Spolidoro sets up Bennie teammates for success

Junior Audrey Spolidoro has helped propel the CSB volleyball team to second in the MIAC.

Spolidoro, a setter out of Cottage Grove, Minn., leads her team in assists and ranks third in the MIAC in assists. She is also among the top five on the team for blocks, digs and service aces.

Her volleyball career began when she was in elementary school. She attributes this to growing up in a volleyball family where it always seemed to be around her.

Transitioning into high school, Spolidoro attended East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minn., where she played four seasons of volleyball. She was a varsity starter her last two seasons and named captain her senior year.

Spolidoro was also named First Team All-Conference her junior and senior years.

Attending college close to home was never really on the table for Spolidoro until CSB volleyball head coach Nicole Hess reached out to her.

“I always had it in my mind to go far for school, but then I changed my mind last minute to stay close so my family and friends could come and watch me play,” Spolidoro said.

Spolidoro has been on the CSB team for three seasons. She became a starter halfway through her first year and has remained one ever since.

To prepare herself for each game, she has a few superstitions and rituals she follows.

She always has to have straight hair for game day, and she needs to get a coffee beforehand. Although many athletes like to hype themselves and their teammates up before competing, Spolidoro keeps herself relaxed and stays calm to get in the right mindset.

One of Spolidoro’s favorite parts of being on the CSB volleyball team is the chemistry between her teammates.

“Our team culture is a huge part of it. It’s not only playing volleyball, but you also meet some of your best friends. Not every team gets that, so having those connections off the court helps us during games,” Spolidoro said.

Additionally, Spolidoro recognizes how teamwork and collaboration contributed to her stats.

“Any recognition or good statistic I get is with the help of my teammates. Every assist I get is because I was given a good pass and because my hitters terminated the ball, so those stats are a good representation of how my team is doing as well,” Spolidoro said.

Hess is excited about the season her setter is having and the impact she’s been making on the team.

“Audrey has done a great job of running our offense this year. She continues to push herself to be the best player and teammate she can be. Her goals align with her teammates, and I am excited for what the future holds for her and each of our players,” Hess said via email.

Senior Emma Guest has played alongside Spolidoro for three seasons and applauds her for taking on the leadership role that comes with being a setter.

Guest also acknowledged the range of Spolidoro’s abilities as an offensive player. Clearly seen in her stats, Spolidoro is a well-rounded player, so they can use her for many things, said Guest.

Additionally, Guest loves having someone with a similar competitiveness by her side.

“We are two of the most competitive people on the team, so having someone with the same drive and energy as you is amazing,” Guest said.

Guest also mentioned Spolidoro’s volleyball IQ (the ability to make good decisions on the court), which has been improving each year.

“She knows every single player both on and off the court. She knows what her hitters need, she knows what everyone needs, which is key with the role she plays on the team as setter,” Guest said.

Guest also wanted to highlight some of her teammate’s accomplishments.

“She’s had double doubles in almost every game, which definitely contributes to her stats. It shows how hard she works and is definitely something that should be recognized,” Guest said.