Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Cassie Krueger, MSU-N Volleyball

It's not often that Montana State University-Northern gets NCAA Division I transfers, so when Cassie Krueger, the former Montana State Bobcat decided to become a Skylight, it was a move accompanied with some excitement.

But so far the past three seasons, Krueger, a senior, has more than lived up to hype.

"Coming to Northern, that was among the best decisions that I have ever made," Krueger, whose parents are Northern alums said. "I have met so many amazing people and made so many friends, I have really enjoyed my time here."

After playing one season for the Bobcats, Krueger decided to make a change, but choosing her next school wasn't easy. The Kalispell native had offers from out of state colleges, but ultimately, decided to stay in Montana, with some convincing from mom and dad.

"My dad is a basketball alum at Northern and my mom was a volleyball player at Northern, so they helped convince me a little bit," Krueger said. "I just didn't really want to leave my home. So I decided to come to Havre and I am glad that I did."

The addition of Krueger has worked out well for Skylights volleyball, too. Krueger has been one of the most skilled hitters in the Frontier Conference in each of her three years on the team. As a sophomore, she finished with 323 kills and followed that up with 280 as a junior and already has 261 in 2017, even with four more matches remaining.

Although team success has been harder to come by in her time as a Skylight volleyball, Krueger has won numerous individual awards. She was named attacker of the week as a sophomore for MSU-N, then earned All-Fronter honors in 2015 and 2016, as well as earning honorable mention on the NAIA All-Region team in the Northwest.

However, Krueger's career with Northern has also included some turmoil. Following last year's campaign, the Lights head coach Bill Huebsch resigned, paving the way for new head coach Rose Obunga to take over.

Yet, even with things changing around her in 2017, Krueger has taken her play to another level. She is averaging a career high in points per game (3.77) and is also averaging 3.39 kills per set. However her biggest improvement has been on defense. In her first two seasons, Krueger had 186 digs. This year, she already has 230. She also won the Frontier Conference Player of the Week award earlier this season, while also helping lead the Skylights to 3-9 record in the Frontier, as well as 9-12 mark overall.

"We still have a young team," Krueger said, "so I think that is why we haven't won more, but I think we are really coming together and have a chance to do some great things down the stretch and at the Frontier Conference tournament."

But before Krueger looks too far ahead, she and the Skylights have one last home match to play, which comes Thursday against the University of Providence. That will be the final home match for Krueger, who is looking to get one final win inside the Armory Gymnasium. Prior to that, the senior caught up with the Havre Daily News for five questions.

HDN: Coach Obunga was an accomplished NAIA player, what are some things you have learned from her specifically?

Krueger: "She actually plays with us every day in practice and I have learned a few of my moves from her this year and she has also found things on the court that I could correct, so she has taught me a lot."

HDN: What has been a key for you having such a strong season?

Krueger: "I attribute that to multiple factors. One is the team that we have this year. Another thing is just the older you get, the more court-smart you get and the smarter you get in life, which I think helps you on the court."

HDN: You play Providence, you swept them earlier, what will be the key to beating them again?

Krueger: "I think the key will be strong defense. They are a strong offensive team. Another key is going to be playing a smart offense."

HDN: What do you think you can achieve down the stretch of the season?

Krueger: "I still think we can do a lot of things that other people might not see coming If we come together and worked really, really hard, this tournament at the end of the season could go really, really well for us."

HDN: What are you going to miss the most about playing volleyball?

Krueger: "I think the thing I will most the most are the home crowds and the feel of playing in front of fans that truly do care about you."