University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Alumna Update: Tera (Fiamengo) Schneider
10/1/2020 10:39:00 AM | Volleyball
Tera (Fiamengo) Schneider was a four-year letterwinner from 1993-96 and was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. During her time with Minnesota, Fiamengo saw the transition of coaches as well as venues, from Williams Arena to the Pavilion. As a senior, the right side hitter was a starter and played in 35 matches, hit .290 and had 273 kills as the Gophers advanced to the NCAA Second Round. Hailing from Long Beach, Calif., and St. Anthony High School, she went on to coach club volleyball before moving back to her home state after her Gopher tenure. Read more on what Tera has been up to in this recent Gophers alumna update.
Gophersports: What led you to the University of Minnesota?
Tera Fiamengo: As a high school senior, I knew I did not want to stay in California for school. I wanted to go far away and experience something different for four years. I chose Minnesota because the campus is amazing, it was close to a big city and the campus was huge (I came from a very small high school). I really love Sue Jackson and Kate on my recruiting trip. Vivian (Langely) and Steph (Schleuder) were fun and they told us when the team travels, they help you experience the area (from club that was a whole new concept for me). Plus, Minnesota was top school on environmental studies. However, I knew if I changed majors, which I did, they had so any other degrees.
GS: You graduated in 1996, what have you been up to since your time with the Gophers?
TF: I stayed in Minnesota and coached with Minnesota 1 and Northern Lights from 1997-2002. I stumbled across teaching and was at ISD 196 at a school for students with emotional and behavior challenges. In 2002, I decided it was time to go back to California. Since returning, I have been a middle school special education teacher teaching math. I have been married and have 3 amazing kids. My life is no where near a gym as my three kids chose swimming as their passion. Currently, I am helping guide my oldest through recruiting process. I am looking forward to retiring in 10 years.
GS: Are you still involved with the sport of volleyball?
TF: I have nothing to do with volleyball except keeps an eye on the Gophers via Instagram, a volleyball group on Facebook, and an occasional game on TV. I had open heart surgery 20 months ago out of no where and have been pretty sidelined since.
GS: What was something you were the most proud of or your favorite memory while a Gopher?
TF: I am proud of being the start of something great. My freshman year sweet 16, to the hiring of Mike Hebert, to coaching three future Gophers (Jessica Byrnes, Kelly Bowman and Malama Pinada). I was a part of the group that first got to play in the Pavilion. Proud of the upsets, tight games, but most of all, learning how to balance school and volleyball has helped me tremendously as an adult.
GS: What advice do you have the current team?
TF: Enjoy it. Even the rough days. You will learn so many unexpected lessons you will use as an employee, mom, and friend. This time is invaluable.
Gophersports: What led you to the University of Minnesota?
Tera Fiamengo: As a high school senior, I knew I did not want to stay in California for school. I wanted to go far away and experience something different for four years. I chose Minnesota because the campus is amazing, it was close to a big city and the campus was huge (I came from a very small high school). I really love Sue Jackson and Kate on my recruiting trip. Vivian (Langely) and Steph (Schleuder) were fun and they told us when the team travels, they help you experience the area (from club that was a whole new concept for me). Plus, Minnesota was top school on environmental studies. However, I knew if I changed majors, which I did, they had so any other degrees.
GS: You graduated in 1996, what have you been up to since your time with the Gophers?
TF: I stayed in Minnesota and coached with Minnesota 1 and Northern Lights from 1997-2002. I stumbled across teaching and was at ISD 196 at a school for students with emotional and behavior challenges. In 2002, I decided it was time to go back to California. Since returning, I have been a middle school special education teacher teaching math. I have been married and have 3 amazing kids. My life is no where near a gym as my three kids chose swimming as their passion. Currently, I am helping guide my oldest through recruiting process. I am looking forward to retiring in 10 years.
GS: Are you still involved with the sport of volleyball?
TF: I have nothing to do with volleyball except keeps an eye on the Gophers via Instagram, a volleyball group on Facebook, and an occasional game on TV. I had open heart surgery 20 months ago out of no where and have been pretty sidelined since.
GS: What was something you were the most proud of or your favorite memory while a Gopher?
TF: I am proud of being the start of something great. My freshman year sweet 16, to the hiring of Mike Hebert, to coaching three future Gophers (Jessica Byrnes, Kelly Bowman and Malama Pinada). I was a part of the group that first got to play in the Pavilion. Proud of the upsets, tight games, but most of all, learning how to balance school and volleyball has helped me tremendously as an adult.
GS: What advice do you have the current team?
TF: Enjoy it. Even the rough days. You will learn so many unexpected lessons you will use as an employee, mom, and friend. This time is invaluable.
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