University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Middle Blocker
/ Volleyball
Gophers in the Pros: Molly Lohman
1/29/2020 10:18:00 AM | Volleyball
Gopher alumna Molly Lohman is playing in her second year as a professional volleyball player. Lohman, who played for the Gophers from 2014-17, saw action in 124 career matches for the Gophers and was named an AVCA All-America honorable mention. The Mankato, Minn., native finished her Minnesota career with 536 blocks, which tied for third in school history. She began her professional volleyball journey in Manila, Philippines last season and is now playing in Hungary with Fatum-Nyíregyháza. Check in on Lohman to see how her second year of professional volleyball is going in this recent Gophers in the Pros edition.
You're playing in your second year as a professional volleyball player, this time in Hungary. Other than location, what has been the biggest differences between the two seasons?
"There are many differences between the two seasons. First off, the level of volleyball and competition is a lot different. Here in Hungary, we are playing in three different leagues. This means we get to play many teams. In the Philippines, we only played six other Filipino teams all season.
"Another big difference is that this year my days are very structured, and we follow a strict schedule. In a typical week we are practicing twice a day, plus lift/ conditioning three times a week, video sessions before afternoon practice, and mandatory stretching and rolling before and after each practice session. While in the Philippines, we often did not know the schedule until the night before."
Tell us about your current team and how the season is going so far.
"My team is currently playing in the Hungarian League, Hungarian Cup and CEV Cup. We are having a successful season so far! We are currently second in the Hungarian league and we are playing to make it to the finals in the Hungarian cup in two weeks. We are also competing in the 2nd round of CEV cup this week. We have set ourselves up well for the playoffs. My team and the coaches are working really hard in hopes of playing in the championships of both the Hungarian league and Hungarian cup."
What's something that you didn't know about playing professional volleyball that surprised you now that you're playing professionally?
"It is a lot different than playing in college. Playing professional is a full-time job, and there is a lot of demand and pressure. You are your own support system, and you have to grow up and learn to figure things out on your own."
Have you been able to go on any adventures, or see sites? If so, where?
"Last year I was able to go Island hopping in the Philippines. It was incredible. This year I have been able to explore Budapest and Vienna during Christmas time! Both are incredibly beautiful cities. Our schedule has been quite demanding so I am hoping that I can do some more exploring around Europe soon!"
What advice to you have for others wishing to play professional volleyball?
"The only magic is hard work. If you set your goals and intentions high, you can achieve anything. Always have fun, and don't forget why you play and your love for the game."
You're playing in your second year as a professional volleyball player, this time in Hungary. Other than location, what has been the biggest differences between the two seasons?
"There are many differences between the two seasons. First off, the level of volleyball and competition is a lot different. Here in Hungary, we are playing in three different leagues. This means we get to play many teams. In the Philippines, we only played six other Filipino teams all season.
"Another big difference is that this year my days are very structured, and we follow a strict schedule. In a typical week we are practicing twice a day, plus lift/ conditioning three times a week, video sessions before afternoon practice, and mandatory stretching and rolling before and after each practice session. While in the Philippines, we often did not know the schedule until the night before."
Tell us about your current team and how the season is going so far.
"My team is currently playing in the Hungarian League, Hungarian Cup and CEV Cup. We are having a successful season so far! We are currently second in the Hungarian league and we are playing to make it to the finals in the Hungarian cup in two weeks. We are also competing in the 2nd round of CEV cup this week. We have set ourselves up well for the playoffs. My team and the coaches are working really hard in hopes of playing in the championships of both the Hungarian league and Hungarian cup."
What's something that you didn't know about playing professional volleyball that surprised you now that you're playing professionally?
"It is a lot different than playing in college. Playing professional is a full-time job, and there is a lot of demand and pressure. You are your own support system, and you have to grow up and learn to figure things out on your own."
Have you been able to go on any adventures, or see sites? If so, where?
"Last year I was able to go Island hopping in the Philippines. It was incredible. This year I have been able to explore Budapest and Vienna during Christmas time! Both are incredibly beautiful cities. Our schedule has been quite demanding so I am hoping that I can do some more exploring around Europe soon!"
What advice to you have for others wishing to play professional volleyball?
"The only magic is hard work. If you set your goals and intentions high, you can achieve anything. Always have fun, and don't forget why you play and your love for the game."
Follow Women's Volleyball
Women's Volleyball Tickets
Experience the excitement and tradition connecting generations of Gopher fans! Create memories for a lifetime with your friends and family while you root for your Golden Gophers. Get Tickets
Support Women's Volleyball
Support the University of Minnesota Women's Volleyball program. Your support helps our student-athletes succeed athletically, academically, and socially. It takes just seconds to make a monthly or one-time donation. Thank you for your support! Give Now
2025 Season Recap
Tuesday, January 27
Best of Julia Hanson
Monday, December 22
Gophers Preview NCAA Sweet Sixteen
Tuesday, December 09
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Reach Sweet Sixteen
Tuesday, December 09