Heartland Community College is celebrating its first NJCAA Division II national championship in women’s volleyball.
The Hawks defeated No. 4 seed Kansas City Community College [Kansas] in straight sets on Saturday to claim the title in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Heartland defeated three opponents in the national finals during the four-day tournament.
Sophomore setter Brooklyn Brennan from Fulton was named Player of the Tournament. Sophomore Sam Molenouse of Chicago became Heartland’s all-time digs leader with 23 digs in the final match.
Heartland finished the season with a 40-4 record, including a 15-0 mark at home. The Hawks won 145 sets and lost just 20 sets the entire season.
Heartland’s volleyball team is the latest in a string of national titles for its sports teams and athletes.
Heartland’s baseball team won a national title in 2023. The women’s soccer team captured the national crown in 2021. The Hawks softball team won the title in 2009. Cross country runner Nora Brady won a national championship in the women’s 5K. The college has also claimed team and individual national titles in esports.
