Last Week's Program Suzie Fritz, K-State Women's Volleyball Head Coach

Suzie Fritz, head coach for women’s volleyball at Kansas State University, spoke at the Manhattan Rotary club on August 2.

One of the most successful coaches in K-State history, Fritz has led the Wildcats women’s team to eight National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA Tournament appearances. 

Coach Fritz spoke about the players’ commitment, the recruitment process and the training that has led to the team’s success. “It is a ten-and-a-half-month commitment so they are practicing through the year,” she said.  “It is not like we are having fun somewhere in Jamaica,” she added jokingly.

Players get a Christmas break and start again in January and work throughout the year although they work alone in the summer without the coaches. “Because it is a fall sport the team works extremely hard in the summer to be ready for the games” she said.

In responding to audience questions, Fritz noted that recruiting of players is usually done mostly through the clubs and not so much in high schools, but most of the players are from the State of Kansas. “Though we have had a few from other states, and some from outside the country like Europe and South Africa, about seventy-five percent of the players are from Kansas.” 

On top of hard work at the volleyball court, Fritz spoke highly of the team’s academic success highlighting the overall team GPA, which has been impressive.  “They have a very good group GPA and I’m very proud of them. They are like my own kids,” she said. “One of the players will join the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University” she added.

The only concern Fritz mentioned was how to maintain the high expectations but she is optimistic about the team’s hard work, determination and the team chemistry, which has played a major role in their success.

Practice for the volleyball season starts at Ahearn Building on Tuesday, August 7. Fritz encouraged Rotary and community members to support the players by attending and cheering the Wildcats through the season. “They love to see everyone there cheering for them, so see you at Ahearn,” she said wrapping up her presentation.

Fritz was introduced by Dick Wertzberger who referred to her as one of greatest coaches in the Nation. A native of Clay City, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in exercise science and wellness education from Florida Atlantic in 1994 and a Master’s degree in education administration and leadership from Kansas State University in 2002.