Hall of Fame Inductee - Brenda Ippensen

The numbers speak for themselves. A four-year starter on the Quincy High School volleyball team, Brenda Ippensen helped the Blue Devils go 123-23-5 from 1994-97. She was twice named The Herald-Whig Player of the Year despite playing her entire senior season with tendinitis in her rotator cuff. Yet, she’s remembered as one of the best hitters and all-around players the QHS program has ever produced. “She epitomizes Quincy High volleyball — it’s work ethic, it’s sacrifice to become a good volleyball player at Quincy High,” Mike Crist, who coached Ippensen, said after her senior season. “I guess what it amounts to is not everyone can be a Quincy High volleyball player. I’m not sure 10 years ago any good athlete couldn’t have walked on the court and become a Quincy High volleyball player, but I’m not sure that could happen today.
“You have to have the right frame of mind, the right work ethic, the right intensity, the right dedication and what better example can you have for younger girls than Brenda Ippensen.” Ippensen still holds career records for kills (1,118), service points (806), aces (194), digs (1,110) and serve receptions (2,193). Her name is scattered across the single-season records as well. In fact, her 1,118 kills in the top 35 all-time in Illinois. Ippensen’s career took her to Truman State University, where she was a second-team All-MidAmerica Intercollegiate Athletics Association selection in 1999. Ippensen is married to Reid Hollander and they have one son,
Ramsey. They currently live in Olathe, Kan.

Acceptance Speech

“I would like to thank the Quincy Blue Devil Hall of Fame committee for their decision to induct me in to the Sports Hall of Fame. This is such an incredible honor and privilege and something I will always reflect on with great pride. “Being part of the Quincy High volleyball program has had a significant influence on my life and has helped shape me in to the person I am today. I will always cherish the memories and friends I made during these years and want to thank everyone who has supported me and guided me during such an impressionable time. “I would especially like to thank my high school volleyball coach, Mike Crist, for this nomination. Besides teaching me the fundamentals of the game and the skills necessary to obtain individual and career records, he has also taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication. “These skills, along with the love and support of my family, have carried me through to my adult life. As a nurse anesthetist, I am called on every day to use those life lessons that were an integral part of my sports career. That’s what sports are all about. I believe they help create a foundation for what type of person you will become later on in your life. “I would like to thank my parents, Steve and Sue Ippensen. I would not be where I am today without their unconditional love, support, and encouragement. I cannot recall a game or tournament where they were not in the stands, cheering me on. I would like to
thank my brother, Andy, who was also an athlete at QHS and acted as a role model for me as he carried out a soccer career at the collegiate level. He has always been someone who I have looked up to and go to for advice. I would like to thank my sister, Carrie, for all the memories we shared while playing volleyball together in high school and in college. She has always been there for me and will always be my best friend. “Last but not least, I would like to thank my husband, Reid, who has encouraged me to become a better person and to always pursue my dreams both with volleyball and professionally. He has been with me throughout my high school years and college, supporting me and loving me.”
— Brenda Ippensen