When thinking about the tradition-filled history of UNI volleyball, few names jump out like Bobbi Petersen's. A former standout on the court for UNI - and arguably the greatest player in the school's history - she has continued her connection with the Purple and Old Gold as both an assistant coach, and as head coach. Under her guidance, she has taken UNI volleyball from its usual standard of excellence to a tier with the nation's elite programs.

Now in her 11th year as the Panthers head coach, Petersen has posted an impressive 259-73 record at the helm of UNI's program, with four Missouri Valley Conference regular season titles, six MVC tournament crowns and two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances to her credit. She ranks in the top 10 of active Division I coaches in winning percentage (.780), with the Panthers winning 20 or more matches nine of her 10 years as head coach.

During her tenure as head coach, Petersen has helped 27 student-athletes earn first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, including coaching four conference players of the year. She has also placed at least one student-athlete on the league's all-freshman team each of the past six years. In addition, she has helped six athletes earn AVCA All-District honors, with Molly O'Brien earning third team AVCA All-America honors in 2002 and Ellie Blankenship and Bre Payton earning honorable mention AVCA All-America honors in 2009.

Academically, the Panthers have shined under Petersen's guidance as well. A total of 21 players have earned first-team Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete honors during her time at the helm, with two players earning CoSIDA Academic All-America honors.

The 2009 season was one for the record books. Petersen was tabbed the MVC Coach of the Year after leading UNI to a 31-3 record. The Panthers rattled of 29 straight win, including a perfect 18-0 record in MVC play. UNI swept host Creighton and topped Wichita State 3-1 in the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament to earn its 10^th NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 12 years. The Panthers advanced to the second round with a 3-0 win over Washington State. The Panthers also kept their streak alive of 20-match victory seasons, having now won at least 20 matches each of the past 12 seasons. Bre Payton was named the MVC Player of the Year and Amy Braun was named MVC Freshman of the Year. Shannon Aschoff, Ellie Blankenship and Michelle Burow each earned first-team all-conference honors. Payton was a first-team AVCA All-District selection, and Blankenship was an honorable mention, and both players were named AVCA All-America honorable mentions.

Petersen and her husband, Duane, reside in Dike with their two sets of twin daughters, Baylee and Sydney (9), and Jadyn and Payton (3).

• 2009 MVC Coach of the Year

• 2006 MVC Coach of the Year

• 2002 National Coach of the Year

• 2002 Regional Coach of the Year

• 2002 NCAA Sweet Sixteen

• 2001 Regional Coach of the Year

• 2001 NCAA Sweet Sixteen

• Ranks in the top 10 among active Division I coaches in winning percentage (.780).

• Has won 20 or more matches 9 out of the past 10 years as head coach. 

• 25-9 record 9th NCAA tournament appearance in the past 11 years.

• First ever at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, after finishing as runner-up at the State Farm MVC Tournament.

• Ashten Stelken named honorable mention AVCA All-District.

• 22-11 record (14-4 MVC)

• State Farm MVC Tournament Champion

• NCAA Tournament Qualifiers

2006 Season

• 28-8 record (16-2 MVC)

• MVC Regular Season Champion

• State Farm MVC Tournament Champion

• MVC Coach of the Year, Bobbi Petersen

• NCAA Tournament 2^nd Round