
Inside the Mind of a Star: Exclusive Q&A with UTSA Volleyball Sensation Caroline Krueger…Read More…
As the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners prepare for another intense volleyball season, one player continues to stand out both on and off the court: Caroline Krueger. A powerful presence at the net and a leader in the locker room, Krueger has become one of the most admired and reliable players on the team. In an exclusive sit-down, she opens up about her journey, leadership, challenges, goals, and the heartbeat of UTSA Volleyball.
From Humble Beginnings to Roadrunner Royalty
Caroline Krueger’s volleyball story started in her hometown of Katy, Texas, where she fell in love with the game during middle school. “I was tall for my age, and people kept telling me to try volleyball,” Krueger recalls with a laugh. “At first, I didn’t take it seriously, but once I stepped onto that court, I never looked back.”
Her high school years were marked by standout performances, earning her several accolades and scholarship offers. But it was UTSA that stole her heart. “The culture here, the coaches, the city—it all just felt like home,” she says.
Krueger joined the Roadrunners as a freshman and made an immediate impact, both statistically and emotionally. Her tenacity, sportsmanship, and consistency have made her a cornerstone of the team’s core identity.
Leadership Rooted in Passion and Grit
Now entering her senior season, Krueger is more than just a starter—she’s a vocal leader and emotional engine. When asked about her leadership style, she doesn’t hesitate: “Lead by example, always. I never ask anything of my teammates that I wouldn’t do myself.”
Off the court, Krueger is known for her unwavering dedication. She’s often the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, staying behind to help younger players improve their technique. Head Coach Laura Neugebauer-Groff has often praised Krueger’s leadership, describing her as “a player who elevates everyone around her.”
Krueger credits her parents and former coaches for shaping her mindset. “They taught me that success is built on work ethic, humility, and resilience,” she says. “I try to carry that with me every time I wear the UTSA jersey.”
Bouncing Back from Adversity
While Krueger’s career has been filled with triumphs, it hasn’t been without setbacks. Last season, she suffered a minor ankle injury during a pivotal match against North Texas. Though sidelined for two weeks, she returned stronger than ever.
“That injury was tough. Sitting out is never easy, especially when your team needs you,” she admits. “But I used that time to study film, support my teammates, and come back smarter.”
The Roadrunners made a late-season surge, and Krueger’s return to form helped them secure a critical win streak heading into the conference tournament. Her performance earned her All-Conference honors and recognition as one of the league’s top outside hitters.
The Emotional Core of the Team
One of the most striking aspects of Krueger’s game is her passion. She celebrates every point with unfiltered joy and picks up her teammates with words of encouragement when things don’t go their way.
“Volleyball is emotional. It’s fast-paced, it’s intense, and momentum is everything,” she explains. “I play with heart because I want my teammates to feel the energy. I want our opponents to feel it too.”
Her teammates echo that sentiment. Sophomore libero Jenna Morales describes Krueger as “the heart of the team” and someone who “makes you believe you can win, no matter the score.”
Looking Ahead: Goals and Legacy
With one final season ahead, Krueger has set her sights on something big: a conference championship and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
“We’ve come close. This year, we’re pushing harder, working smarter, and building stronger chemistry,” she says. “We want to leave a mark.”
But Krueger’s goals go beyond just wins and trophies. She hopes to be remembered as someone who changed the culture for the better.
“I want to be known not just as a good player, but as someone who loved her team, who gave everything, and who inspired the next generation of Roadrunners,” she shares.
Life Beyond the Court
Off the court, Krueger is majoring in kinesiology and hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy or sports performance training. “I’ve had such great trainers and PTs throughout my career. I want to give that back someday,” she says.
In her rare downtime, she enjoys hiking, journaling, and mentoring young volleyball players at local clinics. “Seeing the joy in young athletes reminds me why I started this journey in the first place,” she adds.
Final Thoughts: A Message to the Fans
As UTSA fans eagerly await the return of volleyball season, Krueger has a message for them: “Thank you for believing in us, for showing up, and for making the Convocation Center feel like home. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got. This is our year.”
Caroline Krueger is more than just a talented athlete—she’s a symbol of dedication, resilience, and heart. As she prepares to lead the Roadrunners one last time, her journey is a testament to what it means to truly soar in sport and in life.
Stay tuned for the Roadrunners’ opening match this fall and follow Caroline Krueger’s final season—it promises to be unforgettable.
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