Sara Nielsen

2017 - University of Minnesota Gopher Volleyball hosts Maryland

-- Copyright Christopher Mitchell / SportShotPhoto.com

Class:
Sophomore
Position:
Setter
Height:
5-11
High School:
Benet Academy
Hometown:
Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Major:
Undecided

PRONUNCIATION

2018 - SOPHOMORE SEASON:
Academic All-Big Ten selection • saw action in 40 sets her sophomore season • added two assists and first collegiate ace in the North Carolina match • saw action in the Georgia Southern match and had five assists, an ace, block and dig in the win • had a career-best six assists in the win over Maryland • provided an ace and two assists in the win over Northwestern (10/3/18) • added a dig in the Nebraska win • posted two digs in the win over Northwestern (1/13/18) • saw action against both Iowa (10/19) and Nebraska (10/20) • had a dig in the win over Ohio State • had an ace in the Rutgers win • saw action in the Gophers’ win over Bryant.

2017 - FRESHMAN SEASON:
Saw action in four sets during her freshman season • made her collegiate debut in the 3-1 win over Louisville (Aug. 26) and played in one set • saw action against Michigan State • recorded her first collegiate assist during the Nebraska match • added three assists in the win over Rutgers.

HIGH SCHOOL/CLUB:
Played for Benet Academy and Mizuno Sports Performance Volleyball • named a 2016 Under Armour All-America honorable mention • ranked 69th in Prepvolleyball.com's Senior Aces • first-team all-state selection • helped Benet to sectional and conference championships in 2015 and a regional championship in 2016 • all-conference selection in both 2016 and 2015 and honorable mention status as a sophomore • had 968 assists, 122 digs, 28 aces, 26 blocks and 63 kills • played five years at Sports Performance and won the 18-Open national championship, a world championship and was a 2015 AAU All-American • played in the European Global Challenge with the U22 BIP Midwest Team in Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia • was an honor roll student in high school.

PERSONAL:
The daughter of Rob Nielsen, Gwen Nielsen and Chris Gambol • undecided on a major • has an older brother, Connor • mother, Gwen, played volleyball at Northwestern, and aunt, Kelly, played volleyball at Purdue • step-father, Chris, played football and ran track at Iowa. He also played in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots • father, Rob, played water polo at West Point.