Augustana University Athletics

As a high school senior Ann Sieckert was referred to as "the girl from the woods" by many NCAA coaches because she was from a remote area near the boundary waters in Northeastern Minnesota. Augustana volleyball coach, Zaundra Bina, recognized the raw, natural ability of the powerful outside hitter and took a chance. Ann says, "Zaundra liked the fact that I jumped high and hit hard, so she didn't seem to care that I initially had no form at all. I've always been grateful that she saw my potential and took a chance on me. Over time, Zaundra, John Skatrud, and Kim Sudbeck helped me develop a more complete game."

One of the most powerful outside hitters in Augustana volleyball annals, Ann was the NCC player of the year in 1996, helping the Vikings to a share of the championship with a 16-2 record and an overall mark of 32-4. The Vikings were ranked fourth in the 1996 national Division II poll. At one time, Ann held school career records for kills (1,885), attacks (4,540), kills in a season (635), attacks in a match (73) and attacks in a season (1,449). She was named to the All-Conference team in 1995 and 1996. She was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America first team in 1996, the first Augustana player selected to the first team.

Ann was also a success in the classroom at Augustana. She was presented the NCC Honor Athlete Award and Stan Marshall Award in 1997 for academic performance, athletic ability, and community activities. A nursing major, she was twice named to the Academic All-NCC team and was selected to the first team of the 1996 GTE Academic All-America College Division Women's Volleyball Team.