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SPORTS AND OUTDOORS

18 THE CITIZEN

www.readthecitizen.com

AUGUST 10, 2023

Rehbein-Manthey ends prolific career as Cougar coach added that it was always stimulating to compete in “one of the toughest conferences in the state (Northwest Suburban)”, which helped them finish the season so strongly last year. Asked if there’s anything she won’t miss, she said, “The part I won’t miss is going through tryouts and possibly having to cut players from the team. That was always the hardest thing to do every year. I think any coach will tell you the same thing.” Rehbein-Manthey, who played volleyball and basketball two years each at Mankato State, was 28, newly married, and eager to lead a program when then-activities director Bruce Hegseth gave her a shot. “I am so thankful that he gave me the opportunity,” she said. Her daughters Chase and McKenna are going into ninth and tenth grade, respectively. “They were raised in the gym,” she mused. “It has been an adjustment for me to drop them off at practice, and not walk in to join them.” It was late in the school year that she informed Matt St. Martin, activities director, about her decision. “Not ideal,” she said, “but I’m so excited they were able to find a strong coach in Nicole. She will be able to bring in new ideas and energy to the program.”

BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS WRITER

Jackie Rehbein-Manthey was nearing 400 wins as Centennial volleyball coach and coming off a state tournament season, but decided in late spring that it was time to step down. “I’ll miss the camaraderie with the other fall sports coaches, and their support and advice throughout the years,” said Rehbein-Manthey. Her resignation means someone else will coach two daughters who will soon be on varsity. “I won’t be far from the gym,” she said, “and look forward to supporting the program as a parent.” With her full-time job at 3M, things were getting a bit hectic during volleyball seasons. “Lots going on with work, and my focus needs to be there,” she explained. “It wouldn’t be fair to the volleyball program for me not to be able to dedicate the team and energy it deserves. There are lots of hours put into coaching that go beyond the hours spent in the gym.” The new coach is Nicole Christensen. (See separate article). Rehbein-Manthey coached the Cougars for 20 seasons. She posted a 380-185-1 record and took

BRUCE STRAND

Jackie Rehbein-Manthey, at far right, and her team were all smiles after winning the fifth-place match against Chaska at state in 2022, which was her 380th and final win.

three teams to state, in 2009, 2010 and 2022. Last fall, her Cougars won Section 7AAA, lost in the first round at state, then won twice to take home the fifth-place trophy, giving the coach what turned out to be a great season to quit on. Asked about highlights, Rehbein-Manthey cited the outstanding support from the district, community and families through the years. She

Former college volleyball star is new Zephyr coach BY BRUCE STRAND SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR

Tia Schlundt, a former Division II All-America player with powerhouse Concordia-St. Paul, is the new volleyball coach for the Mahtomedi Zephyrs. “Having CONTRIBUTED played volleyTia Schlundt ball through the collegiate level, I understand the importance of hard work, accountability, and leadership, both on and off the court,” Schlundt stated on the Zephyrs’ website. Schlundt takes over a Zephyr program that notched its first conference title and first state tournament trip in

2022. She has coached in the Mahtomedi Area Volleyball Association for several years and headed the freshman team in 2022. She succeeds Jaden Burns, who was head coach for just that one season. “We're excited to have Tia Schlundt lead the next chapter of Zephyr volleyball, and develop young women of character on and off the court,” said Aaron Forsythe, activities director. She was Tia Lindberg, from Forest Lake, when she helped get Concordia-St. Paul started on its rise to national prominence. Lindberg delivered 1,456 kills and was the Golden Bears’ first All-America player, earning that honor twice. She helped them qualify for their first two national tournaments and a runner-up finish in 2003. CSP has since won nine national championships. The CSP Hall of Fame inducted Schlundt in 2022. She is married to former CSP baseball player David Schlundt, and they have two children. She has an MBA from Concordia and is

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a Senior Global Marketing Manager for Medtronic. “My goal is to create an environment where young athletes can realize their full potential, giving them the confidence to excel in all areas of their life,” Schlundt said. Burns commented that she had “an

awesome first year as head coach, with a great group of players and staff.” She made the “painful decision” to step away for the time being, adding that she’s confident she will eventually coach again.

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