University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Samantha Seliger-Swenson
11/15/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Samantha Seliger-Swenson has had a decorated volleyball career at all levels of play, from high school to club and now on to college, earning awards such as First Team All-American and Big Ten Setter and Freshman of the Year. Born and raised in Minnesota, Seliger-Swenson grew up watching Gopher Volleyball and has been leading Minnesota's offense since her rookie season.
Gophersports.com: What is your favorite part about Gopher Volleyball?
Samantha Seliger-Swenson: I have a lot of favorite things, but I would say my teammates and the support we have for everyone is unlike any other. Also, getting to play for my home state and experience all the energy in the Pav are also some of my favorite things.
GS: What are you and the team doing to prepare for the rest of the season?
SSS: We are trying to take each match one at a time and to not look too far forward. We have goals set, but to achieve them we need to take it point by point and keep doing that until the match is over. We are also working on preparing well for our opponents. Now is the point in the season where school is getting stressful with midterms and assignments, so we all try to come into practice and focus on volleyball while leaving everything else in the locker room.
GS: How have you grown as a setter since your freshman year?
SSS: I have really worked on being consistent, leadership, and my emotions on the court. From a set standpoint, I have worked on connecting with my hitters and having consistent locations. I also try to be a better all around volleyball player, and I can do that by working on my defense in the back row.
GS: What is it like to be able to have the family support you have at games?
SSS: It means the world to me, I have younger sisters so it is nice to have them at games! I remember coming to the Pav when I was younger and I grew up watching Gopher Volleyball. Being able to have my mom, dad, and sisters come is something a lot of people don't have, and that makes me so thankful.
GS: You have been the youngest setter on the team up until this season, what is it like to have Sara Nielsen on the team that you can help?
SSS: Sara has gotten so much better while she's been here. I had Erica (Handley) and Katie (Schau) to look up to and they were great role models. I hope to lead by example and help her continue to learn the ropes.
