Know All About Minnesota Volleyball Star Stella Swenson and Her Famous Athlete Family
Volleyball fever is at an all-time high, and one name that’s making waves is Stella Swenson. Hailing from Plymouth, Minnesota, this standout freshman setter is already building a resume that’s nothing short of impressive. Stella is a four-time all-state selection, a six-time all-conference honoree, and a proud three-time Minnesota state champion with Wayzata High School. Ranked among the top 10 recruits in the class of 2024, she earned a Third Team All-American nod from VolleyballMag.com in December 2023. But what is it that makes this rising star shine so bright? Let’s dive into her incredible journey.
According to Stella, volleyball has always been part of her DNA. She recalls, “I knew the second I first saw a volleyball match I needed to play. Growing up in a volleyball home is a special thing. My mom talked about it all the time. Right after she gave birth to me and Olivia [twin sister], she went and coached a tournament. There are so many pictures of me and Liv when we were little in volleyball uniforms. It’s all we did.”
But Stella’s story isn’t just about her—her entire family is deeply intertwined with the sport. From her mom to her twin sister, volleyball runs in their veins. So, who else in the Swenson family has left their mark?
Oh, it’s definitely not just Stella Swenson carrying the volleyball torch. Her whole family is a powerhouse! Stella’s dad, Erik, played football at the University of North Dakota, while her mom, Vicki, made her mark on the court for Iowa State. Her older sister Samantha? She’s a legend at the University of Minnesota—one of only two four-time All-Americans in the program’s history. And then there’s Olivia, Stella’s twin sister (just 21 minutes younger), who’s also a freshman at Minnesota with her own stack of accolades—four all-conference selections, two all-state honors, and some serious recognition on the All-Metro West CCX Team.
The Swenson sisters were a driving force behind the Wayzata girls’ volleyball team’s success in 2022, leading them to the Class 4A championship. Their success isn’t just a stroke of luck—it’s the result of dedication, passion, and a family with deep roots in the sport. But how do they manage to excel at such a high level and earn opportunities like playing for Minnesota?
Stella is quick to reveal the effort behind her success. She admits it takes immense dedication to be where she is now. It’s not every day you see twin sisters—both equally talented—joining forces on a program like the University of Minnesota’s volleyball team. Last year, the Golden Gophers officially announced that Stella and Olivia Swenson were part of their 2024 recruiting class, and since then, there’s been a buzz around these talented sisters.
Stella shares what sealed the deal for her: “I chose Minnesota because it felt like home. I knew when I first entered the Pav, I wanted to be a Golden Gopher. I love the atmosphere and the support is amazing. When I met with Coach Cook and his staff, I immediately knew I wanted to play for them. I know they care about me as a person and will help me be the best I can be. I love the team, and making the choice to come to Minnesota was an easy one.”
And for Olivia, it was no different. She says, “It’s always been my dream to play here. I grew up attending matches and watching my older sister play. The fans are amazing, and the Pav has such a fun atmosphere. As soon as I met Coach Cook and his staff, I knew this is where I wanted to stay. I’m so thankful to represent my home state and play in front of my family and friends. I can’t wait to get to Minnesota and start training with my teammates!”
The Swenson family is absolutely making waves in Minnesota, and with the talent and support of the entire family, Stella and Olivia are sure to make a lasting impact in the world of college volleyball. Keep your eyes on these talented sisters—their journey is just getting started!
