Cassidy Hartman, Iowa City Liberty Lightning building a tradition of success
IOWA CITY, Iowa (BVM) — Five years ago, If you had asked Cassidy Hartman where she would be going to high school, she wouldn’t have told you Iowa City Liberty. In fact, Iowa City Liberty hadn’t even been built yet.
“I always thought I would go to (Iowa City) West,” Hartman said. “But when they built Liberty I thought it would be cool to be a part of the start of the program.”
Her older sister, Caroline, had actually played on the Iowa City West volleyball teams that had won back-to-back state championships in 2010 and 2011.
However, the chance to play for a brand new program was a unique opportunity and one she couldn’t pass up.
“It’s been a really cool experience,” Hartman said. “When I first came we really didn’t know much about what we were doing, but as the seasons went we’ve really built our program.”
Making varsity as a freshman last year, Hartman helped the Lightning to their first-ever regional championship as well as their first appearance in the state tournament. Hartman was also named to the Class 5A all-state honorable mention team.
Heading into her sophomore season and the program’s fourth year of existence, there was a lot of excitement around what the young Iowa City Liberty team could do. Not only were the Lightning returning Hartman but also players like Shelby Kimm and Haley Hested.
“I was really excited about this season because I knew we had a lot of potential talent and it really showed at the end,” Hartman said.
For Hartman personally, she was also ready to take the next step in her volleyball career. She became an offense powerhouse this year.
“I wanted to improve and I think my teammates really helped me do that,” Hartman said.
The 6-foot middle hitter/outside hitter led the Lightning in kills with 339 and service aces with 34. Her kill totals were also good enough for third in Class 5A. On defense, she was second in digs with 223 and she also had 32 blocks on the season.
Impressive stats, but Hartman and the Lightning would quickly be challenged by outside factors early in the season. After just its second game, Iowa City Liberty had to step away from the volleyball court for three weeks as the Iowa City School District went to online learning due to COVID-19.
Unable to practice or play, the girls focused on doing everything they could to stay ready so that when their opportunity came, they could take it. Hartman even would go as far as saying it helped the team.
“I think it really helped show us that as a team we can face our challenges together. Anything that comes at us we can fight through,” Hartman said.
The Lightning went on a tear once they got back on the court, winning 23 of their next 24. They then won their second straight regional championship and earned their second straight state appearance. The difference this year though was Hartman and the Lightning weren’t coming in nervous or intimidated. They were ready.
“This year, we went in with the attitude of just have fun,” Hartman said.
Iowa City Liberty beat West Des Moines Valley in the first round. Next was a semifinal matchup against top–seeded Dowling Catholic. Entering as underdogs, the Lightning were ready to make some noise.
“We went in as the underdogs and we actually liked that,” Hartman said.
Hartman had arguably the best game of her career and one of the best games of any volleyball player in the state of Iowa this season. She had a career–high 35 kills, 18 digs and 4 aces as Iowa City Liberty beat Dowling Catholic in five sets (3-2).
The Lightning had made it to the state championship for the first time ever, and although they lost to Ankeny 3-1, they made it clear that people should start paying attention to them as well as their players.
“I think people are taking notice of our program,” Hartman said.
It also helps that Lightning head coach Randy Dolson was named All-Iowa Volleyball Coach of the Year. Kimm was named to the Class 5A all-state second team and Hested made honorable mention.
Hartman herself improved on her honorable mention from last year, making first team this year as well as being named to the Elite team, which is made up of the best volleyball players in the state regardless of class.
“It was insane,” Hartman said. “It was really amazing to see how far I’ve come.”
Now all that is left to do is continue to add to the already impressive legacy that Hartman and her teammates are creating at Iowa City Liberty. With two years left and a state runner-up already under her belt, the championship is the goal next year.
“We’re more hungry and ready to get after it next year,” Hartman said.
