There are two players who bring out the energy and dedication to the Women’s Volleyball team: Sophomore Outside Hitter and third captain Sam Seihr and Freshmen Libero Kim Busateri. Both players have been named NJCAA All-Region Second Team. Learn who they are on and off the court and how their head Coach Michel (Shel) DeLisle describes them.
NJCAA All-Region Second Team
In November, Seihr and Busateri were named NJCAA All-Region Second Team. Coach DeLisle says they both have an incredible work ethic, and they show up at practice with their game faces on. Seihr says she wouldn’t have been able to reach this kind of accomplishment without her fellow teammates, coaching staff and family. “I feel insanely grateful,” says Seihr. When she first joined the team, her goal was to gain a starting position. She never thought of being named NJCAA All-Region Second Team. She is very thankful for all the success that God has given her this season, and she mentions that without God she would be nothing,
Busateri was surprised when she heard that she was named NJCAA All-Region Second Team. “I’ve always set high goals for myself, like making All-Conference in high school and All-Region in college.” This recognition fuels her as she continues to push herself and strive for even greater success. “I’m incredibly grateful and honored!”said Busateri.
Sam Seihr’s Career
Sam Seihr is from Manitowoc, Wisconsin and graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School; the Outside Hitter joined MATC’s Women’s Volleyball team in 2023. Not only does Seihr play volleyball but she plays softball as well. In September, she broke the record for career aces when the team beat UW-Whitewhiter at Rock Country. Siehr has a career total of 116 and beat the record once held by her fellow teammate Emily Barker who only had 114 aces for the Stormers. In October, Siehr reached another record of 500 career kills when the team beat Olive-Harvey College. Seihr has a total of 516 kills in the season.
Sam Seihr Off the Court
Seihr is pursuing an Associates of Arts degree. “I mainly just came here to get a basic degree that will help me finish my general education,” said Seihr. She says this type of degree will be easier to transfer to a four year degree since she is still figuring out what the future holds. However, she hopes that she gets to have a chance of playing D1 volleyball one day. “As of right now I am still in the recruiting process,” she said. Seihr started the recruiting process late last year. “I think the recruiting process is the most stressful and discouraging part of volleyball, but also the most rewarding!” Seihr said. She expressed her gratitude toward two of her coaches on the team, Head Coach Michel (Shel) DeLisle and assistant coach Colleen DeLisle. “I would like to shout out to Coach Shel and Coach Col because they are always pushing me to the best of their abilities.” Seihr adds that both coaches have always been there for her when she struggles. She also mentioned her fellow captains Paige Siehr and Hannah Council, We are the captains for the team. and we all help each other in different ways to grow as teammates and to help each other and the future for the program,” said Seihr.
As an athlete, it is very important to put down the knee and elbow pads and walk away from the court to take time and do self care. Seihr does so by spending time with her family and friends. However, she does engage in retail therapy as well as cooking to get her mind off of things when she is not playing. “I also try to sleep and stretch as much as I can on my days to reset my body,” said Seihr.
Kim Busateri Career
Busateri is from Hartford, WI and recently graduated from Hartford Union High School. The Libero/DS has officially put out a warning for other teams in the division, even though she is a freshman, she is not afraid to swing and show you that she means business.Coach DeLisle describes her as a workhorse.
Kim Busateri Off the Court
For the 2024 season, Busateri expressed how it has been very eye opening to her when she notices the different player she has become once she steps foot on the court. “I’ve had a variety of experiences that have pushed me to grow and improve each day,” she says. Nevertheless, she has faced challenges adjusting to the team and their dynamic and coaching style. Busateri is pursuing an Associates Degree in Business Management. “I chose this major because I am passionate about leadership and the idea of driving growth and innovation within a company.” Her goal is to become an entrepreneur like her parents or to take a management role within an organization where she can contribute to its success. Even though this is Busateri’s first year on the team, she did express how she is not sure about continuing volleyball with the possibility of going D1. “However, if the right opportunity comes up and I find a team I feel a strong connection with, I would definitely pursue it,” said Busateri. As of right now, she is only focusing on making the most of her time on the team and continuing to grow. She appreciates the impact the team has had on her during this season. “But if I had to name one person who really stands out, it would be Hannah Council,” she said. She expresses that whether it is during a game or practice, Council consistently lifts her up. Even when she is having a hard time playing, she reminds Busateri of her abilities.
