Scholar Stories: Volleyball's Skjodt was Born to Lead
3/28/2018 12:28:00 PM | Volleyball, Features
Continuing the popular series that began in 2016-17, each Wednesday MGoBlue.com will highlight a Michigan student-athlete and their academic pursuits. These are our Scholar-Athlete Stories, presented by Prairie Farms.
By Austin Turner
Carly Skjodt was born to be a leader.
Just yesterday (March 27), Skjodt, a soon-to-be senior on the University of Michigan volleyball team, was named a team captain for the second consecutive year. Those who get the opportunity to spend any time around her realize quickly that it is a natural fit.
"I am a very competitive person," she said. "It is part of my natural personality to work really hard at everything I do, so I can't help but be competitive. I think it is very important to have that drive. That leads me to do my best in every case possible."
While there are many leadership styles, Skjodt prefers to let her play do the talking -- and that is exactly what she has done.
Following a 3-1 loss to Michigan State on Oct. 18, the Wolverines sat at 13-8 overall and 3-6 in Big Ten play. But behind Skjodt, Michigan reeled off wins in eight of its last 11 matches and earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament.
During that stretch, Skjodt recorded four double-doubles and had double-digit kills in nine matches. She led the team in kills (162) and had twice as many total attacks (463) as her next closest teammate.
For her efforts, Skjodt was an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American (third team) and an All-Big Ten (first team) selection, all while playing in the nation's toughest conference for volleyball.
Though it was Skjodt who received those honors, she said it would not have been possible without the team around her.
"Without success as an entire team, nobody is going to get anything," she said. "It really speaks volumes about what we did as a program this year. It is special to me, but it really defines the season more so than anything."
Her success -- and her humility -- is not displayed only on the court, however. Skjodt has consistently displayed her talents in the classroom during her time at U-M, earning Academic All-Big Ten honors this past year.
"I like to get things done on the court, but I also just want to excel in the classroom," she explained. "I don't like being bad at things. I guess a lot of people would say that, but I truly mean it. If I am going to put forth any effort, I might as well be putting forth all of my effort."
Though finding success on the court and in the classroom are two entirely different obstacles, Skjodt has bridged the gap through pursuing a career in sport management.
"Obviously I like sports, whether that is watching or playing," she said. "Because I am a business-minded person and I find sports intriguing, majoring in sport management seemed like the perfect passageway to get through something that interests me and then get all of the benefits of the business side of the major."
Though unsure exactly what she wants to do for her off-the-court career, Skjodt has had a couple of internships that have helped her get a better idea. Last summer, Skjodt worked on the promotions team at a radio station and is currently an intern at an advertising agency.
"I really like advertising. It is something that I definitely enjoy," she said. "As an intern, I am doing interesting things, but there is not always legitimate work for interns. Going forward, I want to do something that is a stimulating experience. I need something that challenges me and gives me a lot of variety in what I do."
But before she becomes a business professional, Skjodt hopes to become a professional in something else -- volleyball.
"I am hoping to extend my volleyball career as long as possible," stated Skjodt. "I am considering playing overseas after graduation, even though I don't have any specific place in mind. It all depends on the caliber of teams in each place. I really don't know about the teams or locations or anything."
The unknowns that come with being a professional volleyball player in Europe or elsewhere do not intimidate the junior at all. As she has consistently shown during her career at U-M, her ability to adjust on the fly is an asset. Look no further than how she is leading (and how she plans to continue to lead) her team.
"I would say last year I wasn't as vocal, but I am adaptable," explained Skjodt. "I do what I think the team needs. I am not the type to say something every single point, but this year I am definitely a little more vocal. When it comes to criticism or advice, I would say I am the most vocal."
No matter where the future takes her, Skjodt has shown she is capable of making the necessary adjustments as a leader to ensure a future as successful as her past.
