Bobbi Petersen

Biography

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 the head coach. Under her guidance, she has taken UNI volleyball from its usual standard of excellence to a tier among the nation's elite programs. Petersen completed her 26th season as the Panther head coach in 2025. Petersen has posted an impressive 635-223 record at the helm of the UNI program. Petersen has guided UNI to 19 NCAA Tournament appearances. She has tallied 13 Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) regular season titles, 13 MVC Tournament crowns and two NCAA "Sweet Sixteen" appearances to her credit. Petersen has been named MVC Coach of the Year a record ten times (2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025). Petersen has also earned AVCA All-Region Coach of the Year honors five times (2001, 2002, 2018, 2019, 2025) and took home the AVCA National Coach of the Year award in 2002.