Cyclones Make Special Delivery

AMES, Iowa ? Iowa State volleyball season ticket holders in Ames and Gilbert received a special delivery Wednesday evening when members of the team hand delivered the tickets to their homes. In all, eight groups of two players each delivered approximately 125 season tickets.

While it wasn't Publisher's Clearinghouse, it was still special for the Cyclone fans, who are becoming part of a growing trend. This season, ISU has more than doubled its record season ticket holders and is nearing its goal of 300 season tickets sold.

Sue Benson's husband Dave purchased season tickets for the first time after ISU head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch spoke at an Ames Morning Rotary meeting.

“Christy came out and spoke to my husband's Rotary group and was outstanding,” Sue said. “We are really excited for this upcoming season and looking forward to learning more about the sport.”

Senior setter Kaylee Manns has witnessed firsthand the growth in support since her freshman year when the Cyclones averaged just over 1,000 fans per match. Last year, ISU drew over 1,600 fans per match and ranked 14th in the country in attendance.

“There aren't many words to describe how our fan base has increased since I got here,” Manns said. “People were coming to watch maybe once every season at first and now the fans here are really starting to understand the game. It's really nice to have that support when we play at Hilton Coliseum.”

Manns appreciated the chance to meet the fans, many of which are new season ticket holders this season.

“It's really fun to be able to go out in the community and meet our supporters because we appreciate them and it's great to see who they are,” Manns said. “Cyclone fans do such a great job of supporting all of our teams and it's nice to be able to thank them for that support.”

Hannah Johnson, a freshman from Ankeny, has yet to play a match in Hilton Coliseum but knows these are the fans that will be supporting her and her teammates over the next four years.

“The fans here are really supportive,” Johnson said. “I know some really diehard fans since I live really close and everyone is like, ?I'm so excited to see the team play this year.' This is a really good opportunity to meet our fans and it's great to know that we have new fans out there supporting us.”