Off the court with Kathleen Ludwig

Kathleen Ludwig is a redshirt-freshman on the K-State volleyball team. Ludwig, a native of Shawnee, Kan., leads the Wildcats in service aces and ranks third on the team in total kills this season. She recently discussed a variety of topics, including her relationship with her teammates and her teaching ambitions.

Q: Was the decision for you to redshirt last year a personal decision, or was it a mutual decision between you and the coaches?

A: It was a little bit of both. We kind of sat down and talked about it. Obviously, we had Nataly [Korobkova] last year, and she was a senior. She was more experienced and more familiar with the system. Looking back at it, I think it was a good decision. It gave me a year to kind of learn and get stronger. It was a long year, no doubt. I was hungry and ready to get out there.


Q: Between Korobkova and Rita Liliom, were you able to learn a lot?

A: I was able to learn a lot and practice a lot against them and with them, just like any other player. I took notes from both of them.


Q: How does it feel to be able to contribute to the team this season?

A: It feels great. More than anything, I just love to play volleyball, and I feel really lucky to be able to play here especially. I'm just trying to work hard and learn a lot. I'm trying not to get too wrapped up and think too much about it, but I'm really enjoying being out there for sure.


Q: After being a two-sport athlete in high school, when did you start to primarily focus on volleyball?

A: My senior year. I ran track and did some theater, but senior year I focused mainly on volleyball. I was able to get some workouts for K-State early and kind of prepare earlier, so my senior year is when I got super serious.


Q: What made you want to continue your career here at K-State?

A: I knew I wanted to stay in Kansas. I'm kind of a homebody. I looked at KU and K-State both and just felt a lot more at home here. I liked the environment, and I liked the people. Suzie [Fritz] was so welcoming. I really saw myself being the best volleyball player I could be, and I pictured myself here. I've really loved it so far.


Q: Are any of your sisters active in sports?

A: Barbara, my oldest sister, played volleyball at Baker, and my little sister's in high school playing JV. And my other sister played in high school. There's been a lot of volleyball.


Q: Do you have a best friend here on the team?

A: I live with Caitlin, Abby and Chipman. We're around each other a lot, and we're always trying to keep it light and keep it fun when we're off the court. Abby and I are pretty close. I would say she's my closest friend. We spend a lot of time together.


Q: What do you and Abby like to do when you're not playing volleyball?

A: We just like to hang out, watch movies and just try to relax. We just hang around at home, and we'll bake cookies or paint a room a crazy color or something like that. We try to keep it low key.


Q: What are your goals during your time at K-State?

A: Well, I'm in elementary education, so I definitely want to get that accomplished. I just want to enjoy the ride. Like I said, I feel really lucky to be here. I just want to take it all in stride. Hopefully, we'll get a Big 12 first-second-third place finish within the next four years. I think that would be great. I just want to become the best person, student and volleyball player that I can be.


Q: Do you have any ambitions beyond your collegiate career?

A: I would just love to be a teacher. I want to teach elementary and coach high school. I don't think I could do it the other way. I'd like to teach first through fourth grade. I'm really enjoying my classes for that. I want to go back to my high school and coach; maybe get a couple state championships.