Colorado State University Athletics

Colorado State Volleyball Alumni Check-In

Volleyball Alumni Check-In

Name (Playing)
Tammy Berouty (Stanziole)

Years Played
1980-82

Where do you currently live?
Solvang, CA

Current Occupation
Chiropractor (retired)

Update on Life
I retired after twenty years of practice in California and Colorado. My husband Sam, two boys, Sammy and Dante, and I have lived in the Santa Barbara area since 1997.

Favorite Memory as a Ram
The women I played with. We still stay in contact with each other and get together at the Volleyball Alumni gatherings.

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
Ram Volleyball taught me to challenge myself and push beyond my limits. The confidence I gained playing volleyball at CSU helped me become the doctor I am today.

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Don't accept good enough. Push to do your very best on and off the court. Enjoyed the women you play volleyball with, get to know who they are. Challenge yourself to meet people outside of your field of study.
 

Name (Playing)
Krista Wilper (Swartzendruber)

Years Played
1997-2000

Where do you currently live?
Golden, CO

Current Occupation
Owner of Synergy Invested LLC - Real Estate Investor

Update on Life
Happily married with three boys, ages 12, 10 & 7.

Favorite Memory as a Ram
Too many for just one... beating UCLA for #3 ranking, Europe tour, running multiple suicides because Vance chose to play middle blocker in a drill, coaches honoring me with a clock because the other 5 starters earned all-conference awards, the fans, the indescribable feeling of walking on the court in Moby Arena - the Moby Magic.

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
CSU Volleyball is a special program. You may not realize it when you are in the day to day of a competitive season but when you meet other collegiate players after your final season you quickly learn that not all college programs operate the same. Tom creates a sense of community and family from the teammates to the fans to the staff. Tom goes above and beyond to ensure you have a positive memorable experience, not just a successful season. This survey is proof in the atmosphere he cultivates in keeping alumni involved and that he is committed to your lifelong success.

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Gratitude. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easily and being a D1 athlete is no different. Focus on the joy from the experience, create memories and treasure the lifelong friendships you are gaining. Realize there are many people that would give anything to be in your place if they only had the chance. The skills you develop being a RAM are lifelong advantages. Apply them not only to your game on the court but in pursuing your dreams after college. Have a game plan and be strategic, push yourself beyond your comfort zone, don't settle, effectively manage your time, continue to be competitive and never give up, believe in yourself, strive to get better every day and reach for the stars. You are your greatest asset. To get something you have never had before you have to DO things you have never done before.
 

Name (Playing)
Marlee Reynolds (Richburg)

Years Played
2010-2014

Where do you currently live?
San Jose, CA

Current Occupation
Homemaker :)

Update on Life
Had a baby in May (Cash Theodore).

Favorite Memory as a Ram
Beating CU in five sets to advance to Sweet Sixteen!

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
It means being apart of history! Volleyball is such a HUGE part of CSU and the community, it was awesome to leave a mark there and be apart of something so big!

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
To make the most of the opportunity. CHOOSE joy, no matter how hard it gets, choose to love your teammates and to be happy!
 

Name (Playing)
Lori Utley

Years Played
1978-1982

Where do you currently live?
La Veta, CO

Current Occupation
Semi-Retired

Update on Life
Two great grandsons, 6 grandkids, partner of 22 years (Kass Mason). Just bought a motorcycle- Loving the backroads of Colorado. Painter, potter, baker, cook, fly-fishing guide, life-long learner. Enjoying life!

Favorite Memory as a Ram
Being a part of building women’s D-1 volleyball with incredible teammates and creating life-long friends as a result of our long road trips, practices and playing schedule both in Fall and USVBA spring ball.

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
So proud of the successful CSU program and how it has been developed into a true inclusive RAM-ily through reaching out to the alumnus and recognizing them as the shoulders for which the program now stands on.

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Savor and enjoy every moment of your student-athlete days! Keep your teammates close to you through life...they will become lifelong friends.
 

Name (Playing)
Casey Kennedy (Bauer)

Years Played
2002-2005

Where do you currently live?
Cortez, CO

Current Occupation
Massage Therapist

Update on Life
Just had my first child in January 2020, married almost 8 years to my high school sweetheart, a fireman and avid hunter.

Favorite Memory as a Ram
Two a day practices in August, where we all stayed in the dorms together and got to know each other. Terrifying, exhilarating, heart warming, soul crushing time of my life.

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
Being a Ram Volleyball player sets you apart from the rest of the world. The experience is truly unique, one than you will cherish forever. The things that challenge us the most, we remember the most fondly.

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Put your phone down and try as best you can to live in the moment. What you are doing each day may seem dumb, frustrating for even mundane at times, but they are moments you will never get back and you have an opportunity to make the most of it. The days are long, but the years are fast. Soak that shit in. The good and the bad are all a part of your story.
 

Name (Playing)
Kelsey Snider

Years Played
2010-2014

Where do you currently live?
Colorado Springs, CO

Current Occupation
Social Media Coordinator for the NSCA

Update on Life
No marriages or babies. Just me living with my boyfriend and our dog.

Favorite Memory as a Ram
The competitive practices. There were so many times where we would be at each other's throat about whether there was a touch or if the ball was in or out, and we all understood each other's "crazy" mindsets at the end of the day. You can't do that in the "real" world. People look at me like I'm nuts. I mean, lunchtime Spikeball at the NSCA gets competitive, and it's hard to keep my crazy competitive nature at bay.

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
Pride. It means every time I step on a court to play, I will still hold myself to the highest standard even if it's Tuesday night rec league.

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Don't take it for granted. I've been out for 6 years now, and I miss the friendships and the grind you go through with your other teammates who have the same mentality as you do. They understand your motivation and drive because that's what motivates them too.
 

Name (Playing)
Lindsey Nichols (Hillegass)

Years Played
2005-2007

Where do you currently live?
Medford, NJ

Current Occupation
Animal Health Pharmaceutical Sales

Update on Life
I moved to the east coast 5 years ago. Married for almost 3 years and now the mother to a beautiful and fiery 18 month old girl.

Favorite Memory as a Ram
Conference tournament championship in Las Vegas. We were behind against Utah. We battled back and won the match. (Tom ran out of subs and I was able to block a big outside in Mokelki’s place. Still remember how huge I felt lol).

What does it mean to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
It was an absolute honor to play for CSU. I have nothing but pride when I look back at my time (even though it was short!)

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Take it all in. Time flies by. Experience everything possible!
 

Name (Playing)
Sherri Fenn (Danielson)

Years Played
1982-1985

Where do you currently live?
Costa Mesa, CA

Current Occupation
Email Marketing Manager for OWC Studios and Coach and Program Coordinator for Balboa Bay Volleyball Club

Update on Life
I am married to my husband Pat and we have two sons Jantzen (20) and Caden (17). Finally stopped playing volleyball two years ago because I had to have shoulder replacement surgery. No playing but I still coach our 14 and under boys.

Favorite Memory as a Ram
NCAA playoffs vs the University of Arizona. Our Ram fans are just the best and they came out in force. The energy was amazing and we fought our way to a great W that night.

What does it mean to you to be an Alumni of Ram Volleyball?
Some of my most favorite volleyball memories come from my days at CSU. We had a fun, hard working group of talented women that came together to take this team into the top 10. What I love most is that this was just the start and the teams and players that came after us just continue to excel and I am so proud to be a part of this program.

What is one piece of advice you'd give current Ram Players?
Fight for what you want and give it everything you have. You are the only one who truly knows the total effort mentally and physically that you gave every time you step out on the court. Knowing you gave it your all allows you to hold your head up high no matter the outcome.