PT Student Helps RU Volleyball Coach Join 1,000-Victory Club

As if the first year of the physical therapy curriculum weren't challenging enough, PT student Emily Levy (PT '13) is moonlighting this fall as a member of the Rockhurst University volleyball team. On September 3, 2010, Emily and her teammates joined forces to help their coach reach a lofty milestone.

The volleyball team opened the 2010 season with a 3-0 victory over Tiffin (Ohio) in the opening game of Rockhurst Classic tournament. With the win, Rockhurst volleyball coach Tracy Rietzke became the newest member of the 1,000-victory club. He is the sixth coach in NCAA history to collect 1,000 or more victories in women’s volleyball.

A native of Kensington, Kan., Rietzke has won 829 matches in 22 seasons at Rockhurst after compiling 172 wins in six seasons at Kansas Wesleyan (1982-88). He's the sixth coach in NCAA history to post 1,000 or more victories in women’s volleyball and he leads all active NCAA Division II coaches in victories.

As a red-shirt senior, Emily plays middle hitter for the volleyball team. She and teammate Maggie McGovern combined for 24 kills and eight blocks to lead the Hawks to their season opening win. Emily and Maggie were named to the All-Tournament team along with Rockhurst senior Alyssa Emerson.

Congratulations to Emily, Coach Rietzke and the team! Just goes to show that you never know where you'll find Rockhurst PT students making a significant contribution in the community. :-)

Emily Levy (PT '13)