Bud K. Haidet Athletics Hall of Fame
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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.
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.
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.
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