A Winona area athlete has achieved a significant milestone by committing to a Division I volleyball program. Savy Repinski, a standout setter from Cotter High School, will join the University of Missouri-Kansas City team after graduation. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, given that only 0.7% of boys and 1.2% of girls from high school volleyball programs earn a spot at the Division I level, according to a 2024 NCAA study.
Repinski’s journey in volleyball began at an early age. She developed a keen interest in the setter position while in fourth grade, inspired by former Penn State player Micah Hancock, who won back-to-back NCAA titles in 2013 and 2014. “I just strive to be like her,” Repinski said, reflecting on her admiration for Hancock’s skills. This early passion set the stage for her ambitious goal of playing at the highest collegiate level.
While Repinski’s aspirations became more pronounced during her freshman year, those close to her were already confident in her potential. “From ninth grade on she said she was going to play D-I. Who was I to argue?” said Laurie Broghammer, Cotter’s volleyball coach. “I never doubted that she would.”
Achieving her dream required immense dedication and sacrifice. Repinski played for a club team in Madison, Wisconsin, committing to three practices a week and frequent weekend tournaments across the country. Her mother, Amy VanGuilder, highlighted the financial and time investments made by the family to support Repinski’s ambitions. “There’s a cost with the travel piece of it, hotels, gas… we had to decide if we could sustain this,” VanGuilder explained. Despite the challenges, she viewed the experience as an opportunity for family growth and bonding.
Repinski shared her perspective on the sacrifices involved, stating, “You’re not going to have the motivation to do it every day. It’s more about having the discipline of wanting to pursue your dreams.” Her motto resonates with her determination: “Don’t live the pain of regret, live the pain of discipline.”
In addition to competing at high-level tournaments, Repinski also focused on self-promotion to attract the attention of coaches. “You have to make your presence known,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of communication and being vocal on the court. This approach, along with her commitment to fitness and recovery, contributed to her visibility among scouts. Broghammer remarked on Repinski’s distinctive intensity and passion for the sport, qualities that many coaches seek.
As interest from coaches began to build, VanGuilder described the overwhelming nature of the recruitment process. Conversations about the attributes Repinski desired in a school and program were both exciting and challenging for the family. Ultimately, when Repinski toured UM-KC and met with head coach Christi Posey, she felt an immediate connection. “I knew right away that I wanted to play there… I can’t imagine someone else being the setter here because it is me,” Repinski recalled.
Repinski plans to graduate early to join the team in Kansas City, where she will major in criminal justice. In the short term, she aims to secure a position in the starting rotation, with long-term aspirations of participating in an NCAA tournament during her time with the Roos.
As her final high school season progresses, Repinski is making a notable impact on the court. Currently, her team boasts a record of 9-3, and she leads the Three Rivers Conference and AA Class in aces with 31. Additionally, she ranks fifth in the MSHSL and seventh in all of Minnesota for aces. Repinski also holds the Cotter High School record for most assists, with a total of 261 so far this season.
With her sights set on a successful collegiate career, Savy Repinski exemplifies the dedication and talent required to break barriers in the competitive world of Division I volleyball.