Colorado State University Athletics
Volleyball Blog: Summer
8/1/2018 11:18:00 AM | Volleyball
The Colorado State volleyball program is less than a week away from having its players return to campus and start preparations for the 2018 season. The following is a summer blog of what the Ram volleyball players did over their summer.
AMANDA YOUNG | DS | JR
Hey Ram fans!
It's crazy how fast this summer has flown by! I would love to give you a little glimpse of what my summer has been like so far. Right after finals week was over, I got to go on a family vacation to Kauai, Hawaii. After a busy spring season, I was able to enjoy some much needed time-off in paradise. Getting to spend time with my mom, explore the island, and relax on the beach was the perfect way to start off my summer.
When I returned home from Hawaii, I jumped right back into a busy schedule! During the month of June, I went through training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. I had classes Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM for about two weeks. At the end of those two weeks, I passed my final exams and got the opportunity to work in a clinical setting. I completed my clinical experience at the Centre Avenue Health and Rehab facility. The experience was so humbling and eye-opening for me, and by the end of my time there, I became extremely excited to see what my future holds as a nurse (hopefully in pediatrics). About two weeks later, I took another set of written and skills exams to officially obtain a license in the state of Colorado as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I have learned so much from the entire process, and passing the state exam with Katie Oleksak was definitely a highlight of my summer.
Other than that, I have enjoyed spending time with my teammates off the court, during summer weights/conditioning, and in open gyms. To close out the summer, I am going back home to Omaha for my cousin's wedding. Katie and Paulina will also be joining me (to attend their first wedding ever), and I look forward to showing them where I grew up! Although I have had a great summer, nothing excites me more than getting back on the court and playing in Moby again.
As always, I appreciate all of your support more than you know, and I can't wait to see you all again at the start of the season!
KIRSTIE HILLYER | MB | R-JR
This summer has been a whirl-wind of experiences and it's hard to even find where to begin. I suppose the beginning of the summer is a great spot with my amazing experience at the Ultimate Training Camp (UTC). About two weeks after the spring semester of school ended I signed up to be a part of UTC, which is a Christian camp for college athletes round the Globe, and yes I do mean around the globe because there was a guy from New Zealand even! Through this camp I was able to meet some amazing new people, grow my relationship with Christ, and take part in a twenty hour, non-stop physical challenge. This challenge consisted of different events that pushed me to my breaking point in order to help me turn to God in times of physical activity, like I face almost every day due to being a high level athlete. Perhaps one of the coolest things about this camp was the people I got to meet and the connections I was able to make. During the twenty hour challenge we were broken up into teams and my team consisted of people from all over such as Georgia volleyball, Rutgers, Yale, and even a starting linebacker for Alabama football (who I was able to go visit later in the summer!) The Ultimate Training Camp was definitely a life changing experience but my summer events did not stop there!
Starting on the fourth of July I got the opportunity to head overseas to play for the U.S. College National Team in the European Global Challenge. I have personally done this tournament in the past, once in 2014 for a U17 division team and in 2016 for the Mountain West All-Star Team, but this particular trip made for a special experience because my friend and fellow teammate Katie Oleksak made the team as well! We started our tour in Maribor, Slovenia, practicing there for a couple days, and then made our way to Pula, Croatia for the tournament! The tournament went very well for my team and we came out on top, winning the gold medal! Also, intermingled into our tournament time we were able to go to a local state park and go cliff jumping, swimming, and got to explore the natural caves! Part of what made this experience so good was the people that were on my team, I absolutely loved the group of girls. We then spent our last remaining day in Venice, Italy for some last-call bonding and a super cool new experience.
JESSICA JACKSON | OH | R-JR
This summer I was able to participate in the green and global program where we went to Petersfield Jamaica to serve the community and learn about the Jamaican culture as well. This was a trip that I really appreciated and enjoyed because I was really able to connect with not only the group from CSU who went, but also with the people we met in Petersfield. This trip taught me so much about my own identity as well and I continuously incorporate that into my daily life. Through our Labor Day service, dance parties, game nights, and tours around Jamaica I was able to be immersed in the culture and appreciate Jamaica for its roots; going beyond the tourist attractions to truly understand the people of Jamaica.
