Over the past four years, Jen VonderHaar has seen her career hit both peaks and valleys.

The NIU middle blocker took the Huskies from a 10-15 record in her freshman year to a 24-6 mark and a MAC championship in her junior campaign. This year VonderHaar has the Huskies at 11-11 and currently out of the MAC playoff picture as the No. 9 seed.

“Her career has gone full circle,” coach Ray Gooden said. “Her first season was unsuccessful, but then they found success the past two seasons.”

In her first season, VonderHaar came into the lineup and began performing at a high level immediately. As a result of this she was named MAC Freshman of the Year.

She has experienced many changes in regard to the Huskies and herself over the years.

“Being a freshman, I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know how big each game is leading to the tournament,” VonderHaar said. “Now, being a senior, I know how good you have to play each game, and how important every game of every match is.”

VonderHaar, a senior, is in the midst of a similar situation that took place to seniors when she was a freshman.

She explains that when she first came to NIU they were coming off a MAC title and were forced to rebuild.

This season NIU is back where it was four years ago as it welcomed five new players and a new coach. VonderHaar has enjoyed being a leader.

When VonderHaar was choosing a school, she wanted to make sure she would have a chance to make an impact soon.

She was accepted by North Dakota, Kent State, and Wisconsin-Green Bay, but chose NIU because of its distance from home along with its tradition-filled volleyball program.

“I knew from as soon as I got my first letter in the mail that I wanted to go to a Division I school where I could play right away,” VonderHaar said. “Being from Minnesota, the only Division I school close to home is the University of Minnesota, which is Big Ten. Usually, you have to sit out a year at a Big Ten school before you can play and I didn’t want to do that.”

VonderHaar certainly has gotten many opportunities out on the court. She played in every game from her freshman year until midway through this season when she had to sit out due to a slight tear in her right rotator cuff.

The 6-foot middle blocker is near the top of the NIU record books with over 1,000 kills and is seventh all time in career hitting percentage at .290.

“I’m proud of my accomplishments,” VonderHaar said. “But I think the thing I’m most proud of is going to the NCAA tourney last year.”

Junior outside hitter Amanda Newlin believes that VonderHaar has a lot to be proud of when looking back on her days as a Huskie.

“They’ve [NIU] gotten more than they hoped for,” Newlin said. “She’s an amazing player and I don’t think she could look back and not be proud. She’s done a lot for the program. She’s fun to watch and her mild manor makes it even more enjoyable. She loves the program and has given everything to it over the years.”

Individual accomplishments are always nice, but getting respect from coaches and teammates is superior.

“She’s going to look back and feel good about what she’s contributed to the university,” Gooden said. “She definitely came in and made NIU volleyball better. Her game will hopefully be looked upon and modeled after by future players.”