University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Hartman earns second MVC Player of the Week honor of the year
10/13/2026 9:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
ST. LOUIS --- UNI senior outside hitter Cassidy Hartman has been named the Missouri Valley Conference's (MVC) Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday morning.
The selection marks Hartman's second time earning the honor this season (Sept. 7) and fifth weekly conference honor of her career. UNI has now been recognized with at least one conference weekly honor in each of the first seven weeks of the 2026 season.
A North Liberty native, Hartman led the Panther offense with 35 total kills (five per set) in wins over Drake and Southern Illinois last week, helping UNI improve to a perfect 6-0 in league play. The reigning MVC Player of the Year posted double-double performances, her eight and ninth of the year in both outings with 17 kills and 15 digs against the Bulldogs, and 18 terminations and 14 digs against the Salukis. Hartman has also posted 13 matches with ten or more kills this year, and jumped into a tie for 22nd on Northern Iowa's all-time kills list with 1,150 career terminations.
In addition to Hartman, UIC's Maram Hussein was named the MVC Defensive Player of the Week, while Illinois State's Sammi Bunch earned MVC Libero of the Week honors.
Hartman and the Panthers return to action this Friday, Oct. 16 as they host the Valparaiso Beacons at 6 p.m. CT inside the McLeod Center. UNI is also slated to host UIC at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Live coverage of both matches can be found ESPN+ and the Panther Sports Radio Network (106.5 FM Corn Country / 93.5 HD-2 / Varsity Network app). Friday's match against the Beacons will only be streamed on the Varsity Network app and UNIpanthers.com.Â
Tickets for this weekend's matches can be purchased through the UNI Ticket Office or by calling 319-273-4849. The ticket office in the Hall of Fame Connector, located between the UNI-Dome and McLeod Center, will open one hour prior to first serve.
Fans attending Friday's match will be treated to half-priced sodas and $3 pretzels at the concession stands, along with a drink mug giveaway while supplies last. Fans are also encouraged to wear black for Saturday's match for the team's annual Black Out Match.
ÂUNI volleyball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Volleyball), X (@UNIVolleyball) and on Instagram (@univolleyball). The full 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