I was also able to be an intern at MADWIRE marketing for the last half of my summer. I really wanted to do his internship because I wanted to experience what operations were like outside of CSU since I will be graduating very soon. This internship taught me more than I knew even existed about marketing and design as well as valuable life lessons that were intended for marketing but really applied to life as well. I was able to sit in on meetings with the Marketing Executives and Marketing Consultants and really just absorb as much information as I possibly could from them in the short amount of time I was there. I was also able to work on the same training modules that the incoming marketing executives were working on so I had some background information when I was sitting in on these meetings and trainings. I am so appreciative for both of these opportunities this summer and all of the information that I will continue to take with me through life.
ELLIE GUBSER | MB | SO
This summer I have finally had the opportunity to explore my surroundings in Fort Collins. During the school year our team is so busy with volleyball and school, however, in the summer our load is much lighter. I have spent the majority of this summer living in Fort Collins, and I realized that I have not had the chance to participate in many of the attractions this city has to offer. Therefore, I have stuffed my time full of local activities. Fort Collins is known for its amazing food, and this summer I finally realized why. Some of my favorite local eateries include Cafe Vino, Rainbow Restaurant, and Silver Grill. I also love going to the food trucks with my teammates on Wednesday nights. Water sports are a staple in any summer diet and the Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir provide tons of great options to cool off. The most relaxing day this summer was floating down the Poudre in an old tractor tire inner tube. Paddle boarding on Horsetooth Reservoir was another one of my favorites, albeit less relaxing when the boats create waves that flip the board. At night when we could no longer be out on the water, Fort Fun provided entertainment. The laser tag arena and the mini golf courses are perfect locations for evening summer fun.
As a student athlete, summer also includes workouts and a summer course. In addition to the lifting and conditioning sessions that we do as a team, I have continued my exploration of Fort Collins and taken up spinning classes at CycleBar. This cross training has provided leg strengthening and endurance that will come in handy this fall. Although school in the summer might sound like a bad thing, I have just added two minors to my biology major, and I have been taking an interesting course to begin to fulfill these credits. The two areas of study are real estate and business administration. My summer course is Legal and Ethical Issues in Business, and this class has been a refreshing change from the many science courses that I take during the academic year. Overall, the past few months have made Fort Collins feel more like home for me.
OLIVIA NICHOLSON | OH | JR
Ultimate Training Camp, year 2! Last year I went to UTC as a camper and it changed my life. This year I went back as an intern. Ultimate Training Camp is a camp for college/pro athletes to learn what it means to play for Christ. As an intern we lead small groups, met one-on-one with athletes, and helped Camp participants learn and apply biblical principles to their specific sport. We were trained to share the gospel and practiced what it meant to be a servant leader. - I will forever be prayerful for my UTC family and could do this every summer of my life.
JENNA HEINEMEYER | DS | SO
Hi!
I can't believe summer is almost coming to a close! I feel as if it just started! When we got done in May with finals, I went to Miami with my friend Chloe from high school and relaxed on the beach! We had so much fun just sitting by the pool and hanging out! Then I flew down to Arizona for a quick trip to visit my family.
Before I knew it, I was moving back to Fort Collins with Ellie to start my classes and job! I took Macroeconomics and Statistics this summer and they kept me busy for sure! I worked all summer at Cafe Vino as a hostess and absolutely loved it! Such good food—everyone should put them on their list to go try. :)
Other than that, I frequently went up to Horsetooth Reservoir with the team and went paddle boarding! Last week we also got a bunch of us together and tubed the Poudre. Which was an adventure to say the least!
Now onto the next adventure...SEASON!
MADDI FOUTZ | DS | SO
This summer I had the opportunity to work at the EasterSeals Respite center in Denver, CO. The center's main purpose is to offer relief to families who have children with various disabilities. We worked with children who are six to eighteen years old who are all so wonderful, so bright, and so special in their own unique way. Some of the children we worked with are nonverbal and unable to move, while others were happy to run, bounce, and play all night long!
Each day we would set up fun activities such as card games, themed yoga, and even having the zoo come visit the kids! We did our best to make sure that each child had a good time, while we also took care of their medical needs.
