University of Minnesota Athletics
Chris Schaefer - M Club Hall of Fame
Chris (Schaefer) Podraza
Class of 2021
Volleyball: 1986-89
One of Minnesota's first volleyball stars, Chris (Schaefer) Podraza was the second Minnesota player to be named First Team All-Big Ten honors twice in 1988 and 1989. She became the third Gopher to earn All-America honors, receiving third team accolades from Volleyball Magazine as a senior in 1989. She was also a two-time All-Region selection.
As a junior, the Cincinnati, Ohio native set a new school record for kills in a season with 646. She graduated ranking second all-time in program history in kills (1,826) and fourth in service aces (201).
In Podraza's senior season, the Gophers reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time, advancing to the second round. She went on to play seven professional beach volleyball seasons in the Women's Professional Volleyball Association and reached a ranking of No. 3 in the United States.