STrib: Julia Hanson emerging as a force

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Gophers volleyball junior Julia Hanson emerges as a force entering team’s home opener

Prior Lake grad Julia Hanson came to the U as a highly touted recruit and is showing why. Her Gophers take on St. Thomas on Tuesday at Maturi Pavilion.

www.startribune.com

Entering Tuesday’s home opener against St. Thomas, Hanson is off to the best start of her career and showing why she was such a highly touted prospect out of high school.

“She’s having a moment, and I think the best is still ahead for her, which is scary,” Cook said. “I’ve been impressed from match to match how much more aggressive and assertive she’s become.”

The former Prior Lake standout and Star Tribune All-Metro Player of the Year went from reserve last season to the team’s top hitter through four matches in 2024, including a career-high 23 kills in Saturday’s loss against TCU. She also had a career-high 19 digs to go with a team-high 16 kills vs. Baylor