The first time James Ferentz spotted Skylar sauntering across campus at the University of Iowa in 2008, he was instantly drawn to her athletic physique and intense competitiveness on the volleyball court. Little did James know, he was noticing one of the most dominant players that Iowa volleyball has ever seen.

Embodying Iowa Volleyball Excellence

As an outside hitter for the Iowa Hawkeyes from 2007-2010, Skylar Ferentz made an unforgettable impact in the Big Ten conference. She finished her stellar four-year career with over 1,400 kills and led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.

Her list of accolades and honors is longer than some entire teams:

• 2010 First Team All-Big Ten
• 3x Academic All-Big Ten (2007–2009)
• Iowa’s Co-MVP Award in 2009 and 2010 Seasons
• 2x AVCA All-Midwest Region Honoree
• 7x Big Ten Player of the Week
• 7th in career kills at Iowa with 1,452

In 2010, Skylar’s hitting prowess and consistency helped propel the Hawkeyes to a 29-3 overall record – one of the best seasons in program history that ended in heartbreak in the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Tournament.

“Skylar was undoubtedly one of the most dominant players I’ve ever coached. Her energy and absolute love for the game of volleyball was unmatched.”

– Iowa Volleyball Coach Sharon Dingman

Though her time at Iowa ended without a coveted Final Four appearance, Skylar’s 1,452 career kills still rank 3rd all-time in Hawkeyes history only behind legends like Liz Meirs (1,847) and Alexis Daly (1,633).

She was well known across the Big Ten volleyball landscape as an opposing player that fans loved to hate for her competitive spirit and aggressive style of play. During Iowa’s home games, a hush would blanket the arena when Skylar stepped to the service line, ready to unleash one of her wicked float serve bombs.

Skylar Ferentz delivering one of her signature rocket-speed jump serves for Iowa. (Image credit Hawkeyes Athletics)

“I’ll never forget the absolute explosion from the crowd after Skylar hammered down a kill to win a crucial fourth set against #18 Purdue during my freshman year,” said former teammate Kelly Hancock. “The entire arena was on their feet going crazy. She had that ability to completely take over a match.”

Connecting with James at Iowa

James Ferentz and Skylar began dating in 2008 while both balancing life as two of Iowa’s most committed student athletes.

As James himself said with a laugh:

“Honestly, I think she only started talking to me because I was a football player!”

But clearly there was a genuine connection that went beyond their mutual athletic status. As the relationship continued blossoming over the next two years at Iowa, Skylar and James forged a partnership rooted in trust, laughter, and support.

They motivated one another to keep grinding on their respective fields of competition, celebrated victories big and small, and provided a steadfast companion during the inevitable hard times.

After graduation in 2010, James was selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL draft. And Skylar decided to forego opportunities to play professional volleyball overseas to support his budding pro football career.

On March 12, 2012, she became Skylar Ferentz when the two married in a quaint Iowa countryside wedding ceremony surrounded by former teammates and coaches.

Balancing Motherhood and NFL Demands

Since then, Skylar spends her days raising their three young children, maintaining a home, and traveling to each new city James gets signed to as he fights to keep his NFL dreams alive.

The life of a dedicated NFL wife is filled with cross-country moves, hectic schedules, and lots of time spent caring for the kids alone while James focuses on football.

But Skylar understands the key role that NFL wives play behind the scenes. As she said during a radio interview in 2021:

“The life we signed up for is not always easy, but being able to fully support my husband’s passion while raising our kids brings me so much joy. I’m blessed to have this opportunity.”

Through it all, Skylar selflessly continues to be the rock her family relies on. As James said glowingly in a recent interview:

“I’m just so thankful for such an unbelievable wife and mother to our kids. Honestly none of this would even be possible without her.”

For Skylar, each passing NFL season brings new chances to connect with other football wives who share the same successes and struggles.

She told Today Sport in 2022:

“The football wife sisterhood has been so welcoming and helpful ever since I joined years ago. We lean on one another a lot and I’ve made life-long friends.”

Giving Back to the Community

While the majority of her time revolves around family duties these days, Skylar can occasionally be spotted at various charity events or doing community outreach through NFL organizations.

She seems to carry on the spirit of service that permeated Iowa athletics by spending lots of time volunteering and helping youth sports programs wherever James is playing that year.

Skylar Ferentz (right) helping coach a youth volleyball practice this fall. (Image from Skylar’s Instagram)

A big piece of this paying-forward is the mentorship and coaching that Skylar provides to young volleyball players coming up. She frequently visits schools and youth clubs to share wisdom gained from her standout college career.

“I just try to inspire the next generation to follow their sports dreams while also having fun out there,” Skylar told Omaha Sports Radio during an interview this past fall. “Seeing young athletes’ eyes light up keeps me feeling forever connected to this sport I love so much.”

An insightful interview in 2020 also revealed that Skylar hopes to return to finish her college degree someday when life calms down. Iowa’s former star outside hitter may end up walking across the graduation stage in black and gold yet!

Staying Connected to Her Roots

Skylar maintains a relatively low profile across social media, occasionally posting photos with James or the kids for her 5,000+ Instagram followers. But sprinkled in are some gems that highlight her continued links to Iowa volleyball.

There she is smiling with former teammates at a Hawkeyes reunion dinner…or sitting next to legendary Iowa coach Sharon Dingman during a visit back to campus…or decked out in Hawkeyes garb while decorating for a big game watch party.

A self-professed “volleyball lifer,” Skylar just can’t seem to quit the sport entirely. And Iowa fans certainly don’t mind occasional glimpses back at one of the school’s all-time greats who made the selfless choice to step away from volleyball spotlight.

Conclusion: Dedication Beyond Herself

The journey from Iowa volleyball team captain to NFL wife has been filled with exciting opportunities often overshadowed by sacrifice and selfless commitment for Skylar Ferentz.

She has graciously put aside personal goals time and again to support her family – a decision that allowed her the incredible chance to witness James live out his NFL dream over the past decade.

For now, Skylar seems perfectly content driving carpools, leading cheer teams in the stands, and tackling all that comes with ensuring her kids become the best versions of themselves.

And if in those quiet moments she sneaks a peek at some Iowa volleyball highlight reels, we certainly couldn’t blame her. The echoes of “Skylar! Skylar!” chants from devoted Hawkeyes fans will never fully dissipate.

Former Iowa volleyball star Skylar Ferentz gave up her own sports career to support husband James’ NFL journey as a dedicated wife and mother.

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