A four-year letter-winner in volleyball and one-year track participant, Hucke anchored three Western Buckeye Collegiate Conference championship volleyball teams while at Bluffton. She earned three All-WBCC selections, three All-NAIA District 22 selections and was named the WBCC “player of the year” in 1988.
Hucke’s volleyball career spanned four of Bluffton’s most successful years, tallying a 125-31 overall record for a .801 winning percentage. In 1987, 1988 and 1989 Bluffton won the WBCC championship and in 1988 the Beavers added a NAIA District 22 championship. The 1987 and 1988 teams have since been enshrined in the Bluffton University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Bluffton’s team success during these years was a direct result of the play of Hucke. Her performance throughout those years still ranks among Bluffton’s best. In 1989 Hucke led Bluffton with 129 blocks and a serving percentage of .931. She also currently ranks 10th and 15th in single-season kills (305 in 1987 and 271 in 1988) and ninth and 15th in single-season blocks (129 in 1989 and 115 in 1986).
Hucke’s other marks include a .192 career hitting percentage (tied for ninth), 1,054 career kills (tied for third) and 355 career blocks (ninth). In 1989 she received the Kathryn E. Little Award as the outstanding senior female athlete at Bluffton and was honored as the varsity athlete with the highest scholastic record.
Since graduation from Bluffton, Hucke has divided her time as a homemaker and administrator and teacher at Wee Care Day Care in Celina, Ohio. In her spare time she volunteers at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and has also devoted time at the Celina Public Preschool.
“Bluffton has shaped the many facets of my life,” she says. “First my volleyball career helped to intensify my leadership skills, work ethic and love for sports while giving me lasting memories. At the same time, my Bluffton experience led to my current family and various professional opportunities.”
