IOWA CITY, IA - The University of Iowa volleyball team will conclude its first week of training camp today at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Head Coach Sharon Dingman and the Hawkeyes opened the 16-day camp Monday, August 9 with 13 returning letterwinners, three returning starters and four newcomers.

"Camp has been very productive," said Dingman. "The players have a clear understanding of what is expected on a daily basis. We talk about efficiency leading to effectiveness and we are experiencing that."

The Iowa freshmen are experiencing their first taste of NCAA preparation. Week One of training camp featured a strict team schedule that included two-a-day practices, strength and conditioning drills, scheduled trips to the training room and daily team meals. It's been a routine Dingman says the entire team is well prepared for.

"We are benefitting from the commitment our players made this summer," said Dingman. "Because of the work they put with strength training, conditioning, and open gyms, we are able to work at a pretty high level for extended periods."

The Hawkeyes are also benefiting from the arrival of first-year assistant coach Ben Boldt.

"The addition of Ben Boldt to our staff is already proving to be tremendous," said Dingman. "Just as we knew it would, his energy and enthusiasm for teaching is being embraced by everyone."

Iowa's second week of training camp will include the annual volleyball team media day and Black & Gold Scrimmage. The Hawkeyes will host the media Wednesday, August 19 following practice at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa will compete in the annual Black & Gold Scrimmage at 7 p.m., Saturday, August 22 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Admission to the scrimmage is free.