Sowinski, Szews using volleyball to remain close

It’s been a long journey for Kara Sowinski and Mari Szews, two former Three Lakes volleyball players who are using volleyball to remain close as both compete at the collegiate level at St. Norbert College in De Pere.

They grew up playing the sport together, and have used volleyball to push each other on and off the court. Now, both play crucial roles at the next level. 

As high school seniors in 2021, the two players bought into their specific roles. Sowinski was fourth in the state in assists with 856, while also adding over 200 digs, and Szews was fourth in the state in kills with 450. That type of production has only strengthened the bond between themselves and the game. 

“Growing up and playing volleyball with Kara has been such a fun and memorable experience. The successes we experienced together at Three Lakes will forever be some of my favorite volleyball memories,” said Szews. “Having the opportunity to carry this same feeling into our collegiate experience is something I am so grateful for. At Three Lakes, our team and supporting community were so tightly knit, and I get this same feeling of closeness at St. Norbert, especially when I get to play with one of my high school teammates. Playing at the collegiate level together has been just as memorable as playing in high school. Although Kara has switched positions, from setter in high school to libero in college, I still get to experience the same energy and skill that she brings to the court.” 

Sowinski shared similar feelings for her former high school teammate and now collegiate partner. 

“We know each other’s tendencies super well, from having the privilege of growing up playing together. Every now and then I get to set her a few balls in practice, and it’s amazing to see how we still have that connection from our high school days,” she said. “It’s very special to be able to share our past high school volleyball memories, while creating new ones here at SNC.” 

It’s been an easy transition from one gym to the next for each Szews and Sowinski because of what they built while playing at Three Lakes. They have pushed each other and hold the most confidence in each other to perform at a high level. 

“Kara has always been such a good teammate, and she leads by example. Her self-drive and motivation has always pushed me to be the best player I can be. I greatly respect her willingness to always want to improve. We have always supported each other on the volleyball court. I feel like she always has had confidence in me as a volleyball player, which has helped me grow tremendously,” stated Szews. “This confidence and trust that we have always had in each other, reassures me that we will each do our part to get the job done.” 

Sowinski said no matter what position each of them plays, they are still able to push each other to be the best they can be. 

“Although Mari and I have never played the same position, we are still able to push each other to be our best. I always want to get a positive touch on the ball defensively, to make things easier for her to score on the offensive side,” stated Sowinski.

Now, as college juniors, Szews and Sowinski both have roles on the St. Norbert volleyball team, where Szews is fourth on the team in kills, and Sowinski switched to libero in college and is now the team’s digs leader. Each player has a special reason for how their game has grown as time has gone on. 

“I think that the largest factor that has contributed to the growth of my volleyball game is the season-ending injury I experienced at the beginning of the volleyball season my freshman year of college. Getting through this injury, and the intense rehab process, was something that has completely flipped my mindset about the game, which has helped me grow as a player,” said Szews. “I have learned that no practice or game is ever guaranteed, and I should never take for granted the opportunity I have.” 

The position change for Sowinski was a challenging one, but she has grown into that role. 

“I moved out of a setting role, into a defensive or first contact role. It was definitely a challenge to try something new; however, with every uncomfortable practice or competition, I was able to feel myself growing as a player,” said Sowinski. “At first, it was difficult to not run after that second ball, but eventually I was able to settle in and focus on the first contact side of things.”

Head volleyball Coach B.J. Bryant reiterated that the friendship and connection that Szews and Sowinski have helped not only them but also him as a coach. 

“It’s very special to have a chance to work with two young women who have held a friendship since early childhood and who understand each other in ways only life-long friends can,” he said. “They both carry an extremely strong work ethic, are wonderful teammates, and leaders in the classroom. They are achieving in ways that have been enjoyable to witness from a coach’s perspective.”