Hall of Fame
It is no coincidence that the Blazer volleyball program's rise to prominence and Nicole "Niki" Denne's arrival at CSB occurred simultaneously.
As a volleyball player, Niki was All-Conference and the team's Most Valuable Player each year from 1986 to 1990. She earned NCAA Division II All-Central Region honors in 1987, 1988 and 1989. During both her junior and senior year, Niki was named MIAC Player of the Year and in 1989-90 received the school's Presidential Award.
As of 1996, Nikki held CSB's record in career assists (4,615). She also was the leader of the most assists in a single match (72) vs. Washington University and had the most assists in a single season (1,280).
Besides volleyball, Niki was involved in a variety of intramural sports and was a member of the Education Club. She was also a dean's list member and the 1990 graduation commencement speaker.
During the volleyball season, Niki recollects: "We were like one big family. We all got along so well, and we had many good times. We laughed a lot especially when the team was 'on the road.'"
Throughout her years at Saint Ben's, Niki was inspired and motivated by her Head Coach Carol Howe-Veenstra, student-employment supervisor Mike Durbin, as well as Margy Hughes and Tony Sjogren.
"I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved playing volleyball for Saint Ben's. The support from the community and many staff members was wonderful," said Gross. "The memories will be cherished forever."
Niki attended St. Cloud Technical High School and graduated from CSB with a bachelor of arts in elementary education and a coaching certification. As of 1996, Niki was a third grade teacher in the Anoka Hennepin School District. In November, 1996, she finished her master's degree in educational leadership at Bethel College.
Niki and her husband, Kevin, currently reside in Maple Grove, Minn. They have two children; Joshua and Jordan.
