Bud K. Haidet Athletics Hall of Fame
Karen (Fruit) Liegel continued the banner tradition of Milwaukee volleyball from 2001-04. She helped UWM to four outstanding seasons on the court, posting an overall record of 84-35 and an outstanding league record of 49-7 in league play. In fact, Milwaukee won two regular-season crowns and two league tournament titles during Fruit's four-year run, making the NCAA Tournament in both 2001 and 2002.
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Liegel graduated with numerous records to her name. The Viola, Wis., native closed out her career first (512) and second (481) for kills in a season. In fact, her average of 5.17 kills per set during her senior season still ranks first in program history at the time of her induction. She also was a star defensively, tallying 436 digs as a junior – second-most in Milwaukee single-season annals at the time of her graduation. For her career, her 1,370 kills still stand third all-time in program history, while her 1,126 digs are also a top-10 mark.
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Liegel was recognized for her outstanding contributions not only locally but also on a national level. She was a 2004 honorable mention All-American, the same season she was named Horizon League Player of the Year. That came on the heels of being named AVCA All-Region honorable mention, Horizon League All-Tournament and All-Horizon League in 2003.
