D’Artagnan Johnson, contributor

Torrie Rehder, team captain, libero and defensive specialist for the Augsburg Volleyball team, is continuing to add accolades in her senior campaign. Following a game against Saint Mary’s University on Oct. 12, Rehder became the 11th Auggie since 2001 to record 1000 career digs. Her 12-dig performance against the cardinals left her at 1,001 career digs, 190 away from breaking the top 10 all-time in school history. Rehder is also a dual-sport athlete who also plays infield on the softball team.  

I was able to interview Rehder about the behind-the-scenes of her outstanding career. Off the bat, I wanted to know what inspired her to begin playing volleyball. Rehder said, “My mom always told me about how she played volleyball when she was younger and I wanted to be just like her. I started playing in grade school through volleyball camps within my community. I went on to play from 3rd grade to high School and then committed to play at Augsburg during my senior year of high school.” 

With her amazing talent, I also wanted to know why she committed to play at the division three level. She replied, “I grew up going to Augsburg’s satellite camps and knew that this is a place I want to consider for my future. Division three allows me to be an athlete but a student first and also creates opportunities within a smaller community, which is what I am familiar with from back home.” 

For a player with many career accolades which undoubtedly took years of hard work to accomplish, I wanted to know what was the most rewarding part of being an Augsburg Volleyball player. Rehder said, “I enjoy how tight-knit the athletic community is at Augsburg. I have also created so many great friendships and memories not only with my volleyball teammates but my softball teammates as well. Getting to continue to play the sports I grew up loving with such great people is worth the early mornings and long nights.” 

As a team captain for the Auggies, it is one’s responsibility to establish a culture built on striving towards success and the Auggies have not suffered a losing season since the 2007 season. Therefore, I wanted to know about the team culture and her role in maintaining it. Rehder responded, “Our team culture aims to put gratitude at the center of everything. We also prioritize togetherness and determination. I am grateful to be a captain for this team and I try to do my best on creating opportunities for my teammates to grow as people and gain memorable experiences! My teammates do a great job of keeping the culture and being great supporters of each other on or off the court.”

Rehder is back in action on Oct. 29 at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Watch the libero and defensive specialist deny the Eagles attacks and chase school records at 7 p.m. in the Ericksen Center on the Northwestern-St. Paul campus!