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111 I nto his fourth year at the University of Iowa, head volleyball coach Bond Shymansky is more reassured in himself and program than ever before. Shymanksy, a University of Iowa graduate and Iowa City native, received a contract extension in August that locks him in as a Hawkeye until at least 2022. He hopes it lasts beyond that. "A contract extension is such a great symbol of confidence and belief from the top down," Shymansky said. "I knew when I took this job that I wanted to work as hard as I could to build this program into national prominence. I also wanted it to be my last coaching stop." An extension for Shymansky was merited aer the Hawkeyes had one of their best seasons in 2016. ey finished with the first winning season since 2000 and won nine conference games, also the most since 2000. It has been a process that is starting to pay off for Shymansky and his coaching staff. It has been marked with highs and lows. at included defeating Iowa State at home in 2015 for the first time in 18 years and dropping No. 24 Illinois last year for the first time since 2005. "When you step back from the individual moments and look at the big picture, it has been a fun journey," Shymansky said. "It has been rewarding to see the transformational impact for players, staff, and Hawkeye volleyball supporters." A program is always going to reflect its head coach, and Shymansky's return to Iowa City marked a culture change for the program that has been felt from the administration to the casual fans. His program is built upon four pillars he sums up as "True Mental Toughness:" treating others well, giving their best, having a great attitude, and being unconditionally grateful. "ose four things remain a difficult challenge, but also a calling card for everyone around our program." Shymansky said. "We also needed to train differently, prepare differently, and play different systems." e team's True Mental Toughness mantra is a reminder to themselves to continue to work hard and, over the years, the team's hard work has paid off as Iowa has been ascending the conference and national rankings. Its resurgence has been noticed by fans. "We want people to be proud of what we're achieving and the process we are going through to get better," Shymansky. "When I started, the most common question I got from fans was 'when is volleyball season?' Now it is, 'when is the next game?'" As the Hawkeyes concluded tournament play with an 11-2 record — the program's best start since 2006 — the team continues to remind itself that it needs to keep improving for their fans and themselves. "e change is ongoing," Shymansky said. "We are not done. We haven't gotten to our destination and we never will. We keep on that mission and keep reminding ourselves that the mission is worth taking on." e Hawkeyes — 12-3 overall, 1-1 in the Big Ten-- return home Sept. 29, taking on No. 7 Wisconsin at 7 p.m. (CT) inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. OCTOBER SCHEDULE Oct. 4 Michigan Oct. 7 Nebraska Oct. 11 at Indiana Oct. 15 at Minnesota Oct. 20 Illinois Oct. 21 Northwestern Oct. 27 at Michigan Oct. 28 at Michigan State