This experience was enlightening and truly humbling, because I have a whole new perspective on how lucky I am. However, I also gained a new understanding of how much we all are able to help change the lives of the people around us by offering our love, compassion, time, and our faith. I'm thankful God blessed me with the opportunity to meet these new, wonderful people and that He helped me see a new passion I have within myself.
PAULINA HOUGAARD-JENSEN | MB | JR
I went back to Denmark for 2 months after the school year ended. Since FIVB changed the schedule for the European qualifications, I did not get a chance to play for the national team this summer. The weather was really nice (it hasn't been this warm in Denmark since World War I) and I played a lot of sand volleyball at the beach and jumped in the harbor almost every day. End of May I went to Cologne in Germany to visit my current roommate Fiona who plays on the CSU golf team and after that I drove to Heidelberg to visit my old roommate from Finland who has an internship there. I also went to my friend's summerhouse for a weekend in Sweden where we chilled with games, good food and sailing.
Although I took online classes while I was home, I had a lot of free time to hang out with my friends. We like to ride our bikes to different places in Copenhagen, get coffee or good food and jump into the canals. Because the World Cup was on, I watched a lot of soccer and everyone was gathered in front of big screens when the Danish national team was playing. I rode my bike through the city when we played the first game and it was so quiet because everyone was watching. When we scored all cars started honking and everyone was screaming like the city went back to life, which was really cool.
KATIE OLEKSAK | S | JR
This summer has been a busy one. I went home to Arizona for about 3 weeks to catch up with family and friends. In early June I went to Boulder and stayed with my mom's friend while I took my CNA class from 8-5 pm. After those two weeks, I left from DIA to go on a family trip to Cape Cod, MA. We stayed for about 10 days and kayaked, sailed, and chilled by the beach. That was a nice break before heading back home to train and practice for a week for my European trip with the USA team. After being in AZ for a week, I left for Europe on July 4th with Kirstie and Breana. We played each other in the finals match, which was pretty awesome. I finally got back to Fort Collins after all of those adventures and I took my state exam to be certified as a CNA! It was a summer to remember, but I'm glad to finally be back in the Fort. Until next summer!
BREANA RUNNELS | OH | SO
Summer was an eventful one. The beginning of summer I spent almost every day with former CSU volleyball player Jasmine Hanna. We spent our time at the pool and trying new homemade recipes. Along with that I worked an internship on campus doing fire and life safety inspections to make sure residents living in CSU facilities were living under safe conditions. This job was enjoyable because I was able to get involved in the community and make a difference in others' lives.
Later in the summer was my Global Challenge with the Mountain West All-Star Team where I got to play with some other players from different conference teams such as Boise State, San Diego State, and Air Force. We started in London and got to visit a few monumental statues and old beautiful buildings. We then traveled to Middlesbrough, England to practice and prepare for the tournament ahead of us. An unfortunate turn of events didn't allow us to attend the opening ceremony for the competition, but with great efforts by the girls on my team we turned our trip around and got second place! I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity and even land a few kills against my teammates Katie and Kirstie on the opposite side of the net!
#PointRams
AMANDA YOUNG | DS | JR
Hey Ram fans!
It's crazy how fast this summer has flown by! I would love to give you a little glimpse of what my summer has been like so far. Right after finals week was over, I got to go on a family vacation to Kauai, Hawaii. After a busy spring season, I was able to enjoy some much needed time-off in paradise. Getting to spend time with my mom, explore the island, and relax on the beach was the perfect way to start off my summer.
 |
When I returned home from Hawaii, I jumped right back into a busy schedule! During the month of June, I went through training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. I had classes Monday-Friday from 9 AM- 5 PM for about two weeks. At the end of those two weeks, I passed my final exams and got the opportunity to work in a clinical setting. I completed my clinical experience at the Centre Avenue Health and Rehab facility. The experience was so humbling and eye-opening for me, and by the end of my time there, I became extremely excited to see what my future holds as a nurse (hopefully in pediatrics). About two weeks later, I took another set of written and skills exams to officially obtain a license in the state of Colorado as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I have learned so much from the entire process, and passing the state exam with Katie Oleksak was definitely a highlight of my summer.
Other than that, I have enjoyed spending time with my teammates off the court, during summer weights/conditioning, and in open gyms. To close out the summer, I am going back home to Omaha for my cousin's wedding. Katie and Paulina will also be joining me (to attend their first wedding ever), and I look forward to showing them where I grew up! Although I have had a great summer, nothing excites me more than getting back on the court and playing in Moby again.
