Former Racer Begins Pro Career in Sweden

Murray State volleyball alum Kristen Besselsen (2012-16) recently began her professional volleyball career overseas, playing for Orebro Volley of the Elite Series in Orebro, Sweden.

The two-time First Team All-OVC selection, who finished her career 10^th in MSU program history with 1,050 kills, has played in two matches so far this season with Orebro, and took home match MVP honors in her debut as she tallied 11 kills, hit .560, five aces and two total blocks. The team is 4-0 so far this season.

"It was wild that I got to play that first night, my transfer hadn't gone through for three weeks, and the team had already played two matches without me. I got the email at 11 a.m., that I was cleared to play and played at 7 that night," said Besselsen.

"It's really fun here that they do an MVP for every match. They give little gifts to the winner so it's really cool, I think."

Besselsen, who helped lead the Racers to three consecutive OVC titles from 2014-16 and two NCAA Tournament appearances (2014 and 2016), knew that she wanted to play professionally for many years.

"Playing professionally overseas has been a dream of mine for years now, Coach Schwepker and I actually talked about it at the end of my freshman season."

"After all the success we had at Murray State, I decided it was a must to follow my dream. There's something about the game that makes it hard to give up, even at the end of a five-year collegiate career. If you know me personally, you know that I have a love for travel and new cuisine is in my blood. A contract in Europe was an unmissable opportunity," continued Besselsen.

Besselsen credits MSU, the Murray community and the Racer Volleyball program for getting her to this point in her career.

"With all the positives that come with playing professionally, there's something about Racer Arena and Coach Schwepker that brings tears to my eyes."

"Not only is he an unbelievable coach, he's a great individual that truly influenced the person I am today. I can honestly say that saying yes to being a member of his team many years ago was the best decision to date. Murray, Kentucky brought so much more then championships and degrees. It was the place that built lifelong friendships and memories for me. I can't be put into words how much those people and that community means to me," said Besselsen.

"I'd also like to thank my agency EliteVolley, for giving me a chance and (MSU assistant) Becca Lamb for being a great resource for me."

Lamb played professionally in Germany and Finland from 2012-14 after her MSU career ended.

"I'm so thankful to have had an experienced former Murray State pro and my Elite Volleyball Family on my side during this stressful process of signing my first contract," commented Besselsen.

Fans can follow Besselsen throughout her journey via Orebro's team page: http://orebrovolley.com/ and on her professional volleyball Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kristenbesselsenvolley/

Orebro Volley also recently did a Q and A with Besselsen on their site that can be found HERE.

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