University of Minnesota Volleyball Program Announces Addition of Sophomore Libero/Defensive Specialist Kate Thibault to the team. Thibault, a native of Watertown, Minn., comes to Minnesota after spending last season at the University of Oregon. She has three years left of eligibility.
“It's another special day for the Minnesota volleyball program,” head coach Keegan Cook said. “Kate Thibault is a dedicated and athletic competitor who brings immediate depth and experience to a position group that we have been rebuilding over the past 18 months. After spending time there and gaining significant competitive experience at a high-achieving program, she returns to her hometown in Minnesota. There is no question that she is better as a student-athlete than she was for the time she spent with her previous coaching staff. I'm excited for the opportunity to continue her development here in Minnesota! Go Gophers!
As a rookie, she played in 19 games for an Oregon team that finished 29-6 (16-4 in the Pac-12) and made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. She averaged 1.34 digs, 0.31 aces, and 0.08 assists per set in 2023. Thibault had two games of 10 or more digs and established four or more digs eight times. She had at least one ace in 10 games, including seven that had multiple aces.
“I’m so happy to be a Gopher,” Thibault said. “Being from Minnesota, it was a dream to play in my home state. I'm so excited to be back in front of my home crowd and most importantly, my family. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn’t be here. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to come home and finish my career!”
In high school, she was one of five finalists for the 2022 Ms. Burden Award, given annually to the top senior athlete in Minnesota. A two-time all-state Class 2A performer at her Watertown-Mayer High School, she finished her prep career with nearly 2,300 digs, breaking her state dig record as a senior.
Thibault averaged 5.59 digs per set during the 2022 campaign and finished the year with 458 total digs, a top-15 record in the state. She scored 10 or more goals in 26 of 28 games, and in four of those games she scored at least 25 goals. Thibault also led the team with 57 aces.
The sophomore is the daughter of Chris and Rachel Thibault. She has two siblings named Drew and Paige. Paige currently plays college volleyball at Auburn University. Her mother Rachel played at the University of Denver and her father Chris played amateur beach volleyball. She plans to major in sports management at the University of Minnesota.
In 2023, the 'U' went 17-13 (12-8 Big Ten) and advanced to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. The Gophers won an NCAA Tournament game for his ninth straight season and finished fifth in the conference standings in his first year. Under head coach Keegan Cook.
(Information and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)