Katie Staiger

Classroom

Katie Staiger embodies the meaning of student-athlete. Throughout her career at Baylor, she has dedicated just as much time to her school work as she has volleyball. In addition to her volleyball accolades, she has been honored 12 times by the Big 12 Conference for her academics (eight-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection, three-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team member, Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team honoree). Staiger finished her bachelor’s degree in sports, sponsorship and sales last fall and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at Baylor.

Committed to her education, Staiger also obtained a summer internship at the Baylor Athletics business office and stayed committed to her studies during summer school. She is a great example for her teammates regarding the importance of staying focused in the classroom, while pursuing the fullest potential in academics.

Character

Staiger’s diligence and commitment to Baylor, her dedication in training and her servant-hearted nature toward her teammates has built a living legacy. She inspires people to be better in athletics, academics and in business. Despite overcoming a devastating ACL injury during her freshman year, she became Baylor’s first AVCA All-American and graduated on time so she can also complete her master’s degree in her final year of eligibility.

For Staiger, her personal character and integrity are important above all other success. In a world where bravado is the trend, Staiger lives a life of genuine kindness. It’s not a weak “niceness” but a radical, brave and courageous kindness, and she is willing to give love and grace those around her. Her kindness has mended relationships and empowered her teammates to accomplish great feats. She is strong yet humble. She loves, yet speaks truth, and on the court, her kindness lifts up those around her.

Community

As much as she enjoys being on the court and in the classroom, Staiger has a natural talent for giving her heart to the surrounding community and beyond. She has been actively involved in Baylor’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) throughout her student-athlete experience, including serving as the Baylor chapter president and also representing the Big 12 Conference on a national level to advocate for issues that mattered to student-athletes like herself. She also volunteered with local middle schools and led devotionals and group activities.

Staiger helped with numerous fundraisers and service projects for the Central Texas FCA Boys and Girls Club. In addition to serving as a Reading is Fundamental advocate as a Kappa Kappa Gamma member, she served as the Baylor volleyball service coordinator. With this leadership role, she inspired her fellow teammates to give back and contribute to the community in many different ways.

Competition

Staiger’s offensive explosiveness has transformed the Baylor program. It has been achieved by dedication and sacrifice and though incredible trust and courage. Since her arrival in 2013 and with a new coach and newly repaired knee, Staiger overcame not just fear, but the limitations put on her. Along with becoming the team’s first All-American (Second Team), she was a unanimous All-Big 12 First Team pick in addition to being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week eight times in 2016. She was named the AVCA National Player of the Week as well en route to accomplishing the best single-season performance in Baylor history with 6.98 kills and averaging 6.00 kills per set. As of nomination time, she is once again leading the Big 12 in kills, kills per set, points and points per set this season.

Staiger’s offensive power have catapulted the Baylor volleyball program to reach new heights in the last few years, including earning a berth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2011 and being picked No. 3 in the Big 12 Preseason Coaches’ Poll for the first time in school history. Staiger will leave Baylor as the all-time career kills leader in the rally scoring era and be ranked in the top five in attempts.