As always, I appreciate all of your support more than you know, and I can't wait to see you all again at the start of the season!
KIRSTIE HILLYER | MB | R-JR
This summer has been a whirl-wind of experiences and it's hard to even find where to begin. I suppose the beginning of the summer is a great spot with my amazing experience at the Ultimate Training Camp (UTC). About two weeks after the spring semester of school ended I signed up to be a part of UTC, which is a Christian camp for college athletes round the Globe, and yes I do mean around the globe because there was a guy from New Zealand even! Through this camp I was able to meet some amazing new people, grow my relationship with Christ, and take part in a twenty hour, non-stop physical challenge. This challenge consisted of different events that pushed me to my breaking point in order to help me turn to God in times of physical activity, like I face almost every day due to being a high level athlete. Perhaps one of the coolest things about this camp was the people I got to meet and the connections I was able to make. During the twenty hour challenge we were broken up into teams and my team consisted of people from all over such as Georgia volleyball, Rutgers, Yale, and even a starting linebacker for Alabama football (who I was able to go visit later in the summer!) The Ultimate Training Camp was definitely a life changing experience but my summer events did not stop there!
Starting on the fourth of July I got the opportunity to head overseas to play for the U.S. College National Team in the European Global Challenge. I have personally done this tournament in the past, once in 2014 for a U17 division team and in 2016 for the Mountain West All-Star Team, but this particular trip made for a special experience because my friend and fellow teammate Katie Oleksak made the team as well! We started our tour in Maribor, Slovenia, practicing there for a couple days, and then made our way to Pula, Croatia for the tournament! The tournament went very well for my team and we came out on top, winning the gold medal! Also, intermingled into our tournament time we were able to go to a local state park and go cliff jumping, swimming, and got to explore the natural caves! Part of what made this experience so good was the people that were on my team, I absolutely loved the group of girls. We then spent our last remaining day in Venice, Italy for some last-call bonding and a super cool new experience.
JESSICA JACKSON | OH | R-JR
This summer I was able to participate in the green and global program where we went to Petersfield Jamaica to serve the community and learn about the Jamaican culture as well. This was a trip that I really appreciated and enjoyed because I was really able to connect with not only the group from CSU who went, but also with the people we met in Petersfield. This trip taught me so much about my own identity as well and I continuously incorporate that into my daily life. Through our Labor Day service, dance parties, game nights, and tours around Jamaica I was able to be immersed in the culture and appreciate Jamaica for its roots; going beyond the tourist attractions to truly understand the people of Jamaica.
 |
I was also able to be an intern at MADWIRE marketing for the last half of my summer. I really wanted to do his internship because I wanted to experience what operations were like outside of CSU since I will be graduating very soon. This internship taught me more than I knew even existed about marketing and design as well as valuable life lessons that were intended for marketing but really applied to life as well. I was able to sit in on meetings with the Marketing Executives and Marketing Consultants and really just absorb as much information as I possibly could from them in the short amount of time I was there. I was also able to work on the same training modules that the incoming marketing executives were working on so I had some background information when I was sitting in on these meetings and trainings. I am so appreciative for both of these opportunities this summer and all of the information that I will continue to take with me through life.
ELLIE GUBSER | MB | SO
This summer I have finally had the opportunity to explore my surroundings in Fort Collins. During the school year our team is so busy with volleyball and school, however, in the summer our load is much lighter. I have spent the majority of this summer living in Fort Collins, and I realized that I have not had the chance to participate in many of the attractions this city has to offer. Therefore, I have stuffed my time full of local activities. Fort Collins is known for its amazing food, and this summer I finally realized why. Some of my favorite local eateries include Cafe Vino, Rainbow Restaurant, and Silver Grill. I also love going to the food trucks with my teammates on Wednesday nights. Water sports are a staple in any summer diet and the Poudre River and Horsetooth Reservoir provide tons of great options to cool off. The most relaxing day this summer was floating down the Poudre in an old tractor tire inner tube. Paddle boarding on Horsetooth Reservoir was another one of my favorites, albeit less relaxing when the boats create waves that flip the board. At night when we could no longer be out on the water, Fort Fun provided entertainment. The laser tag arena and the mini golf courses are perfect locations for evening summer fun.
