Melani Shaffmaster is a sophomore setter from New Castle, Ind. Shaffmaster had an impactful freshman year, starting in 18 matches, registering 649 assists, 58 kills, 11 aces, 198 digs and 42 blocks. She was a Freshman All-Big Ten selection, AVCA All-Region, a two-time Big Ten Setter of the Week and a one-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week. The Academic All-Big Ten selection has started in all eight matches this season and leads the team with 307 assists. She's also majoring in accounting in the Carlson School of Management.
GS: How did you first get into playing volleyball?
MS: My sisters always played volleyball, and my oldest sister Morgan (who is 11 years older) played. So I would always go watch them play and from the time I was just a couple years old I was trying to serve volleyballs over the net.
GS: What other sports did you play besides volleyball growing up?
MS: I played pretty much volleyball only from day one. I tried a few other sports through YMCA but I just fell in love with volleyball and here we are today.
GS: Many people don't know that you weren't always a setter on the court, why did you decide to switch positions?
MS: I used to play on the outside, but one day we needed a setter because a girl on my team got hurt. I started setting and kept getting better at it. I also had a huge growth spurt and shot up to 6'3" but I still kept setting because that's what I was good at and what my team needed.
GS: Your college recruitment was wrapped up pretty quickly as you committed to Minnesota in eighth grade. What made you choose the Gophers so early in the process?
MS: My first visit here, the whole time I was just smiling and happy. As soon as I got home, I was like, 'yeah this is where I'm going.' It just felt right to me. I knew I wanted to get out of Indiana for college and everything about Minnesota was a perfect fit for me.
GS: What about the Gophers coaching staff helped make your decision to come to Minnesota?
MS: Hugh [McCutcheon] and the whole coaching staff are great. What I got on my visit is everything I'm getting now. They were completely transparent with how things were going to be here and I really appreciated that. Also, a goal of mine is to play in the Olympics one day, and if I want to do that, then I want to play for someone that has coached in the Olympics.
GS: What was a favorite memory of yours from high school and club volleyball?
MS: When I played for 15's in club, our team was so fun. We never lost a game and in nationals I don't even think we lost a set. I got to play with a couple of my best friends, Kylie Murr (Ohio State) and Kenzie Knuckles (Nebraska) and we just had great chemistry.
GS: Your first year on campus, you didn't get to experience fans and being in road environments in the Big Ten. How excited are you for that?
MS: It's going to be so intense, especially since I did go on visits to some of these other schools. I love when fans are in the stands and making noise. It was horrible playing in complete silence last year and I hope we don't have to do that again.
GS: What goals do you have for the team this year?
MS: I think winning a Big Ten title is achievable and so is winning a national title. We have big goals as a team this season.
GS: What goals do you have for yourself this year?
MS: I really just want to play well and help the team. I don't really care about awards and accolades, I mean if those come, then that means I did my job. I want to do the best I can as an individual so I can help the team.
GS: What games are you most excited to play in this year?
MS: Definitely Wisconsin because I didn't get to play against them next year. Also Ohio State because we didn't get to play them last year. I'm looking forward to playing at Indiana because I'll have a lot of friends and family there.
GS: What do you like to do most off the court?
MS: I love to go shopping (especially for shoes) and go to other sporting events. I want to try and see every other Gophers team play at least once this year. I also love to travel!
GS: What's something that Gopher fans don't know about you?
MS: I have three sisters, Morgan, Mabrey and Macy. I'm the third oldest, and my youngest sister Mabrey plays volleyball at North Carolina.
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