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Athlete of the week
BY ROBERT DOWNS
STATESMAN STAFF WRITERPHOTO
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Gangelhoff is one of UMD's leaders.
The many experienced leaders on the Bulldog volleyball team. The junior setter has been coming up with crucial digs and setting up kills the entire season. In the last six games, Gangelhoff has averaged an electrifying 54 sets per game, according to the UMD Web site.
Gangelhoff says that head coach Jim Boos recruited her for more than her playing skills.
"[Boos] recruited me because he saw the potential leader in me," she said. "I didn't even have the skills then as a setter."
Boos was one of the main reasons Gangelhoff chose UMD. "[I chose UMD] because of our coach," she said. "I knew UMD has always had a good volleyball program here."
The great volleyball tradition is continuing this year, as the Bulldogs are now ranked No. 1 in the nation by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). The squad has only lost one game all year, and definitely has momentum entering the post-season.
Gangelhoff says the ranking isn't the most important thing for them right now. "I mean it's obviously a great accomplishment to be No. 1 in the nation," she said. "What matters in the end, though, is the outcome of our final game, which is hopefully the National Championship."
Gangelhoff has received an array of awards during her illustrious career at UMD. Last year alone, she was selected to the AVCA Division II All-America Second team. She was named the North Central Conference (NCC) Setter of the Week five times, and earned the AVCA National Player of the Week once, according to the Web site.
According to Gangelhoff, her favorite part of Bulldog volleyball is the thrill of competition. "I love the competition. It's such a great atmosphere here," she said. "The fans are great." Gangelhoff is an Art Education major, but she is positive that she wants volleyball to be a big part of her life.
"I actually wouldn't mind coaching in the future," she said. "Whether it's high school or college, I'm not really sure yet."
