SPORTS
Kate Holtan ’22 shot past longtime record holder Val (Flom) Ashland ’86 in Gustavus career kills this season.
GUSTAVUS QUARTERLY | WINTER 2021
KILLING IT
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Having her fourth season of volleyball
tallied her 1,000th career dig this season,
part of such great teams that opened up
cancelled in the fall of 2020 due to the
joining Katie Olstad (1992–94) as the
the opportunity for me to reach these
pandemic and a truncated spring season,
only two players in program history to
accomplishments,” Holtan says. “Our
shortened even more because of strict
record 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. Holtan
team definitely has made it an emphasis to
COVID-19 protocols, Kate Holtan (Sr.,
is the top attacking outside hitter in the
climb back to the top of the conference
Rochester) saw the opportunity to return
MIAC this year, leading the league in
this year. We focus on taking the season
for a full season this fall as a blessing.
total kills, and has shot past Val Flom
one game at a time, but we do recognize
(1983–86) as the school record holder in
our potential and hope to make a great
career kills.
run as we approach playoffs.”
“Ultimately, my love for the sport and respect for the Gustavus volleyball program were my leading motivations to return,” Holtan says. The decision has paid off in more ways than one. A three-time AVCA All-America honorable mention selection, Holtan
The individual milestones have
Along with her admiration for the
reflected in the team’s success as well.
sport and the Gustie volleyball program,
Holtan plays a key part in the Gusties
Holtan’s decision to return for a fifth
sitting at the top of the conference
year was supported through her holistic
standings and ranked in the AVCA Top-
experience at the College. “I love so many
25 poll. “I’m very grateful to have been
things about being a Gustie,” Holtan.
