From the time she was a kid, Samantha Seliger-Swenson knew the value of teamwork. The Gophers freshman spent much of her childhood in the gym, watching the players guided by her mother — a high school and club volleyball coach — becoming stronger by supporting each other.
Those days laid much of the foundation for an outstanding volleyball career at Hopkins High School and a substantial role in her first season at the U. But after a family tragedy nearly nine years ago, Seliger-Swenson gained a deeper understanding of the power generated by pulling together. When her aunt, Teri Lee, was murdered by a former boyfriend, the Seliger-Swenson family brought Lee's four orphaned children into their home, while their friends, neighbors and the volleyball community lent a hand.
The Hopkins team coached by Vicki Seliger- Swenson contacted the producers of TV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," which expanded and remodeled the family's Minnetonka house. Vicki joined with state legislators to create new laws to protect victims of domestic violence. And Samantha, who was 9 years old when her family doubled in size, took note of how that selflessness enriched everyone involved.
"It really gave me a great sense of gratitude, seeing how people were willing to support us and be there for us," she said. "It changed my perspective.
"My cousins had gone through so much. I wanted to be a rock for them. And my parents have been so strong for all of us, always giving their best for our whole family. What I learned from them translates to the court. You want to do your best for your teammates all the time, supporting them and picking each other up."
An instant starter
That's only one facet of what Seliger-Swenson brings to the Gophers. The setter has started all four matches this season and has a team-high 159 assists; Monday, she was named Big Ten setter and rookie of the week for her performance in last week's victories over Louisville and No. 18 North Carolina.
After finishing 19-12 last season, the Gophers are unranked this fall, an unfamiliar position for a program accustomed to national accolades and NCAA tournament appearances. Coach Hugh McCutcheon has stressed that team unity will be essential to regaining that status. Having seen what solidarity can do for a wounded family, Seliger-Swenson is helping set the same tone for her new team.
"Some freshmen are ready to hit the road running, and others take awhile to get going," McCutcheon said. "It seems like Sam is very comfortable with her role. We're lucky to have her."