Bobbi Petersen is being rewarded for the success of the UNI volleyball team, both on and off the court. The Panthers' long-time head coach has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep her in Cedar Falls through Dec. 31, 2024.

UNI athletic officials announced the deal in a press release on Monday (Jan. 22, 2018).

"I am so blessed and thankful for the privilege to lead this program that has so much history and tradition," Petersen said. "I would like to thank David Harris, Christina Roybal and President Mark Nook for their continued support of me, my staff and our program. I am proud and humbled to be a part of this program, this University and this wonderful supportive community. Our staff and student-athletes have worked extremely hard and we are excited for the future."

Petersen guided UNI to the school's 21st NCAA Tournament berth in 2017. The Panthers beat Louisville to reach the second round and finished the season with a record of 27-9.

UNI completed the 2017 season ranked No. 1 in the nation in four statistical categories: kills per set (15.24), team assists (1,857), team digs (2,581) and team kills (1,997). The Panthers defeated four ranked opponents during the 2017 season, including eventual national champion Nebraska.

Since replacing Iradge Ahrabi-Fard as UNI's head coach in 2001, Petersen has compiled an overall record of 461-141. She is one of only four all-time coaches in the Missouri Valley Conference to have surpassed the 400-win mark.

Nationally, Petersen ranks No. 10 among active coaches with a .766 winning percentage.

"Panther volleyball has achieved a standard of excellence in all aspects of the program and that is a direct result of the efforts of head coach Bobbi Petersen," UNI Director of Athletics David Harris said. "From academics and community service all the way to national prominence on the floor – Panther volleyball is one of the nation's best. We are extremely happy to reward Bobbi with a two-year extension and look forward to many more successful years under her leadership."

Academically, the Panthers have also shined under Petersen’s guidance.

UNI has been awarded the American Volleyball Coaches Association's (UVCA) Team Academic Award in each of the past six seasons. The Panthers will be in line to win the award again in 2017, as the team has compiled a cumulative grade-point average of 3.40 through the fall semester.

For the past 12 years, the NCAA has recognized teams in the top-10 percent of the Academic Progress Report (APR) and the UNI volleyball team has been on the list all 12 years. In fact, Petersen's squad has had a perfect score of 1,000 in each of those years.

UNI volleyball is one of 93 programs in the nation to have earned the top-10 percent honor in each of the 12 years teams have been honored.

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