Liv Reitsma is the Women’s Athlete of the Week. Reitsma is a freshman Sports Management and Leadership minor. She is a setter on the Red Raider Volleyball team.
The beginning of her passion began in eighth grade, when Reitsma tried out for volleyball. She has since fallen in love with the sport. To train for the increasing levels of intensity that sports provide, Reitsma needed to remain committed. She was involved in the sport through all four years of high school as well as playing club volleyball, which she stated “helped prepare me for the collegiate level.”
Her club volleyball team worked together to improve both individually and as a team by using the saying “Iron sharpens Iron.” In her high school years, she hit milestones like 2,000 assists, 1,000 digs and 500 kills. Her Aunt Lisa has been a great influence— a volleyball player for Nebraska.
“Each day I’m learning new skills to benefit my team to compete at the highest level,” she stated.
For Reitsma, there is always something to work on physically, but developing a tough and flexible mindset is one of the biggest challenges as an athlete, especially when stepping on the court. She is looking forward to finishing this season with her teammates, who constantly lay the foundation of what it is like to be an athlete playing through Christ.
Since arriving on campus, she has made 751 assists, 35 kills, and 167 digs.
“I like every aspect of Northwestern, between the campus and the opportunities to connect with God, not only in life, but also my sport,” she said.
She continued to describe the family atmosphere of the team, and how the girls are really kind and easy to talk with. Liv’s impact on the team reflects genuine competitive excellence. Her coaches are grateful for her character and in-match contributions.
“Liv has impacted the team with her love for the game of volleyball. She plays with true joy, and that joy radiates from her and onto the team,” Lacy Reitz, assistant volleyball coach stated.
