Volleyball may be buzzing lately, but when it comes to standout freshmen, one name takes the spotlight—Stella Swenson. Hailing from Plymouth, Minnesota, this freshman setter has already built a jaw-dropping resume. She’s a four-time all-state selection, a six-time all-conference honoree, and a proud three-time Minnesota state champion with Wayzata High School. Ranked among the top 10 recruits in the class of 2024, Stella even earned a Third Team All-American nod from VolleyballMag.com in December 2023. But how did this rising star’s journey begin?

According to Stella Swenson, volleyball was practically woven into her DNA. She recalls, “I knew the second I first saw a volleyball match I needed to play. Growing up in a volleyball home is a special thing. My mom talked about it all the time. Right after she gave birth to me and Olivia [twin sister], she went and coached a tournament. There are so many pictures of me and Liv when we were little in volleyball uniforms. It’s all we did.” But it’s not just Stella who shines as a volleyball champ—her entire family is deeply intertwined with the sport. Let’s dive into the roots of this volleyball legacy and uncover everything there is to know about the powerhouse family behind her success!

Meet Stella Swenson’s parents and siblings, a family rooted in volleyball

Oh, it’s definitely not just Stella Swenson carrying the volleyball torch—this family is a total powerhouse! Stella’s got her whole crew backing her up, from her dad Erik, who played football at the University of North Dakota, to her mom Vicki, who made her mark on the court for Iowa State. Her older sister, Samantha, is a legend at the University of Minnesota, one of only two four-time All-Americans in the program’s history. Then there’s Olivia, her twin sister (just 21 minutes younger), who’s also a freshman at Minnesota with her own stack of accolades: four all-conference selections, two all-state honors, and some serious recognition on the All-Metro West CCX Team.

This volleyball legacy runs deep, no doubt. Back in 2022, the Wayzata girls’ volleyball team was a dominant force, led by Stella Swenson and Olivia Swenson. The Swenson sisters, who had been playing together for years, propelled Wayzata toward the Class 4A championship. Their success isn’t just a stroke of luck—it’s the result of passion, dedication, and a family steeped in volleyball talent. So, how do they manage to excel at this level and secure opportunities like playing for Minnesota?

Swenson reveals the immense effort required to excel as a volleyball player

No doubt, having a resume like Stella Swenson’s is no small feat, and making it to Minnesota Volleyball? Well, that’s just the next level. It’s not every day you see twin sisters—both so talented—making their mark on a program like the University of Minnesota’s volleyball team. Last year, the Golden Gophers made it official, announcing that both Stella and Olivia Swenson, from Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minnesota, were joining their 2024 recruiting class. Olivia, the outside hitter, and Stella, the setter, are ready to bring their dynamic skills to the team.

Stella was all in when it came to choosing Minnesota. For her, it just clicked. “I chose Minnesota because it felt like home,” she said. “I knew when I first entered the Pav, I wanted to be a Golden Gopher. I love the atmosphere and the support is amazing. When I met with Coach Cook and his staff, immediately knew I wanted to play for them. I know they care about me as a person and will help me be the best I can be. I love the team and making the choice to come to Minnesota was an easy one.”

And for Olivia? Well, her connection to the Gophers runs deep. “It’s always been my dream to play here,” she shared. “It has always been my dream to play volleyball at the University of Minnesota. I grew up attending matches and watching my older sister play. The fans are amazing and the Pav has such a fun atmosphere. As soon as I met Coach Cook and his staff, I knew this is where I wanted to stay. I am thankful to represent my home state and play in front of my family and friends. I can’t wait to get to Minnesota in January and start training with my teammates!” No doubt about it, the Swenson family is absolutely making waves in Minnesota!