Cat Helgeson, a libero from Walnut Creek, California, will start her senior campaign come the end of August. The star volleyball player appeared in every match in her freshman and junior seasons (sophomore year missed due to COVID) and is looking to achieve the same greatness in her final season as a panther. Helgeson stated that she feels “opportunistic about the upcoming season” saying she “has so many ideas and perspectives I want to share with the team to put the most into our season. I also feel a bit sentimental because I want to embrace the last moments I have left competing and playing volleyball.”

When reflecting on all her past achievements, Cat mentioned that “I hope for myself I can look back on my career and be proud of everything I have accomplished.” Helgeson has made a monumental impact on this team as 2019 SCIAC Newcomer of the year, making 2021 All-Conference first team, and competing in the conference championships in her two seasons at Chapman. She also ranked second in the conference for digs per set and third in the conference for total digs, accumulating 522, during the 2021 season. She is looking to achieve the same greatness during her final season.

Helgeson comments that come next season, she most excited to “bring the team back together and for all the memories we will make. Volleyball has really made us a family and I can’t wait for all the practices and games that bring us all so close.” When reflecting on her time as both her time as a Chapman volleyball player, but as a Chapman student athlete, Helgeson mentions that “My favorite part of the Chapman athletics community is the support and strength we all give each other. I would not be the person, student, or athlete that I am now without my teammates and coaches. I know that this community will be a part of my life for a long time.”

Cat and her team’s first home game is on Tuesday, September 13th at 7pm vs Vanguard at the Hutton Sports Center.