Bobbi (Becker) Petersen (2003) - Hall of Fame

Bobbi (Becker) Petersen

Induction:
2003
Class:
1990

As one of the most successful volleyball players in UNI history, Bobbi Petersen has taken her experience, leadership and incredible knowledge of the game into the coaching profession, helping the Panther volleyball team become a nationally recognized powerhouse. She is regarded as one of the most successful volleyball coaches in the nation.

After being named UNI's permanent head volleyball coach in 2001, she took the Panthers to new heights in volleyball success. She guided UNI to a stunning record of 66-5 her first two seasons, advancing to the NCAA's Sweet 16 both seasons. She was named regional coach of the year both years, and earned 2002 National Coach of the Year honors in 2002, when she piloted UNI to a 34-3 record, a top-10 national ranking, and number one seed in the NCAA tournament.

However, before becoming a coach, she had her own success on the court. After graduating from Dike (Iowa) High School in 1986, she went on to play for the Panthers, earning a varsity letter all four years. She was named first team All-Gateway in 1987, 1988, and 1989 and to the American Volleyball Coaches Association all-district team twice. She was named Gateway Player of the Week six times. She was awarded the UNI Meritorious Recreational Leadership Award, the Babe Zaharias Female Athlete of the Year Award, and earned the title of Conference Volleyball Player of the Decade. She broke nine school records and the Gateway/MVC record for most kills in a match (40). In 2006, she was named to the Missouri Valley Conference's All-Centennial Volleyball Team. She graduated with a degree in therapeutic recreation and continued her education, earning her master's degree in physical education in 1992.

After graduation, she continued her volleyball career, playing professionally with the Iowa Blizzard of the national Volleyball Association. She was named All-Pro in 1996 and 1997. In 1990, she took a break from volleyball, working as a therapeutic recreation specialist and rehabilitation specialist. She returned to UNI to serve as an assistant coach from 1995-96 and 1998-2000. When legendary head coach Dr. Iradge Ahrabi-Fard took a leave of absence during the 1997 season to serve as a consultant to USA Volleyball, Petersen took over as interim head coach, leading her squad to an 18-9 overall mark and a second-place finish in the conference.