Bobcat Hall of Famer & Volleyball Standout Karen Weyler Is Forever Grateful For Her Time At Montana State
10/18/2018 11:53:00 AM | General, Women's Volleyball
"Montana State is a great institution. My degree prepared me for the workforce. Lessons I learned both on and off the court have also prepared me for success, in all facets of life. "
Karen (Weyler) Massey's decision to play at MSU for former head coach Dave Gantt paid big dividends to a Bobcat volleyball program that was floundering at the bottom of the Big Sky Conference standings.After redshirting her first year, she became MSU's first ever Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year. She went on to be an honorable mention choice as a sophomore, a second-team pick as a junior, and a first-team honoree as a senior.
In addition, MSU went from seven wins in 1994 to 19 victories in 1997, and her ability to hit a ball or terminate a block became legendary.
During her senior year, the Bobcats played at Syracuse and an opposing player started talking trash to Weyler across the net. She expressed her quandary during the next time out and Gantt drew up a play that resulted in a Syracuse athlete getting 'six-packed' by Weyler.
MSU went on to defeat the Big East power, and the Bobcats, as well as Weyler, walked out of the arena with new found respect.
"Karen was instrumental in getting the volleyball program headed in the right direction," said Dave Gantt, who coached her all four years. "During her career, we finally broke a ten-year drought of no winning seasons and in 1996 made the program's first ever trip to the Big Sky Conference Tournament.
"Her single-season and career records cemented her place as one of the program's elite," Gantt continued. "I am very proud to have worked with Karen during that journey."
Weyler still holds three records at Montana State, including most solo blocks, total blocks in a match and single-season hitting percentage.
Recently, we had a chance to reminisce with Weyler
on her time on the College Hill.
Name: Karen (Weyler) Massey
Spouse's Name: Darren Massey
Children: Darren, Jr. 11, & Kaitlyn 10.
Year Graduated and Major: 1997, Sociology
Sport and Years Played: Volleyball, 1994-1997
Hometown: Billings, MT
High School You Attended: Billings Senior High School
Current Place of Residence: Orland Park, Illinois
Occupation: Self-Employed
Spouses' Occupation: Finance
Where has life taken you since you graduated from Montana State?
Since I graduated, I have lived in New Jersey, Illinois and Michigan. I have worked as a journal reporter, in the financial services industry, received two masters' degrees and currently run my own real estate business. I have also coached volleyball at almost every level from youth to college.
Why did you choose to attend Montana State?
Montana State felt like home. I knew I could pursue a degree I was interested in and I was also able to stay close to Billings and my family. Plus, I knew I would have a good opportunity to play if I was willing to work.
What are your fondest memories of Montana State?
My best memories are of the people I met along the way and being able to compete as a student athlete. Competing for Montana State took me to parts of the country I had never seen before.
Describe your time as a Bobcat. What achievements stand out most?
I am most proud that in my tenure at Montana State we established our program as a force in the Big Sky. When I first came to MSU, we were called the cellar dwellers of the Big Sky. By the time I left we were competing at a much higher level and consistently competed in every match.
What did it mean to earn a scholarship?
At the time, I needed a scholarship to get to college. Looking back, being able to leave college and start life without any debt is a tremendous opportunity; for which I am forever grateful.
How would you describe the support you received from coaches, administrators, professors, community?
We had great support from everyone at Montana State. We had some challenges my freshman year. From our AD, Doug Fullerton and everyone in the athletic department we received tremendous support. Everyone at MSU wants you to succeed and they will do everything they can to help. Our community is also so supportive of MSU volleyball. I had so much fun playing in front of both our students and
community who packed Shroyer to cheer for us.What advice would you give to our current recruits?
Do your best to identify what you want out of your college experience, beyond a degree. Find a school and community that fits those goals. If you're looking to compete in college, find a program that has great people and where you and your skills will be best used. If you are offered, take recruiting trips. Experience campus and your potential teammates. And trust your gut.
Anything else you would like to add?
Montana State is a great institution. My degree prepared me for the workforce. Lessons I learned both on and off the court have also prepared me for success, in all facets of life.
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