As a student athlete, summer also includes workouts and a summer course. In addition to the lifting and conditioning sessions that we do as a team, I have continued my exploration of Fort Collins and taken up spinning classes at CycleBar. This cross training has provided leg strengthening and endurance that will come in handy this fall. Although school in the summer might sound like a bad thing, I have just added two minors to my biology major, and I have been taking an interesting course to begin to fulfill these credits. The two areas of study are real estate and business administration. My summer course is Legal and Ethical Issues in Business, and this class has been a refreshing change from the many science courses that I take during the academic year. Overall, the past few months have made Fort Collins feel more like home for me.
OLIVIA NICHOLSON | OH | JR
Ultimate Training Camp, year 2! Last year I went to UTC as a camper and it changed my life. This year I went back as an intern. Ultimate Training Camp is a camp for college/pro athletes to learn what it means to play for Christ. As an intern we lead small groups, met one-on-one with athletes, and helped Camp participants learn and apply biblical principles to their specific sport. We were trained to share the gospel and practiced what it meant to be a servant leader. - I will forever be prayerful for my UTC family and could do this every summer of my life.
 |
 |
JENNA HEINEMEYER | DS | SO
Hi!
I can't believe summer is almost coming to a close! I feel as if it just started! When we got done in May with finals, I went to Miami with my friend Chloe from high school and relaxed on the beach! We had so much fun just sitting by the pool and hanging out! Then I flew down to Arizona for a quick trip to visit my family.
Before I knew it, I was moving back to Fort Collins with Ellie to start my classes and job! I took Macroeconomics and Statistics this summer and they kept me busy for sure! I worked all summer at Cafe Vino as a hostess and absolutely loved it! Such good food—everyone should put them on their list to go try. :)
Other than that, I frequently went up to Horsetooth Reservoir with the team and went paddle boarding! Last week we also got a bunch of us together and tubed the Poudre. Which was an adventure to say the least!
Now onto the next adventure...SEASON!
MADDI FOUTZ | DS | SO
This summer I had the opportunity to work at the EasterSeals Respite center in Denver, CO. The center's main purpose is to offer relief to families who have children with various disabilities. We worked with children who are six to eighteen years old who are all so wonderful, so bright, and so special in their own unique way. Some of the children we worked with are nonverbal and unable to move, while others were happy to run, bounce, and play all night long!
Each day we would set up fun activities such as card games, themed yoga, and even having the zoo come visit the kids! We did our best to make sure that each child had a good time, while we also took care of their medical needs.
This experience was enlightening and truly humbling, because I have a whole new perspective on how lucky I am. However, I also gained a new understanding of how much we all are able to help change the lives of the people around us by offering our love, compassion, time, and our faith. I'm thankful God blessed me with the opportunity to meet these new, wonderful people and that He helped me see a new passion I have within myself.
 |
 |
PAULINA HOUGAARD-JENSEN | MB | JR
I went back to Denmark for 2 months after the school year ended. Since FIVB changed the schedule for the European qualifications, I did not get a chance to play for the national team this summer. The weather was really nice (it hasn't been this warm in Denmark since World War I) and I played a lot of sand volleyball at the beach and jumped in the harbor almost every day. End of May I went to Cologne in Germany to visit my current roommate Fiona who plays on the CSU golf team and after that I drove to Heidelberg to visit my old roommate from Finland who has an internship there. I also went to my friend's summerhouse for a weekend in Sweden where we chilled with games, good food and sailing.
Although I took online classes while I was home, I had a lot of free time to hang out with my friends. We like to ride our bikes to different places in Copenhagen, get coffee or good food and jump into the canals. Because the World Cup was on, I watched a lot of soccer and everyone was gathered in front of big screens when the Danish national team was playing. I rode my bike through the city when we played the first game and it was so quiet because everyone was watching. When we scored all cars started honking and everyone was screaming like the city went back to life, which was really cool.
