Cathy George, the winningest coach in Michigan State volleyball history, is used to building programs and mentoring athletes. Now, one of her former players is taking over the job she once held, and George couldn’t be prouder.

George, who led MSU volleyball for 12 seasons before becoming head coach of the Grand Rapids Rise, was the one who recruited Kristen Kelsay to East Lansing years ago.

“She was committed somewhere else. I had to lure her away,” George said with a laugh.

Kelsay, who admits she was never the tallest or fastest on the team, said she was determined to work harder than anyone else. That drive paid off. She became a two-time team captain, leading the Spartans to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.

“Cathy fought so hard for us,” Kelsay said. “She paved the way for me and

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