Some records are made to be broken, while others seem like they may never fall. The latter is true of Abbi Williamson '17, who compiled 3,595 assists during her storied volleyball career, making her the only player in program history to surpass 3,000 assists. That broke a 13-year-old school record at the time, which Williamson topped during her junior season with more than one full season still to play. She currently ranks 10th in Midwest Conference history for career assists, while ranking sixth in league history for assists per set (9.54).

"Securing Abbi as a recruit was one of the most impactful moments for our volleyball program," Ripon Head Volleyball Coach Katie Astrauskas said. "As a setter, she stepped on the court as a freshman and led the team with her decision-making and ability to deliver with great speed, tempo, and consistency. She could reverse the ball for a backset on a dime, and it was effortless."

A four-time All-Conference performer, Williamson was named MWC Player of the Year at the conclusion of her junior season, making her just the third player in program history to earn that honor and the first setter in the MWC to win the award in nine years. She finished that season with 913 assists for an average of 10.03 per set, which ranked 28th in all of Division-III.

"Abbi was very offensive-minded and played much bigger than her five-foot-five-inch stature," Astrauskas said. "Her volleyball IQ surpassed many college-level players, which was integral to her becoming an amazing setter because she understood the game and could deliver on her strategy."

Amazingly, the year she was named MWC Player of the Year was just the third-highest single season assist output of her career. She posted 951 as a freshman, while recording 953 as a sophomore when she ranked 39th in the country in assists per set (10.03).

"My college experience would not have been the same without athletics," Williamson said. "All of the Ripon College student-athletes were so connected that it didn't matter what sport you played. I met my lifelong friends through not just volleyball, but other Ripon sports as well."

Even though she was known for her setting and eye-popping assist numbers, Williamson excelled at many things on the volleyball court. She appeared in all 108 matches for the Red Hawks during her four-year career, recording 894 digs (2.37/set), 107 blocks, 276 kills, and 59 service aces.

"Defensively, Abbi grew through the years and by the time her junior year rolled around, she wasn't going to be beat by attacks to her corner or by tips or rolls over the top of the block," Astrauskas said. "Opposing teams would often strategize to attack our right back in order to take our setter out of handling the second ball and she learned to play as tough as any defensive specialist in the back row."

With Williamson on the squad, Ripon finished with a winning record in three of her four seasons, compiling an overall record of 60-48 during that span, and qualifying for the four-team MWC Tournament on two occasions.

"One of the best memories I have is playing in the the conference tournament during my freshman season," Williamson said. "It was exciting to be that successful as a team so early in my career and it was an amazing experience to be part of that tournament."

Two years later, the Red Hawks were back in the MWC tournament behind their MWC Player of the Year after finishing the season with a 9-1 conference record, which is still the best in program history. The team finished that season tied for first place in the MWC standings and earned higher than a three-seed in the conference tournament for the first and only time in program history.

An Exercise Science major from Naperville, Ill., Williamson credits Astrauskas for much of her success, much like Astrauskas credits Williamson for a lot of the team's success during Williamson's era.

"Coach Astrauskas was not only my volleyball coach, but also my academic advisor, so she helped me in every aspect throughout my time at Ripon College," Williamson said. "It was very helpful to have her involved in both my athletic and academic experience because she was able to help me balance everything and work through any problems that I had on or off the court."

After graduating from Ripon, Williamson worked as CHAMPS Ambassador for the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer (MLS). She has worked for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) for the past five years, currently serving as the team's Operations Manager.


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