The LMU Lions volleyball team recently wrapped up a very impressive 2023 campaign, finishing 20-6, with a .769 winning percentage, a feat that hasn’t happened since 2003. The Lion’s successful play didn’t go unnoticed as six Lions were named to an All-WCC team. Kari Geissberger, Michelle Shaffer, Sam Hastings, and Jacquelyn Moore all earned First Team honors while Isabella Bareford and Amethyst Harper were named to the Second Team.
For many of these girls, this season was their last hurrah wearing the blue and red. This was Michelle Shaffer’s only season with the Lions. Despite playing her previous four seasons with the Santa Clara Broncos, her impact on the Lions will have a lasting impact.
“This year was, this is a really special year for me just what was my very last indoor season. But the group of girls that were on this team were all like amazing people on and off the core, I found I was able to make some really close connections with everyone on the team,” said Shaffer.
After sitting out for the entire 2022 season due to injury, Shaffer looked to make a statement this year.
“This is kind of what you work towards, getting that first team mention. So it means a lot. And I’m really proud of the way that my body handled everything after injury, in that I was able to stay there on the floor and contribute what I could to my team,” Shaffer said.
This season, Shaffer reached a unique milestone of recording 1,000 kills, 1,000 assists, and 1,000 digs throughout her career. Reaching this milestone goes to show how selfless of a player Shaffer has been throughout her career and her willingness to play whatever position the team needs her at.
“For me, I have played a different position every single year. So I think that kind of speaks to how versatile of a player I am and how well-rounded I’ve become. So it meant a lot for me, especially as being an outside hitter, that’s where I started my freshman year. So I don’t know, it’s kind of cool. I don’t think many players have achieved that. So. Yeah, I’m very proud of it,” said Shaffer.
Isabella Bareford also recently finished her last season as a Lion. Bareford is leaving a legacy behind at LMU — being named to the All-WCC First Team in 2020 and 2022 as well as the All-WCC Second Team in 2021 and 2023.
“I’m very grateful that people think I’m good enough at volleyball. But it really comes down to like I have really good teammates and really good coaches that I’ve learned a lot from. It’s hard playing college volleyball. And I’m very grateful to be surrounded by great people every day, especially at LMU,” said Bareford.
After beginning the season 2-3, the Lions started picking up momentum, winning 18 of their final 21 games. The Lions finished on a strong note, winning their final five games and finishing ninth in the nation in opponent hitting efficiency and 16th in the nation in hitting efficiency for the season.
Since the 2020 season, the Lions have been able to consecutively improve their record each season. While many of the stars from this team will be departing, there is a lot to look forward to for the Lions next year.
“It’s really exciting. And I will forever be a proud LMU volleyball alum. I’m really excited to see what they can do,” said Shaffer. “My young teammates that like will need to step up and will have bigger roles next year, which is super exciting for them. And it’ll be really cool.”
