Kerra Schroeder, affectionately referred to as 'Boo,' digs the ball during a practice on Friday, Sept. 10. Schoeder is one of two returning players this season and is considered one of the stars of CU volleyball. (CU Independent/Dave Blackwell)
CU volleyball star Kerra Schroeder is more than just a star outside hitter. She’s a killer on the court and a goofball in her down time.
The six-foot sophomore from San Diego averages 3.83 kills per match and has already had 282 total attacks in the team’s six games so far this season.
Schroeder wasn’t always a volleyball player.
“I actually grew up playing soccer ever since I was six,” Schroeder said. “I was on a competitive traveling team, and I kind of got too tall for the game. My dad played basketball for two years on the varsity reserve team at Wisconsin, and he kind of just threw me into a volleyball practice.”
Head coach Liz Kritza said she is pleased Schroeder made the transition. She chose Schroeder as one of the team captains and said she is one of the most well-respected and followed leaders on the team.
“Kerra is undoubtedly one of the most-improved players that we have on this squad,” Kritza said. “She’s made a commitment to not just this program but to her individual development. It’s very evident in the way that she approaches training. She’s one of those players that actually realize that she needs to do something to improve her overall play for the team, and she takes it upon herself to do it on her own.”
Teammate and junior middle-blocker Anicia Santos said Schroeder’s experience playing in the Big 12 last year makes her a great player and leader.
“She really leads by example,” Santos said. “She’s really physical. She doesn’t say much all the time, but when she does, she really makes it count. It’s kind of just to pull the team out of a rut if we’re digging ourselves into a hole. Her passing, her hitting is really how she steps up.”
Santos adds that despite her young age, the experience Schroeder does have is a great addition to the team.
“Even though she’s not too old comparatively to other volleyball players – she’s only a sophomore – she’s definitely stepped up and is going to lead these girls both physically and mentally on the court,” Santos said.
Schroeder said she was automatically drawn to CU for more than just volleyball. The outdoor culture of Boulder reminded her of home in California, she said.
“[CU] is actually the first visit I came on,” Schroeder said. “I think there was a pep rally or something on Pearl Street, and I just loved the whole atmosphere and school spirit.”
Although she’s not making frequent trips to Pearl or the Hill, in the free time that she does have, she said she likes to spend time outdoors with her teammates.
“Sometimes we go on hikes,” Schroeder said. “We did the incline in Colorado Springs over preseason, which is pretty tough if you ever try it. Don’t do it. We try to do a lot of things outdoors – team activities and everything.”
Her other interests are a little harder to pin down. She’s currently an open-option major, but she does have somewhat surprising plans for her future.
“I’m interested in Spanish,” Schroeder said. “I want to travel after I graduate – play overseas – I’m not too sure about that yet. I want to do international affairs.”
Beyond her academic and athletic achievements, Santos says “Boo” has some other interesting characteristics.
“She’s a little quirky off the court,” Santos said. “We all are kind of weird. But when she gets on the court, she’s very serious. If we do need to lighten the mood, she’s willing to play that role too.”
Kritza describes Kerra as competitive, focused and self-assured.
“I think that she has a level of maturity that’s beyond her years,” Kritza said. “She has a clear sense of what she wants. I think with a young player it’s a little rare to have a player who has gone through a huge stage and realized there’s a direction she wants to be headed, and makes a choice that against all odds is the right one for her. I think she’s got a really good sense of who she is and where she wants to be.”
Contact CU Independent Volleyball Reporter Marlee Horn at Marlee.horn@colorado.edu.
