It was just a two-year stay, two quick seasons to leave an imprint, but Carrie Hegg Vetter pounced on the opportunity and played a major role in lifting Minnesota State University Moorhead to national volleyball prominence. In addition, Hegg would also add another chapter to the remarkable Hegg legacy.
The first of three Heggs to compete at MSU Moorhead, she quickly found a home at MSUM and helped raise the bar for the Dragons. A two-time All-NSIC pick, Hegg was twice named to the NAIA All-American second team and was voted the Dragons’ Most Valuable Player as well.
In two seasons at State Hegg produced 942 kills and helped MSUM post a 62-24 record. In 1994 Hegg and her Dragon pals captured the NAIA District 13 title, the Bi-District championship and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament in Hawaii.?
Hegg transferred to Moorhead State in 1993 after a two-year stop at North Dakota State University and quickly became a fixture in an explosive lineup. She insists the transition was seamless and there were no regrets with the move. “Not one. My experience as a Dragon was wonderful. I had a great coach (Becky Schulze) and team, and great support from the athletic department.”
“After graduating from a high school that had a winning tradition, I wanted to play at a competitive collegiate level that was (close) for me, and I knew MSUM would provide that.”
Hegg starred in basketball, softball, track and volleyball at Win-E-Mac High School and extended the rich tradition of Minnesota’s First Family of Volleyball. She sparked the Patriots to the 1988 Minnesota State High School Volleyball Championship and place second in 1987 and 1990. Hegg was a two-time Minnesota All-State selection and also competed in the 1989 Minnesota State Basketball Tournament.
?“The biggest adjustment from high school was that everyone in college was good in their position and you needed to perform in order to keep yours,” explained Hegg. “Your opponents were better as well so team performance became a bigger issue with each match and tournament.”
While Hegg thoroughly enjoyed her athletic career at State, she is confident she also learned valuable lessons. ?
“One benefit of being a student-athlete is coming in contact with so many people,” said Hegg. “One of the most important things I learned is try to make a good impression on everyone you meet, and if you treat people with respect and show them they’re important they’ll remember it. All of the connections made in college are valuable, whether it's getting your first job or just being part of something very special.”
Her induction into the Dragon Hall of Fame in 2001 was a crowning moment. “I remember being nervous,” Hegg said. “I am not very good at public speaking and was worried until after I gave my speech. Everything went well and MSUM did a great job making the night a wonderful experience. It was special to be able to celebrate with my family, a few friends, and especially former coaches that helped make it possible.” ?
Daughter of Tom and Eileen Hegg and was raised on a farm near Winger, and the specialty crop was talented female athletes, especially volleyball players. Carrie didn’t have to look far for inspiration---older sister Nikki was a most successful high school athlete and an ideal role model.
Growing up a Hegg had its advantages.
“We enjoyed the game and the time with each other, and there was also a lot of laughing. These times provided us with lots of memories and brought us together as a family. We had wonderful parents who put family first despite the fact both of them coached. As each sister graduated there was more pressure to perform, but pressure goes hand-in-hand with success.”
After graduating from MSUM she began a teaching and coaching career that led her from the Red River Valley to the Southwest and later to Roseau, just a spike away from the Canadian border. She pocketed a batch of coaching awards, including Minnesota Section 8AA Co-Coach of the Year in 2001, and guided the Rams to a second place finish in 2002 at the Minnesota Section 8 AA Championships.
“I’m an elementary education teacher and have taught grades 1-4. I am currently staying at home with my children until they’re all school age. ?I have coached for about 15 years and am currently the head volleyball coach at Hawley High School.”
Red and white continue to be the colors of choice at home. Hegg is married to a Bob Vetter, a former runningback with the Dragons, and the Vetter Family includes four children, Jacob (9), Maria (7), Johnny (5) and Katarina (2). ?
Family comes first, but Hegg still continues to keep an eye on the Dragons.
“I’m in contact with the head volleyball coach throughout the year and keep up with the Dragons via e-mail and newsletters.”
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