Oct. 20, 2004

            En route to reaching the 1,500-kill plateau for her career in an October 9^th match versus Illinois, Schram has proven to be one of the best players for the Spartans over the last four seasons. By achieving the milestone, Schramm became only the sixth player in Michigan State history to reach the 1,500-kill mark since the programs inception in 1972.

            "I think it says that I have been most fortunate to have played and trained with many excellent athletes," Schram said about her latest achievement. "Volleyball is the ultimate team sport and for any hitter to reach 1,500 kills means other team members contributed greatly."

While Schram and her teammates have fallen on some tougher times in 2004, Schram has been instrumental in the Spartans' success early in her career. As a freshman in 2001 she was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team 3.43 kills-per-game en route to a record of 21-9 and a berth in the NCAA tournament. MSU returned to the NCAAs again in 2002 with Schram notching 23 kills in the first and second rounds of the tournament to get the Spartans to the west regional semifinal. Schram's junior year was capped with First Team All-Big Ten honors, a First Team All-Mideast Region selection and being named American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-American.

"I've never placed considerable value on individual awards," explained the outside-hitter. "If I have to pick honors to be most proud of, being All-Big Ten and maintaining a 3.6 GPA would be the biggest. I didn't expect the personal recognition I have received. It's very appreciated, especially in light of our conference's excellent reputation."

While Schram has claimed many awards both on and off the court, she is quick to give the credit to those who have supported her throughout her career.

"I have been fortunate to have some influential teammates in my career," added the London, Ontario native. "I think my greatest mentor was Erin Hartley, whom I played with my freshman year. She taught me a lot about volleyball and the mental side of the game. Chuck (Erbe) is a great technical coach and has taught me all I know about playing the game of volleyball. My parents (both MSU Alums) have also been extremely supportive and have stood by me through thick and thin. I don't think I would have made it without their guidance, support and love."

Another influence for Schram is her older sister Carrie, who was All-Canada in volleyball at the University of Toronto. However, Schram has also found inspiration through many other athletes such as fellow Canadien and skating great Elvis Stojko, heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis for his "gentlemanly politeness," Donovan Bailey - once "the world's fastest man" - for his aggressiveness and Wayne Gretzky for his team play attitude.

All those qualities have been put to use by Schram in her role as the outside force in the Spartan offense. While Schram knows that she can't win without her teammates, she is also aware of the responsibilities that go with being a leader.

"My job as an outside hitter is to get set and terminate," explained the senior. "Rising to the challenge, executing or not is the best and sometimes worst part of playing this position. The ball always seems to find you as an outside hitter and the responsibility to deliver when that happens is always mine."

Schram is double-majoring in Marketing and Anthropology and is also considering trying out for the Canadian National Team in preparation for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Looking back on her time at MSU it's clear that Schram won't miss the actual game as much as she will the people she competed with.

"For four years now, day in and day out, I have been part of a team. We have gone through all the ups and downs that women go through at our age as well as academics, injuries, illnesses and losses. I consider my teammates sisters, and as in family, you stand by each other through thick and thin."

Big Ten Women's Volleyball

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