Sophia Hiltgen, a sophomore at Linn High School, is looking forward to seeing what the Bulldogs can accomplish after one of the best seasons in school history.
“I am excited to see what our team can do this season,” Hiltgen said. “We have a great group of girls and all get along so well on and off the court.”
The season will be even more meaningful for Hiltgen with her younger sister, Emma, joining the team as a freshman.
“My younger sister Emma is a freshman this year, so it’s fun getting to play with her and share this experience with her,” Hiltgen said. “I love playing volleyball, and it’s even better when you get to play with some of your best friends.”
Hiltgen spent the offseason preparing to take another step forward. She focused on getting stronger in the weight room while also working on her speed, quickness and volleyball skills.
“I worked hard in the weight room to get stronger, but also did extra agility work and plyometrics to improve my speed and quickness,” Hiltgen said. “I put in gym time to get ball extra repetitions, and attended several skill specific camps and showcases to strengthen my overall game.”
One of Hiltgen’s biggest goals this season is improving her blocking. She has worked to increase her vertical in preparation for the season.
“I really want to improve on blocking and I have worked to increase my vertical,” Hiltgen said.
Hiltgen enters the season with plenty of experience and success under her belt. As a freshman, she helped Linn win the Twin Valley League Tournament championship and reach the Class 1A Division II state championship match, where the Bulldogs finished as the state runner-up.
The state tournament appearance marked the best season in Linn High School history.
Now, Hiltgen and her teammates have their sights set even higher.
“We have set team goals this year to repeat as TVL Champs and make it back to the State Tournament, with an ultimate goal of being State Champions,” Hiltgen said.
Hiltgen also wants to continue developing her game while doing whatever she can to help the Bulldogs succeed.
“Individually, I want to continue to improve my overall game so that I can contribute to the team’s success while being the best supportive teammate that I can be,” she said.
Hiltgen brings versatility to Linn’s lineup as a setter and outside hitter in a 6-2 rotation. She finished her freshman season with 311 kills, 400 assists, 270 digs and 38 aces.
Her performance earned her Second Team All-Twin Valley League, Second Team All-State and State All-Tournament Team honors.
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