KATIE OLEKSAK | S | JR
This summer has been a busy one. I went home to Arizona for about 3 weeks to catch up with family and friends. In early June I went to Boulder and stayed with my mom's friend while I took my CNA class from 8-5 pm. After those two weeks, I left from DIA to go on a family trip to Cape Cod, MA. We stayed for about 10 days and kayaked, sailed, and chilled by the beach. That was a nice break before heading back home to train and practice for a week for my European trip with the USA team. After being in AZ for a week, I left for Europe on July 4th with Kirstie and Breana. We played each other in the finals match, which was pretty awesome. I finally got back to Fort Collins after all of those adventures and I took my state exam to be certified as a CNA! It was a summer to remember, but I'm glad to finally be back in the Fort. Until next summer!
 |
BREANA RUNNELS | OH | SO
Summer was an eventful one. The beginning of summer I spent almost every day with former CSU volleyball player Jasmine Hanna. We spent our time at the pool and trying new homemade recipes. Along with that I worked an internship on campus doing fire and life safety inspections to make sure residents living in CSU facilities were living under safe conditions. This job was enjoyable because I was able to get involved in the community and make a difference in others' lives.
Later in the summer was my Global Challenge with the Mountain West All-Star Team where I got to play with some other players from different conference teams such as Boise State, San Diego State, and Air Force. We started in London and got to visit a few monumental statues and old beautiful buildings. We then traveled to Middlesbrough, England to practice and prepare for the tournament ahead of us. An unfortunate turn of events didn't allow us to attend the opening ceremony for the competition, but with great efforts by the girls on my team we turned our trip around and got second place! I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity and even land a few kills against my teammates Katie and Kirstie on the opposite side of the net!
 |
Single-match tickets for the 2018 Colorado State volleyball season are now on sale. Fans can purchase single-match tickets for any of the 15-home matches at Moby Arena. Included among the home opponents are Illinois, Florida State and TCU, all of which made postseason appearances a season ago. The CSU volleyball program is encouraging guests to attend its home-opening match against Illinois, with the goal of selling out Moby Arena for the first time in volleyball program history.
Mini-plan pricing starts at $26, depending on the matches chosen for a particular five-game plan. Packages that include the season-opening match versus Illinois or against Florida State will be priced higher based on the single-match pricing for those contests.
The CSU athletics ticket office is continuing to process season ticket renewals for the 2018 season. Season ticket packages are available as low as $60. Fans will have the option to pay for their tickets in full up front, or enroll in a convenient four-month bill plan. Fans can save on parking as well, purchasing a season-long pass for $50.
CSU student tickets to 2018 athletic events will become available on Tuesday, August 7 at 8 a.m.
The Rams have been one of the nation's most consistently successful programs for more than two decades. CSU has reached 23 consecutive NCAA Tournaments (the seventh-longest streak in the NCAA), reaching the 20-win plateau in each of those seasons. Under Hilbert, the Rams own a 538-126 overall record, while a 301-35 home record and have ranked in the top-20 nationally in attendance every year since 2004.
Those interested in the volleyball season ticket renewals or new season ticket purchases can call 1-800-491-RAMS or visit CSURams.com/Tickets for more information.
Mini-plan pricing starts at $26, depending on the matches chosen for a particular five-game plan. Packages that include the season-opening match versus Illinois or against Florida State will be priced higher based on the single-match pricing for those contests.
The CSU athletics ticket office is continuing to process season ticket renewals for the 2018 season. Season ticket packages are available as low as $60. Fans will have the option to pay for their tickets in full up front, or enroll in a convenient four-month bill plan. Fans can save on parking as well, purchasing a season-long pass for $50.
CSU student tickets to 2018 athletic events will become available on Tuesday, August 7 at 8 a.m.
The Rams have been one of the nation's most consistently successful programs for more than two decades. CSU has reached 23 consecutive NCAA Tournaments (the seventh-longest streak in the NCAA), reaching the 20-win plateau in each of those seasons. Under Hilbert, the Rams own a 538-126 overall record, while a 301-35 home record and have ranked in the top-20 nationally in attendance every year since 2004.
Those interested in the volleyball season ticket renewals or new season ticket purchases can call 1-800-491-RAMS or visit CSURams.com/Tickets for more information.
#PointRams
Players Mentioned
OH
/ Volleyball
S
/ VolleyballMonday, November 17
Monday, September 22
Thursday, August 07
Thursday, August 07