogs 3-0, extending their win streak to 4-0.

The Daily Iowan: What’s one thing you enjoy about playing a defensive role?

Greta Schlichter: It’s awesome how fast it is, and you just have to react to everything that’s happening around you. It’s a really important role for the team because in the end, if the defense doesn’t roll, there’s nothing else you can build on. I love to take over that responsibility.

What’s your favorite food?

I’m vegan, so it’s probably lentil lasagna.

What stands out to you about Iowa compared to schools like Syracuse?

I think our practices are so competitive, so driven. I think the way we push ourselves and the way we want to keep getting better, and we want to earn those Big Ten wins. I think that is really unique.

What do you think is the best game the team has played this year?

Probably against Indiana. I think our team is getting better and better the more we play. It’s awesome to see. Every weekend, I feel like we’re leveling up in certain parts of the game, and even though we could not get that win, it was really fun.

Who is someone on the team you look up to and why?

I think our seniors do a great job leading the team, and I think every single one of us can learn from that. Honestly, I can learn from every single one of my teammates. They are all awesome. They all have their own strength. We all try to push each other every day and practice and learn from each other.

What’s your favorite place in Iowa City?

Probably The Nest, just because a lot of us live [there], and I just feel at home. It’s a great feeling to have so far away from home, being here with all the teammates.

What’s the transition to the U.S. been like for you?

I’m in my third year now, so I feel like I’m slowly rising. I think the cultural differences are really interesting and challenging for me. Personally, I love my team. I love the family Iowa gives me here, and I feel really at home.

What’s one way the U.S. is different from Germany?

I think the awareness about things is just so different. People care about different things. People carry themselves differently.