Cowley College alum Hannah Nicolaisen’s American Idol journey ended Monday night.
Nicolaisen, who made it to the final 20 of this season’s show, was a two-time All-American as a member of the Cowley College volleyball team during her time in Ark City from 2017-2018. She ranked second in Cowley volleyball history in kills in a season and kills in a career at the conclusion of her two seasons.
American Idol producers included a clip of an epic spike from her Tiger days in the episode that featured her audition.
“It was never about winning for me,” Nicolaisen posted on social media Tuesday. “I chose to audition so I could face down my fears, and I have loved every second I spent on stage. When I smiled on screen, it was truly from my heart.
“I am not sad that the journey ended because it has given me exactly what I needed and more. I am only grateful because now I can see the version of myself I want to be like all the time.”
The Houston native sang “Royals” by Lorde Monday night.
After Cowley, Nicolaisen continued her standout volleyball career at the University of Illinois before moving to Alabama.
