University of Minnesota Athletics
Cassie Busse - M Club Hall of Fame
Cassie Bussie-Kimes
Class of 2021
Volleyball: 2000-03
Cassie Busse-Kimes was one of the key players that propelled Minnesota Volleyball into one of the nation's top programs. The opposite hitter from Prior Lake, Minn., helped lead Minnesota to four straight NCAA Tournaments, it's first Big Ten title in 2002 and it's maiden trip to the NCAA Final Four in 2003.
As a senior, Busse-Kimes became just the fourth player in school history to record more than 500 kills in a season in back-to-back seasons and was named the Big Ten Player of the Week four times. She was named an All-American for the second straight year and was named the Big Ten Player of the Year. Busse-Kimes also excelled in the classroom and earned Academic All-America honors in 2002 and 2003 and was also awarded the 2003 Big Ten Medal of Honor. She was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2003 NCAA Regional as well, helping the Gophers into the Final Four.
A two-time First Team All-Big Ten pick, Busse-Kimes finished her career ranked sixth on the career kills list with 1,502. Her total of 614 in 2003 was the fifth-highest in school history.
After graduation, Busse-Kimes played extensively for Team USA for five seasons, including a trip to the 2007 Pan Am Games.