Senior Stories: Kristen Muir
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
By Nick Barnowski, MSU Athletic Communications
As a freshman, Kristen Muir's college plans did not include volleyball.
But after walking on to the Michigan State volleyball team during the spring of her first year, Muir has turned into a reliable defensive specialist for the Spartans over the past three seasons.
"It's bittersweet," said Muir of her final season wearing the green and white. "It hasn't really hit me yet, but it's exciting and sad at the same time - and I'm just trying to enjoy every moment."
The Plymouth, Michigan, native has played in all 93 sets for MSU this season, racking up 283 digs, good enough for second on the team, along with seven service aces.
It isn't just on the court where she's found success. Muir, who will graduate with a degree in finance and a minor in sales in May, already has accepted a job with Deliotte in Detroit, giving her the opportunity to travel and consult for one of the top professional services companies in the world.
Muir will use the business skills she learned at Michigan State to handle clients and travel on international assignments. For someone who loves the challenge of the finance world, the job seemed like a perfect fit.
"I'm so excited," she admits, "and I'm really interested in doing stuff like that and traveling around the country. It's everything I want to do and I can use what I've learned in volleyball in the business world."
Originally a marketing major, Muir switched to finance during her sophomore year -- with the help of former MSU assistant coach Russ Carney.
"He's always been super supportive of our academics and he helped me out with what I want to do in business," said Muir, who was a four-year starter for Canton High School and a four-time first team all-conference selection. "He helped me balance my internships and volleyball, especially when it was hard to do."
Now a senior, Muir has been able to mentor and guide fellow defensive specialists in sophomore Abby Monson and freshman Sarah Washegesic. The 5-foot-7 Muir said her experience has allowed her to help the team's underclassmen make it through the rigors of the Big Ten volleyball schedule.
"I've been through a lot of things that they go through," said Muir, who was named Academic All-Big Ten in 2013-14. "You don't think the same way when you're a freshman as you do when you're a senior. You learn how to handle certain situations, whether it's in your mind or with some teammates or the coaching staff."
Understanding how to handle herself in all situations is one of the ways Muir has grown the most as a player and person during her time with the program.
She's found that she can relate what she's learned in volleyball to most aspects of life, and has relied on her parents to be there for her, good times or bad.
"A lot of the things that happen to us are out of our control," she said. "Instead of dwelling on that, you try to think of a solution of how to handle that. Focusing on things that you can control is probably one of my biggest lessons that I've learned.
"My parents have been so supportive. Whenever I call my mom, she doesn't know what kind of Kristen she's going to get, whether it's stressed, happy or sad. My dad has been incredibly supportive, too. I couldn't have done it without them."
With only five matches left in MSU's regular season, (and only two of which will be played in the friendly confines of Jenison Field House), Muir said she's hoping to help the Spartans finish out the homestretch of the Big Ten season strong.
"I am definitely looking to help out the team as much as I can," she said. "I think myself and everyone on the team is pretty driven on reaching our goals."
