University of Minnesota Athletics
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Gophers in the Pros: Samantha Seliger-Swenson
1/23/2020 8:37:00 AM | Volleyball
Samantha Seliger-Swenson had an illustrious career during her Gophers tenure. A four-time All-American, Seliger-Swenson is the only Golden Gopher volleyball player to garner All-America awards in every collegiate season played. During her Gopher tenure, Seliger-Swenson was the starting setter to two Final Four runs (2015 and 2016) as well as two Big Ten titles (2015, 2018). She also finished her career as the Big Ten Player of the Year (2018), a two-time Big Ten Setter of the Year (2018 and 2016) and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2015). She also added five All-Big Ten honors during her tenure. She amassed 5,674 assists, which ranks fourth in school history. After she finished her Gopher career in 2018, Seliger-Swenson trained with USA Volleyball before beginning her professional volleyball career in France this season. Take a look at how Seliger-Swenson is doing in her first year as a professional athlete.
You're playing in France this year, tell us about your team.
"My teammates are one of my favorite parts about this season! We all get along well and I cherish the relationships we have made. Our starting libero is 36 and has a baby daughter, while our second bro just turned 17 and is still in high school... Quite a wide variety in age! We also come from a few different countries: USA, Colombia, France, Croatia, and Brazil. There are four other Americans. It's nice to have people from home to go through this experience with."
Professional and international volleyball is very different than your collegiate experience. How have you been able to adapt to it?
"Professional and international volleyball is a lot faster and more physical than the collegiate game. However, I think playing in the B1G, the highest level in the NCAA, has helped make the transition smoother, so I'm very thankful for that."
You're in your first year of professional volleyball. What's one thing you wish you knew more of heading into professional play?
"Honestly, my former Minnesota teammates and coaches did a great job giving me advice about what it would be like over here. They told me about being away from home, having a huge time difference between you and your friends/family, different food, different cultural norms, and the toll the season would have on you-both physically and mentally. This advice was so valuable to me, but I didn't quite realize how different it really was until I started experiencing it firsthand."
You had a chance to train and play with USA Volleyball. Tell us about your experience wearing the red, white and blue.
"After graduating in December 2018, I had a great opportunity to train with the National Team. It was a very humbling experience being able to play alongside some of the greatest, most experienced players in the world. The USA gym reminded me a lot of our gym at Minnesota-everyone putting their absolute best on the line day in and day out."
How did Gopher Volleyball prepare you for this step playing professionally?
"I am so thankful for my four years with Gopher Volleyball. I hold onto the things I learned from Hugh and the rest of the staff every single day! During my time at Minnesota I learned a lot about myself, volleyball, and life. Some of the biggest things that have helped me during my first pro season is having no fear in the process and being mindful each day."
Did you have a chance to follow the Gophers this past season?
"Yes! I loved following along this season. It was hard to watch most matches since they were in the middle of the night for me, but I would wake up and see the scores. I'm so proud of the program and can't wait to see the places it will go in the future."
What piece of advice would you give to your former teammates, either in preparing for life after college or currently in school?
"My biggest piece of advice would be don't take any of it for granted. The workouts, practices, commitment to excellence, travel trips, lessons learned, and relationships are things you will take with you and cherish the rest of your life. I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat; being a part of the Gopher Volleyball program was truly a life changing experience. Never thought I would say this, but I even miss the box pushes, running Mariucci stairs, and touch 8's. (Coach Y, you're the best). Also remember to show gratitude to all the people who support the program. The coaching staff, academic advisors, fans who sell out the PAV, and everyone within the athletic department put so much into helping you become the best you can be, and they deserve to be recognized for it!"
You're playing in France this year, tell us about your team.
"My teammates are one of my favorite parts about this season! We all get along well and I cherish the relationships we have made. Our starting libero is 36 and has a baby daughter, while our second bro just turned 17 and is still in high school... Quite a wide variety in age! We also come from a few different countries: USA, Colombia, France, Croatia, and Brazil. There are four other Americans. It's nice to have people from home to go through this experience with."
Professional and international volleyball is very different than your collegiate experience. How have you been able to adapt to it? "Professional and international volleyball is a lot faster and more physical than the collegiate game. However, I think playing in the B1G, the highest level in the NCAA, has helped make the transition smoother, so I'm very thankful for that."
You're in your first year of professional volleyball. What's one thing you wish you knew more of heading into professional play?
"Honestly, my former Minnesota teammates and coaches did a great job giving me advice about what it would be like over here. They told me about being away from home, having a huge time difference between you and your friends/family, different food, different cultural norms, and the toll the season would have on you-both physically and mentally. This advice was so valuable to me, but I didn't quite realize how different it really was until I started experiencing it firsthand."
You had a chance to train and play with USA Volleyball. Tell us about your experience wearing the red, white and blue.
"After graduating in December 2018, I had a great opportunity to train with the National Team. It was a very humbling experience being able to play alongside some of the greatest, most experienced players in the world. The USA gym reminded me a lot of our gym at Minnesota-everyone putting their absolute best on the line day in and day out."
How did Gopher Volleyball prepare you for this step playing professionally?
"I am so thankful for my four years with Gopher Volleyball. I hold onto the things I learned from Hugh and the rest of the staff every single day! During my time at Minnesota I learned a lot about myself, volleyball, and life. Some of the biggest things that have helped me during my first pro season is having no fear in the process and being mindful each day."
Did you have a chance to follow the Gophers this past season?
"Yes! I loved following along this season. It was hard to watch most matches since they were in the middle of the night for me, but I would wake up and see the scores. I'm so proud of the program and can't wait to see the places it will go in the future."
What piece of advice would you give to your former teammates, either in preparing for life after college or currently in school?
"My biggest piece of advice would be don't take any of it for granted. The workouts, practices, commitment to excellence, travel trips, lessons learned, and relationships are things you will take with you and cherish the rest of your life. I would go back and do it all again in a heartbeat; being a part of the Gopher Volleyball program was truly a life changing experience. Never thought I would say this, but I even miss the box pushes, running Mariucci stairs, and touch 8's. (Coach Y, you're the best). Also remember to show gratitude to all the people who support the program. The coaching staff, academic advisors, fans who sell out the PAV, and everyone within the athletic department put so much into helping you become the best you can be, and they deserve to be recognized for it!"
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