University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
DS/Libero
/ Volleyball
Middle Blocker
/ Volleyball
Setter
/ Volleyball
Photo by: Eric Miller
Gopher Spotlight: 2018 Senior Class
11/13/2018 12:18:00 PM | Volleyball
Gopher Volleyball celebrated senior night on Friday, Nov. 9 against Indiana. This Minnesota senior class, Sophie Beckley, Kayla Buford and Samantha Seliger-Swenson, have been a part of over 100 wins during the course of their collegiate careers. Winning a Big Ten title in 2015, this trio was also a part of two Final Four teams already during their tenure. Although we celebrate great careers, their legacy isn't done just yet as the Gophers are 22-2 overall this season and 16-0 in the Big Ten. Read from them in their own words on what it's been like to be a part of Gopher Volleyball.
Sophie Beckley: First, I need to say a huge thank you to my family. They made my dream of playing Division I college volleyball possible and encouraged me along the way. They supported my decision when I chose Minnesota, and have been able to visit and be here for me, even though it's far away from home. When I first started looking at colleges, I never would've thought I would end up at Minnesota. That being said, it has been such a blessing, and I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to play volleyball and go to school here. Another huge thank you goes to the amazing coaching staff. They have taught me so much and pushed me to grow every day. And thank you to the rest of the support staff for always being there to help us. The fan support here is unrivaled and playing in front of an often sold-out crowd is a feeling like no other. Last but not least, I need to thank my teammates. When I first arrived in Minnesota as a freshman, they taught me the ropes and helped me feel at home in Minnesota. As my years here have gone by, we have created great memories, built great relationships, and worked so hard; Things I wouldn't trade for the world. They have truly made this experience as amazing as it has been. Some advice I would give to my teammates is to just enjoy it, even when it's hard. It's over really fast, so just try to be present in each and every moment.
Kayla Buford: Being a part of Minnesota volleyball is definitely a rare and unique experience, and I will forever be thankful to have been a part of it. To my family, I don't even know where to begin. Thank you for showing me all the unconditional love and support a person could ever ask for, and also thank you for believing in me at times when I doubted myself. Next, thank you to the coaching staff, who has given me endless support and guidance not only in volleyball, but also in life and in growing as a person. I think the thing that makes our coaching staff one of the best, if not the best in the country, is their genuine care and concern for us not only as volleyball players, but as students and as people. To my younger teammates, I would say that you have such an incredible opportunity to be a part of this team, and to never take a single day for granted. Being a part of this team is not easy at all, but it is so rewarding, and the lessons you learn and relationships you make are unrivaled. Last but not least, to the fans, you are some of the most caring, thoughtful, and supportive people I have ever met. You don't just cheer us on when it comes to game night at the Pav, but you cheer us on in life, and for that, you are the best fans in the land.
Samantha Seliger-Swenson: Being a part of the Minnesota volleyball program has been the privilege of a lifetime. I am beyond thankful I've had the opportunity to compete alongside driven teammates, in front of a sold-out Pav, and to work with coaches who have pushed me to become the best version of myself, day in and day out. The past four years have been more than I could have ever dreamed of, so a huge THANK YOU goes out to every single person who has been a part of this journey! To the best fans in the country, your support is unlike any other. You all have made the Pav such a special place to compete. I can't thank you enough. To my family, I love you guys beyond words! I wish I could express how thankful I am for your love and support throughout the past four years. It means the world to me. To my coaches, I am so grateful for your commitment to my growth on and off the court. You all have contributed in making me the person I am today. I will carry the lessons you have taught me for the rest of my life. To my dear teammates, I am SO proud of each and every one of you. You all inspire me to be the best version of myself each day with your drive and passion. Remember, the days are long, but the years are short; don't waste a second! I love you all, thank you for everything.
Sophie Beckley: First, I need to say a huge thank you to my family. They made my dream of playing Division I college volleyball possible and encouraged me along the way. They supported my decision when I chose Minnesota, and have been able to visit and be here for me, even though it's far away from home. When I first started looking at colleges, I never would've thought I would end up at Minnesota. That being said, it has been such a blessing, and I am so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to play volleyball and go to school here. Another huge thank you goes to the amazing coaching staff. They have taught me so much and pushed me to grow every day. And thank you to the rest of the support staff for always being there to help us. The fan support here is unrivaled and playing in front of an often sold-out crowd is a feeling like no other. Last but not least, I need to thank my teammates. When I first arrived in Minnesota as a freshman, they taught me the ropes and helped me feel at home in Minnesota. As my years here have gone by, we have created great memories, built great relationships, and worked so hard; Things I wouldn't trade for the world. They have truly made this experience as amazing as it has been. Some advice I would give to my teammates is to just enjoy it, even when it's hard. It's over really fast, so just try to be present in each and every moment.
Kayla Buford: Being a part of Minnesota volleyball is definitely a rare and unique experience, and I will forever be thankful to have been a part of it. To my family, I don't even know where to begin. Thank you for showing me all the unconditional love and support a person could ever ask for, and also thank you for believing in me at times when I doubted myself. Next, thank you to the coaching staff, who has given me endless support and guidance not only in volleyball, but also in life and in growing as a person. I think the thing that makes our coaching staff one of the best, if not the best in the country, is their genuine care and concern for us not only as volleyball players, but as students and as people. To my younger teammates, I would say that you have such an incredible opportunity to be a part of this team, and to never take a single day for granted. Being a part of this team is not easy at all, but it is so rewarding, and the lessons you learn and relationships you make are unrivaled. Last but not least, to the fans, you are some of the most caring, thoughtful, and supportive people I have ever met. You don't just cheer us on when it comes to game night at the Pav, but you cheer us on in life, and for that, you are the best fans in the land.
Samantha Seliger-Swenson: Being a part of the Minnesota volleyball program has been the privilege of a lifetime. I am beyond thankful I've had the opportunity to compete alongside driven teammates, in front of a sold-out Pav, and to work with coaches who have pushed me to become the best version of myself, day in and day out. The past four years have been more than I could have ever dreamed of, so a huge THANK YOU goes out to every single person who has been a part of this journey! To the best fans in the country, your support is unlike any other. You all have made the Pav such a special place to compete. I can't thank you enough. To my family, I love you guys beyond words! I wish I could express how thankful I am for your love and support throughout the past four years. It means the world to me. To my coaches, I am so grateful for your commitment to my growth on and off the court. You all have contributed in making me the person I am today. I will carry the lessons you have taught me for the rest of my life. To my dear teammates, I am SO proud of each and every one of you. You all inspire me to be the best version of myself each day with your drive and passion. Remember, the days are long, but the years are short; don't waste a second! I love you all, thank you for everything.
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Sweep Illini
Thursday, October 30
Highlights: Gophers 3, Illinois 0
Wednesday, October 29
Highlights: Gophers 2, Purdue 3
Sunday, October 26
Highlights: Gophers 3, Indiana 1
Friday, October 24