Ankeny junior Hannah Baier could have followed in the footsteps of her brother.
Instead, she’ll be following in her parents’ footsteps.
Baier has verbally committed to join the Iowa State women’s track and field program. She will compete in the throwing events.
“Prior to my visit, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go,” said Baier. “I took a visit this past Tuesday and after meeting with the throws coach and seeing the campus, I knew I wanted to be a Cyclone. Both of my parents went to Iowa State–my mom was a swimmer and my dad was on the track team. So it was also a special moment for my family when I committed.”
Baier is a two-time state placewinner in the discus. She took eighth as a sophomore in 2021, then placed fourth in the event on Thursday at this year’s Class 4A state meet.
Baier is also a key player on the Ankeny volleyball team.
“At the beginning of my high school career, I was open to doing either track or volleyball in college,” she said. “I didn’t get to have a track season my freshman year because of COVID. But at the end of my sophomore year, I knew that track was my passion and I wanted to pursue it.”
Baier’s brother, Jacob, was also a standout thrower at Ankeny. He now competes for Northern Iowa.
“I did look at UNI,” Baier said. “Jake is a part of an outstanding program! UNI has great coaches and an amazing team.”