Christensen chooses Iowa Wesleyan

MT. PLEASANT — The Iowa Wesleyan volleyball team added a new member to its 2022 recruiting class on Tuesday, and it was a familiar name to Southeast Iowa volleyball fans.

New London senior setter Aliyah Christensen signed on the dotted line inside Olan G. Ruble Arena, surrounded by her family and friends.

“I came here because of the nursing program,” Christensen said. “They have a good program, and I also knew that my friend Kyra (Linkin) came here.”

Linkin just finished her freshman season at Iowa Wesleyan. She and Christensen were teammates for New London’s Class 1A state qualifying team in 2020.

As a senior, Christensen dished out 355 assists for a New London team that went 26-14 overall, 5-3 in conference play and made the regional semifinals. She also had 33 service aces.

Christensen will be joining an Iowa Wesleyan squad that hopes to get a full season in next year. IW won just won game last year and had seven matchups canceled due to COVID-19 protocols.

Christensen will be joining the school her mother, Peggy Christensen, works for. Peggy is the assistant director of admissions at Iowa Wesleyan, and Christensen says that added to the appeal of putting on the Tiger purple.

Christensen finished out her high school career this fall. During her three years as a starter at New London, the Tigers went 29-9, 22-8 and 26-14.

“That prepared me a lot,” Christensen said. “The teammates I played with have always helped me work hard. Coach (Maureen) Heath and Coach (Lindsey) Johnson believed in me and worked hard with me, and helped me become the player I am today.”