Augustana University Athletics

In 1994, Diane Klein became the first Augustana volleyball player to earn All-America recognition. The gifted middle hitter was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association team after a remarkable season. For her great accomplishments in volleyball, Diane enters the Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility.

During her four years of competition the Vikings posted a 109-43 record and put the Augustana volleyball program on the map.  During the 1994 season Diane set school records for most kills in a match (33), most kills in a season (455), highest hitting percentage for a season (.310), highest hitting percentage for a career (.271)., most solo blocks for a career (165), most block assists for a season (92), and most block assists for a career (286).

Diane earned NCC Player of the Week honors during the 1993 and 1994 seasons and was selected to six volleyball all-tournament teams. She was named the most valuable player at the 1993 Mankato Invite and the 1994 Grand Valley Invite. She was a two-time All-NCC selection. In addition to her All-America honor in 1994 she was named to the AVCA North Central Region team.

An outstanding student as well, Diane was on the Dean's List at Augie numerous times and was a two time academic All-NCC selection. She was listed as a member of Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and received the Stan Marshall Award as the top female student-athlete in the North Central Conference for 1994-1995.

Diane credits much of her success to her head coach, Zaundra Bina. She wrote, "Zaundra took me as a pretty rough freshman and was relentless in her belief that I could succeed and help our team succeed. She taught me all the skills necessary to compete and to really enjoy all four years of my volleyball experience. I am very thankful that she took that chance on me." Others at Augustana also had a significant impact on her. She said, "My dad, Mel Klein, not only showed me unconditional love as a daughter, but was an incredible role model and support to me as an athlete. I could always count on him to offer me encouragement and direction before and after events. The confidence that he provided was invaluable. Dr. Lansing Prescott really inspired me academically in the sciences. He challenged me to achieve more than I thought I could, and I truly learned from him and enjoyed each of his classes."