Laura Baetzel never really planned on getting involved in volleyball. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

“I hated volleyball,” Baetzel said. “My older sister always dragged me to her tournaments and I thought it was so annoying.”

But in fifth grade Baetzel didn’t have any other options if she wanted to play sports. It was volleyball or nothing.

Of course it didn’t hurt that she had some good friends on the team. One of which was current NIU setter Mandi Caputo.

Having known Caputo since first grade, Baetzel decided to join her on the volleyball court.

The two did the same thing in high school when they played on the same club team.

However, when they moved onto college there was no club team that could reunite them. Caputo went to DePaul while Baetzel chose to be a Huskie.

“It was weird not being able to play together,” Baetzel said. “We’ve been best friends since first grade and she’s been with me for as long as I’ve been playing.”

The two were not apart too long though, as Caputo, with a little convincing from Baetzel, transferred to NIU when a setting spot opened up on the team.

“It’s great being able to play together again,” Caputo said. “We never get sick of each other.”

That’s a good thing since the two live together this year.

But not everyone was so enthused about that idea.

Coach Ray Gooden was apparently worried about the two of them spending too much time together and having it affect their play, Baetzel said.

“It hasn’t affected us though,” Baetzel said. “If we’re ever mad we know to give each other their space.”

Space apart is something the two haven’t had much of, but no matter what, Baetzel has always had a helping hand in volleyball.