Independent file photo SMSU’s Kaylee Burmeister connects on a kill during a Sept. 2016 match against Northern State University.

MARSHALL – There is a family-like environment that surrounds the Southwest Minnesota State University volleyball program. Kaylee Burmeister, a junior at SMSU has gotten a first-hand look at that environment during her first two years on campus.

Burmeister, a native of Lakefield, and a graduate from Jackson County Central followed in her two older sisters’ footsteps by committing to SMSU to play volleyball.

“I played JO volleyball up in Marshall since eighth grade,” Burmeister said. “I had two older sisters, that came to SMSU to play for Terry (Culhane). I just had a feel for the coaches. I loved the program and everything they stood for. I just love the community of Marshall and how it feels like a family. People come to our games and showing us support is just amazing. I love that about Marshall and SMSU.”

As a sophomore Burmeister started in 21 games for a Mustangs team that finished with a 28-6 record. As a junior Burmeister was named All-NSIC second team and earned NSIC All-Academic. She finished last season with 334 kills and 358 digs.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Burmeister said. “It’s great seeing all the fans that come and support us. We have a lot of great boosters that support us and that take time out of their day to come and support us. As teammates we all want to win for each other.”

During her first two years at SMSU, Burmeister has recorded 46 aces, an area of her game she’s been working on this offseason has been her serving.

“I’m working on my hitting and serving,” Burmeister said. “I’m trying to be more of a threat when I’m serving.”

During Burmeister’s first two years on campus the Mustangs have accumulated a 54-12 record. The Mustangs hope to replicate that success by going out and outworking each team they face.

“Our main focus is always working hard and always having a positive attitude,” Burmeister said. “We always want to give great effort. I don’t think about it as an individual, it’s all about the team and how well we can come together and be as competitive as we can.”

SMSU will open up the season on Sept. 1, with a pair of games in Florida. The first game will be played against North Alabama. The second game of the day will be played against Wheeling Jesuit. That’s where SMSU’s quest for a National Championship will begin.

“Like any other team we want to make it to regions and make it to Nationals,” Burmeister said. “It all starts with our first game down in Florida. We have to be ready to get going. We have to make every game and every point count. We can never take a game or point for granted.”