CORVALLIS, Ore. – Growing up, Krista Schafer always had her dad, Scott, as a coach for a bunch of sports. When she graduated high school, she thought that was done, but a year into Krista’s collegiate career at Walla Walla University, Scott was given the opportunity to coach his daughter once more.
Scott, Krista and Carole Schafer.
“After I started playing volleyball more seriously in high school, I made it a goal of mine to continue this passion and play in college,” said Krista. “I enjoyed having my dad coach me in high school and I knew I was going to miss it after I graduated. A year later, after my first season at WWU, he was given the opportunity to be the head coach. I was super excited to be coached by him again and finish out my time at WWU as his player once again.”
Krista and Scott spent the last three seasons together on the court for the Wolves, with Krista helping run WWU’s offense as a setter. She averaged 3.36 assists per set in 26 matches played her last season, as the senior social work major is set to graduate and attend the Child Life Specialist, MS program at Loma Linda University.
Not only did Krista play volleyball for Scott, she also was very involved in acrobatics with her dad. Scott coaches acro at a local high school and Krista has been along for the ride as well, going to some pretty amazing places.
“Ever since I was little, I was involved with his acro team all the way through high school,” said Krista. “We performed at school, for the Portland Trail Blazers halftime show, and traveled to Jamaica, Belize, and Hawaii on mission trips.”
Not only has being on the same team taken the Schafers to different places, it’s also brought the two closer together.
“I have loved having my dad be my coach, from elementary school all the way through college,” said Krista. “He pushed me to be the best athlete I could be and provided me endless support and encouragement through it all.”
Krista and Scott showing off their acro skills.